Yao, Rockets pleased over long-term NBA deal
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-09-02 10:18

HOUSTON, United States (AFP) - Yao Ming expects the five-year contract extension he signed with the Houston Rockets to help him concentrate on his mission of leading the club to a National Basketball Association title.

The club confirmed Yao's signing of a long-term deal to keep him with the club through the 2010-2011 season, one that will pay him the maximum amount of money possible under NBA salary limits.

That means a potential 80.9 million dollars for the 7-foot-6 (2.26m) Chinese center.

"I can put more energy into next season and future seasons now that the matter has been put aside," Yao said in a conference call from Beijing. "This was something in my mind and my heart is always in Houston."

Embraced by the league and business firms for his skills as well as his global marketing reach, Yao stressed the loyalty of the team that drafted him first overall in the 2002 NBA Draft as a key reason why he will stay in Texas.

"It was not difficult because I love Houston and I have very good teammates," Yao said. "Our team is getting stronger. Everything is getting comfortable for me."

Yao has been resting and working with China's national team but stressed that when he returns to Texas later this month he will be in shape for the toll of an 82-game schedule when the NBA season opens in November.

"All I did was follow the trainer's (workout) schedule," Yao said. "I feel pretty healthy. Upon my return to Houston, I'll be totally healthy."

Yao averaged 16.4 points and 8.5 rebounds over his first three NBA seasons, twice guiding the Rockets into the playoffs. China's flag bearer at last year's Athens Olympics has become a major symbol of China's changing global role.

The Houston Chronicle reported the deal includes language that allows Yao to continue playing for China's national team, for which he is expected to be a star during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Of more importance to Rockets owner Les Alexander is Yao's role as one of the NBA's most dominant big men.

"This is an exciting time for the Rockets," Alexander said. "He will become one of the great players in NBA history. He's got the size, intelligence, youth, and quickness to be a phenomenal, forceful player in the league."

Yao, who turns 25 on September 24, joins guard Tracy McGrady as the major players around which the Rockets will build their future. Securing his presence in a Rockets' uniform for years to come was crucial.

"It's as important as anything I've ever done as owner," Alexander said. "To have the next great big man of the NBA, it's very important for the team and the city.

"We're trying to win championships and anything that takes away from that concentration hurts."

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