Center Yao wants to stay with rockets

Yao Ming says his surgically repaired left ankle is healing properly and he would like to remain with the Houston Rockets.

Yao said that he won't know until later this summer if he'll be able to play next season. He becomes a restricted free agent on July 1.

During a visit to an elementary school on Thursday, Yao told reporters "everything looks good" regarding his ankle after X-rays taken on Wednesday, but when it comes to playing next season, "it's too early to say".