A few odds and ends seem to have not gotten much attention in the recent news about our injured center. As someone new to this I am likely not the best person to explore these topics, but it's a slow day so here we go.

The first thing I think needs mentioning here, is that Yao is a very honorable man. Somehow I think the idea that he is getting paid a lot of money to do a job he is unable to do, does not sit well with him. I know he has an agent to help him deal with, (forget about), things like that, but I think it troubles him all the same. The notion of letting his teammates and fans down can't be easy on him as well. This leads me to believe that signing Yao to an extension for a very reasonable amount is not out of the question.

Most of what I have been seeing, points to DM making a move to provide help at the 5 but not a huge Magic/Suns type trade. To get help at the 5 without tearing the guts out of the team will require some compromise, to quote the theme from one of my favorite movies; "A little bit is better than nada". A good defending/shot blocking center would fit nicely with Scola and give much needed help in paint defense. Such players are out there but they come with issues, free throw pct. is one that comes to mind. If you had a sound, if not 100% Yao on the bench, he could be very handy in the last couple of minutes of a game. Even at less than full speed, his free throw shot is money.

Lastly, the person with the most skin in the whole Yao deal is David Stern. He has not been shy about promoting the NBA worldwide and in China in particular. Keeping Yao on the roster can't be a bad thing in terms of the good graces of Mr Stern. Considering that the Hornets are basically under league, (read David Stern's) control and could go into fire sale mode before the trade deadline, that might be a very good thing.  

As I stated this is new to me and no doubt there are plenty of holes in these statements, so feel free to point them out!