Houston Rockets' Yao Ming reportedly retiring due to injury

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming is reportedly considering retirement if his injury prevents him from participating in next NBA season. The Rockets' star center has undergone major surgery to repair his broken left foot.

"If the foot injury does not heal next season, I might choose to call it quits," Yao told Chinese reporters, according to the Houston Chronicle. But Rockets officials are not worried about the reported retirement of their top center player, saying Yao's progress is remarkable. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey saying Yao is on pace to be ready for the start of training camp on September 25 and that Yao, who went to China to attend charity events, expects to play in NBA pre-season games in China. "Yao Ming is working diligently on his return and has consistently received positive feedback at each of his scheduled medical checkups," Morey said in a statement. "He is currently participating in on-court basketball workouts and we continue to expect him to be ready for the start of training camp.", Morey added. Yao who averages 19 points in his NBA career has lost weight while recuperating from his injury. Rockets' officials are happy with the weight loss, saying the reliable Rockets center has improved his fitness and is in great health Yao had a $17 million contract with the Rockets in the last season.