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Rockets forward happy to remain with team

By Tang Yue (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-30 14:29

The Houston Rockets' Shane Battier reacts to a question during a Peak Team China tour press conference on Wednesday. Provided For China Daily

BEIJING - Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier said he is pleased other teams are interested in him but ruled out the possibility of being traded and playing for another side before next summer, when his contract with Houston expires.

"I'm happy to see there are teams that are interested. I think you would be worried if no one was interested in you," the 31-year-old said here on Wednesday during the Peak Team China tour, which also includes the Lakers' Ron Artest, the Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd, the Orlando Magic's Mickael Pietrus and the Phoenix Suns' Jason Richardson.

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"My only goal this year is to help Rockets to win the NBA championship. I'm playing for Houston and that is my only focus until next summer," said Battier, who joined the Rockets in 2006.

He said it was exciting to see so many trades this summer and added he was looking forward to watching the Heat's big three of Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in action next season.

However, he said that club's moves didn't necessarily give it an automatic edge over the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

"The defending champion is always the team to beat," Battier said when asked which team would be the toughest to hurdle next season.

"It'll be interesting to see how Miami plays with so many stars but talent is not the only thing you need to win. The team has to develop chemistry and it has to stay healthy. Obviously, there is still a lot for them to do."

The Houston forward also said he believed Yao Ming would make a successful comeback in Houston next season and play for a few more years despite the All-star center said this week he could retire from the game if the injury to his left foot does not heal properly by the end of the next season.

"We are really excited to have Yao back. Last year, he had surgery and I know he is very anxious to play this year. If he is healthy, then we could be a very good team. Everything will be much easier with Yao on the court," Battier said.

"I don't think Yao will retire. I think he will be healthy and, if he is healthy, there is a lot of basketball ahead of him."