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Rockets' Yao avoids free agency, will stay with team

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-06-30 11:34

HOUSTON - Yao Ming, who missed all last season after foot surgery, will pick up his player option with the Houston Rockets, a decision that will keep the Chinese center from testing free agency.

The seven-times NBA All-Star, who could have become a free agent on July 1, said his foot was improving daily and that he would be ready to compete when training camp begins.

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"I've never been in this situation before," Yao said in a video on the team's website on Tuesday. "I decided a couple of days ago, and I think there is no-one better than the Rockets now."

The seven-foot six-inch Yao, drafted first overall by the Rockets in 2002, has been sidelined since having surgery on a hairline facture in his left foot last July.