Yao Ming attends WildAid's public awareness campaign

Yao Ming and his girlfriend

Chinese NBA star Yao Ming and his girlfriend Ye Li, rarely showing up together at public occasions, attend at a commercial promotion event in Beijing July 26, 2006. The 2.29-meter (7-foot-6-inch) Houston Rockets center is Beijing preparing for the upcoming World Championships in Japan in August. Yao and Ye were helping promote a Chinese mobile phone service operator. [newsphoto]

Yao Ming attends press conference for Special Olympics

NBA Houston Rockets player Yao Ming listens to a question at a press conference for the 2007 Special Olympics in Beijing July 21, 2006. Yao has declared his foot injury a non-issue ahead of August's World Championship warm-up games against America and Brazil. [Reuters]

Yao presents during training session

Yao Ming (L) talks to the head coach Jonas Kazlauskas (C) on 17 July druing the last training session before heading for Europe to warm up for the upcoming FIBA World Championship.[Xinhua]

Yao Ming breaks foot, may miss this season

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, of China, is driven from the arena locker room by security director Al Higham after his NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, April 10, 2006, in Salt Lake City. Yao broke his left foot in the first quarter. The Jazz beat the Rockets, 85-83. [AP]

Yao Ming trying to stop Wang Zhizhi in CBA

Yao Ming, Wang Zhizhi

Yao Ming as the No.1 pick in the NBA

Yao Ming, No.1 pick, NBA

Yao Ming working out with girlfriend Ye Li

Yao Ming, work out, Ye Li

Yao Ming's girlfriend Ye Li

Yao Ming's girlfriend, Ye Li

Yao Ming first proving himself shortly after arrival in NBA

Yao Ming, NBA

Yao Ming leading the China National Team to the top 8 in 2004 Athens Olympics

Yao Ming, top 8, 2004 Athens Olympics

Houston Rockets lost to Dallas Mavericks in 2005 playoff despite a 2-0 lead

Houston Rockets, playoff