Chinese giant's uncertainty prompts Rockets to court Pole

HOUSTON, Texas: With Yao Ming hobbled by a broken left foot that could sideline him all of next season, or even end his career, the Houston Rockets have made a fast break to land Orlando center Marcin Gortat.

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey went to Orlando to visit the center from Poland just after midnight on Wednesday when the free-agent negotiation period began for NBA clubs.

Gortat, 25, stands 2.11m and weighs 108.9kg. He averaged 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds a game for the Magic in a reserve role last season but might be just the player Houston needs to replace the injured Chinese superstar.