CHN - Yao back in practice with Rockets

HOUSTON (NBA) - Yao Ming has returned to practice with the Houston Rockets for the first time since breaking his leg two days before Christmas.

The China center was given clearance to return on Wednesday, and on Thursday he was back with his team-mates.

"It was hard, a first day, but it was better than I thought," Yao said in the Houston Chronicle.

"Last time, I had a toenail removed. I missed like one week. I came back and felt like everything went away — no conditioning, no skill or anything. Today felt much better than that day. I'm another step closer to playing."

Yao is eager to get back on the court as soon as possible but has been warned by the doctors not to push too hard.

Asked if he might be ready for Friday’s game against the Denver Nuggets, Yao said: "Don't set a trap for me. (The timetable) is on the doctor and coach."

Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy is equally keen to have his All-Star back, and admitted it was frustrating to have Yao back in practice but not in uniform.

"I truly don't understand contact practices and then not being able to play, but that's just me," Van Gundy said.

"It's not for me to understand. That's got to be up to doctors, trainers (and) Yao. It's not for me to say. I don't see it the same way. I don't think banging against Jake Tsakalidis, his knee has any better (information) than he would (against Denver’s) Nene.

"I don't make those decisions. They'll put him back on the court when they want to."

Yao has been attending team practices - without taking part - throughout his injury, keeping up to date with changes in the Rockets’ game plans, but Thursday’s contact practices represented a major step up in his recovery.

Those practices have matched him against the Rockets’ recent signing, Greek Jake Tsakalidis, and Yao admitted facing the 290lb seven-footer was a real test.

"The substitution on black team for Dikembe (Mutombo) was Juwan (Howard) and maybe Chuck (Hayes)," Yao said.

"Now, after Dikembe was Jake, two seven-footers. I feel like saying some bad words. Jake, his size and his weight are really hard on me but will be really a big help for me getting back in shape."

For now, Yao is sporting a knee brace on doctor’s orders. He admits the device is uncomfortable, but knows he must grin and bear it.

"I believe the brace will be the best way to protect my knee, especially when I first come back to play," Yao said. "It will limit me, of course. Like my arm brace three years ago, same thing.

"But you don't run with your arm."

The main thing for Yao is to be back within touching distance of a return to the court.

"I'm excited," he said. "I'm very excited."

Ian Parker
FIBA