Yao Ming mum on future with Rockets

**Admin Magic Man13** Mon Jun 20, 2011 5:14 am

BEIJING (AP)—Yao Ming is staying tightlipped about his future once his contract with the Houston Rockets expires at the end of this month.

The oft-injured center declined to answer questions about his plans at an appearance on behalf of the Special Olympics on Sunday, saying he didn’t want to discuss anything not related to his work with the charity.

Houston Rockets ' Yao Ming of China meets with Chinese disabled athletes during a departure ceremony for the Chinese athletes with disabilities at the China Administration of Sports for Person with Disabilities (CASPD) in Beijing, China, Sunday, June 19, 2011. Special Olympic Global Ambassador Yao will travel to Athens to cheer the Chinese athletes and to promote for Athens Special Olympic World Summer Games coming this June.

He said previously he hoped to stay with Houston, now coached by Kevin McHale.

The 7-foot-6 All-Star has said doctors tell him his surgically repaired left ankle is healing properly, but that he won’t know before later this summer if he will be able to play next season. He becomes a restricted free agent July 1.

Injuries have limited Yao to just five games since the 2008-09 season.