you must have missed their h2h matchups. http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/h2h_finder.cgi?request=1&p1=mingya01&p2=howardw01 JVG:
Foot problems are arguably the most difficult ones for big men to get over. They're small bones and it's a lot of weight they're being asked to carry. I hope Yao got out in time to live a pain-free life and enjoy his money.