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The Ming Dynasty Comes to an End

Many anticipated this day but no one in Memphis wanted to believe it when the rumors began to surface. All Star center Yao Ming has officially retired. Plagued with foot injuries, the 7'5" monster big man from China simply couldn't do it anymore. "I talked to my wife and family and consulted with Coach Sovartus which made the decision much easier" said a humble Yao to the media. "Coach has always wanted what is best for his players and I can really appreciate that."

Yao has agreed to remain with the team to help coach up and coming stars DeMarcus Cousins, Tyler Hansborough, and Jordan Hill. "I may not be able to do it in a game situation, but everything I have learned from playing under Coach Sov will be put to good use with these guys." Yao explained to reporters. "Coach has a way of making you want to stick around. I started my career here in Memphis, Coach brought me back to finish as a player knowing my issues, and now I start a new career here too. I owe a lot to this organization and I plan to give back as much as I can."

The Grizzlies made some off season moves with the hopes that bringing in veteran superstar Tim Duncan would create an unstoppable front court if You could remain healthy. Yao never even was able to scrimmage with his new teammate. "Timmy was disappointed but he was more concerned about my health. Loul (Deng) was excited for us to be back in Memphis together to make another run at the TSL title like we did in our first year. But now we will have to do it in another way, huh?"

Coach Sovartus was visibly upset with the announcement and fought back tears as he bid the first player he had coached in TSL goodbye as a player.

"Yao was a spectacular player, and a good friend. He is and always will be "The O.G." the original Grizzly."

Coach SovartusHead Coach, Memphis Grizzlies

Yao has a life sized statue in the FedEx Forum honoring the Grizzlies trip to the finals under his watch. Yao has also agreed to help in numerous capacities in the Memphis community.

The Grizzlies seem to be headed into a rebuilding stage by surrounding new young talent with several veterans. Memphis drafted Jimmer Fredette, Cole Norris, and David Lighty in this year's draft. They also recruited the services of the young Spanish PG phenom Ricky Rubio. Ryan Hollins, Cousins, Jordan Hill, Xavier Henry, and Tyler Hanborough are all young talented players who can learn a lot from established players like Shane Battier, Tim Duncan, Antonio McDyess, and Matt Barnes. Memphis has also aquired five draft picks in the 2012 TSL Rookie Draft of whech three are first rounders. It will be exciting to see what Yao will do to help this new look Memphis team from the sidelines.