Found the link on www.Yaomingmania.com. Lock if already posted. http://www.foxsportshouston.com/06/...s-he-/landing.html?blockID=247846&feedID=3714 While he still has not declared that he will definitely not opt-out of his contract with the Rockets for next season, center Yao Ming says he believes his future is with the Rockets. Yao also says he expects his minutes to be limited next season, as he recovers from a foot injury that benched him for the entire 2009-10 season. Yao made his remarks after he helped to celebrate the opening of a children’s playground at the Chinese Community Center in Houston. The playground was funded by a $100,000 gift from Yao’s foundation. Yao has the opportunity to opt out of his current deal with the Rockets and become a free agent. It is presumed that, since he’s coming back from the foot injury, Yao will decide to forgo that opportunity and remain with the Rockets for the upcoming season. But, the Rockets’ center has yet to formally confirm that he is not opting out. “I think my future is still in Houston,” Yao said Saturday afternoon at the Chinese Community Center. “Still, my agent will handle this. We will communicate with (Rockets General Manager) Daryl Morey and we will work this out.” Yao said the rehabilitation on his injured left is continuing and he expects to be ready from training camp at the beginning of October. “I’m running on a treadmill, running on the court a little bit, shooting, post moves,” Yao said. “If anything feels uncomfortable at all, I will tell them to slow down a little bit. No rush.” Yao also said the injury initially rattled him. “It scared me, yeah,” he said. “This time last year we had a very successful season and we were looking forward to pushing forward. And that was a big shock for me.” With regard to adding potential free agents, Yao said he would in favor of adding a talent like Chris Bosh. But, can the Rockets contend for a championship with the current roster, without the addition of a major free agent? “I need to get myself into shape first. That’s the first step,” said Yao. “When I’m healthy and everybody is healthy on this team, I think we have a good chance.” Yao does expect his minutes to be limited at the outset of the season, and perhaps beyond. He said it would be smart to consider such a strategy. “I think so, yes,” Yao said. Saturday, the Chinese Community Center held a celebration to formally open the new playground, made possible by Yao’s donation. Yao said he believes it’s important to give back to communities. “Here in the United States or in China, when we create our own career and (become) a success, we can not forget where we’re from,” said Yao. “We have to go back and do something.”
What a great advocate for the NBA and China. For a while now I did not have a favourite player (since Olajuwon days actually). I think it's time. Welcome Yao to my favourite player mantle. BTW, in Australia, we spell it favourite, not favorite.
Thats a incorrect title my friend. Yao says he thinks he will still be a rocket. Doesn't say if he will opt out.
Unless the OP changed his title, I don't see anything wrong with it. I think the article and Yao state the obvious. Even if he opts out, the Rockets are the heavy favorites to resign him anyway. So yeah, he'll likely be a Rocket next season. The only other possibility is if another team is willing to give Yao a motherload of a contract, which seems extremely unlikely.
With limited minutes, are we talking like 20 minutes or 30 minutes? Kind of sad that we might not be able to see the franchise center Yao we had before the injuries.
If that happens, it probably won't be until towards the end of the season. Plus, Yao's game is more based on finesse than aggression. Always has been, always will be. I'm not saying that he isn't aggressive at all, just that he's below average in that department. Personally, I'll be happy if we get a Yao Ming next season that doesn't break any bones or suffer any serious injuries. This is make or break time for the Yao era.
