NBA Update: Yao Ming wants to stay with the Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets’ big man Yao Ming, who had his left ankle surgically repaired during the regular season, has said that he is on the road to recovery and will like to stay with his franchise, the Houston Rockets upon his return.
However, he added that it is going to take a couple of months to know for sure whether he will be physically fit to return to action in the National Basketball Association (NBA) next season.
On Thursday, the Chinese basketball superstar talked to the media during his visit to an elementary school, "Everything looks good" regarding his ankle after X-rays taken Wednesday but when it comes to playing next season, "it's
too early to say."
The 7 ft 6 in giant has been plagued with leg injuries throughout his NBA career. After missing the whole of the 2009-10 season with a leg injury, Yao played only five games for the Rockets this season and that also with a maximum
time restraint of 24 minutes. During that stretch, Ming suffered a stress fracture in the left ankle, due to which he had to undergo the surgery.
Despite sitting out of the court almost the whole season, the centre was selected for the All-Star team in the Western Conference. However due to his injury, the fans were unable to see him in action during the All-Star weekend.
Ming will also become a free agent in July, but the superstar has shown his desire to stay with the Rockets.
"I would like to be here. Nowhere else is better than Houston for me right now. The only issue is my injury. All I can do right now is what I'm supposed to do every day. You never know what happens tomorrow. I still have a couple
of months or more. We'll know more in August or September."
Leslie Alexander, the Houston Rockets’ owner and Daryl Morey, franchise general manager said that Ming’s future with the team will be subject to his health. The two officials said that they would like to have a new contract with
the big man, provided he is fit to play next season.
The 30-year-old Ming has started to lift light weights and will continue light training before having an examination by the doctor. His plan is to be fit in time for the NBA training camps that will start in October. If Yao eventually
does make it to the team in the next season it will be a big boost for the Rockets, who need an old veteran in the middle to carry them forward. However, this time, Yao will be playing without veteran coach Rick Adelman, who was fired after a 43-39 regular
season record.
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