[Houston Chronicle] Yao's signing big to owner

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/3336039

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander has always had a taste for big deals and bigger statements.

But Thursday, a day after he completed a deal he said ranks among the biggest of his tenure, signing center Yao Ming to a five-year maximum contract extension, Alexander put his mouth where his money is.

"I think," he said, "he will become one of the greatest players in the history of the game."

Alexander has been given to hyperbole where Yao is concerned. When Yao was drafted, Alexander said Yao would become the biggest sports story ever. Before Yao's first training camp, he said the Rockets could become "one of the greatest teams ever assembled."

But given his investment in Yao — if the 2006-07 salary cap doesn't change from the coming season's, the extension would be worth $72.5 million — Alexander's latest prediction is more than talk.

"I think this is as important as anything I've done as an owner," he said. "I mean to have, I think, the next great big man in the NBA — which is the most dominate position — to have him tied up for a long time is very important for this team and this city. Plus, he's a great guy and a great spokesman.


Improving with age
"First of all, he's got the size. He has the intelligence. He's dedicated to making himself better every year. He's still young, and when you watch the tape of Yao moving, he has enough quickness at his size to be a phenomenal, forceful player in the league. I think in the next few years, as he gets toward his 30th birthday, these things will start to come out more than they have in the past."

As much as Alexander has never been shy about his predictions, Yao has never shied from accepting the burden of expectations that have followed him.

Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said Yao, a three-time All-Star, is a very good player who could develop into a star. Yao, who averaged 18.3 points and 8.5 rebounds last season, is expected to be at least that, particularly now by Alexander.

"I understand that this is a great example of Mr. Alexander's trust in me," Yao said. "This gives me the chance to continue to play in Houston, and I have the feeling that I will have a great career here in Houston. I hope our team will get a championship in the next few years. I believe we can do it.

"My heart has always been in Houston. It was not very difficult (to sign the extension rather than become a free agent next offseason), because I love Houston. I have very good teammates, particularly this year; we have a couple new teammates joining us. I think our team will be stronger. And our coach's style, everything is very comfortable for me."

For Alexander, the decision focused on winning big.


Tough neighborhood
"I think that we can be one of the top three teams in the West," Alexander said. "I mean, it's unbelievable how tough it is out here. San Antonio gets (Michael) Finley and (Nick) Van Exel, and Dallas killed us in the seventh game last year. Everybody's strong, but I think we have a great team and a great coach. I think we have assets maybe that other people don't have, especially with having Yao in the middle.

"He's still young, and teamed with Tracy McGrady, it will give us a chance to compete for the championship for many years to come and will turn the Rockets into a major force in international sports."