Looks Like Yao's Coming to the Valley

Great news came down from Toyota Center yesterday... Yao Ming is... wait for it... HEALTHY!

The Rockets' official Medical Press Release:

Yao Ming Medical Update

Rockets center Yao Ming underwent a medical evaluation by Rockets Consulting Physician Dr. Tom Clanton yesterday, which revealed that the hairline fracture in Yao’s surgically repaired left foot has fully healed. Yao has been cleared to take part in normal basketball activities with no physical limitations, but will have his minutes initially restricted for practices and games. The Rockets medical staff will continue to monitor his current training regimen with the expectation that he will be available for the start of training camp.

This has been our thought all along, but now it seems to be coming true. Yao Ming's return to the game action is on track to be October 5 at State Farm Arena against the Orlando Magic.

Jerome Solomon expects him to return to elite status.

Jonathan Feigen writes that Yao's wit is as good as ever.

I had the opportunity to stand near Yao Ming when he visited the Vipers on March 10. He's so incredibly huge. I can't wait to see him go up for a tip against Dwight Howard on the Vipers logo at center court. I thought Chuck Hayes vs. Kevin Garnett was pretty cool, but this will take the cake.

If you don't have your tickets yet, now's the time, before they're all gone!