Rockets center Yao Ming, a 7-foot-6, 310-pound native of Shanghai, signed a five-year extension today in Beijing that should keep him with the Rockets through the 2010-11 season. The extension will pay him $80.9 million. Next season, the last of his rookie contract, Yao will earn $5.594 million.
Reports Jonathan Feigen, In three seasons, Yao, an All Star in each of his three seasons, averaged
16.4 points and 8.5 rebounds, making 52.5 percent of his shots and 80 percent of his free throws.
In two playoff series, Yao averaged 18.8 points and 7.6 rebounds (Source: Jonathan Feigen,
Houston Chronicle, Aug. 31, 2005).