Yao Ming: If my ankle can’t recover this summer, I’ll retire

Speaking on the latter yesterday to reporters, Yao spoke more forwardly than ever about his NBA comeback chances, telling reporters that if he can’t get healthy this summer, he’ll hang it up for good.

Speaking to the Peninsula Morning News, Yao stated “It all depends on the ankle.  If I can get it healthy, then I’ll retire in two years.  Otherwise, it’ll be this summer.”

Yao played five games with the Houston Rockets last year before suffering a season-ending stress fracture in his right ankle.  With his contract with the Rockets set to expire at the end of the month, Yao will hit free-agency this summer for the first time in his nine year career.

Though Yao has missed 159 out of 164 games the last two season, the former 2002 number one overall pick has stated his desire to come back for another go.  Citing the birth of his daughter, who is with him in China for the first time in her young life, Yao has specifically expressed his determination to play in front his daughter so that she’ll have memories of her father in the NBA.

“It’s a very enticing motivation, an extremely enticing motivation,” said Yao.

But, in recent weeks, Yao has been less and less optimistic about a possible return.  Answering questions from China Daily while doing charity work in Gansu province last Friday, Yao expressed doubt over his troubled ankle’s ability to heal well enough for him to extend his career.

“My left foot fracture is the result of a previous injury and relapse last December,” said Yao.  ”Due to the set back, I am being conservative about it healing.  Actually, I do not dare say I am optimistic right now.”

“I am recovering from the injury step by step. Right now the situation is just as it was at the same period last year when I battled against the last injury.  Frankly, I can’t be too optimistic. I just remain patient.”

Last week, Yao admitted his ankle was far from where it needed to be if he were to play competitively again.

“Walking or jogging is OK for me now, but I need to get 80 percent of my strength back to play I have got only about 30 percent at most now. I also need exhibition games to assist my recovery, not only working out alone.”