"Rockets center Yao Ming is a few months from finding out whether his surgically repaired left ankle will allow him to resume his basketball career.

If he can continue to play, Yao knows where he wants that to happen.

"I'd like to be here," Yao said Thursday during an appearance at Hunters Creek Elementary School in west Houston. "Nowhere else is better than Houston for me right now."

Yao, 30, said he was encouraged by his visit with team doctors Wednesday. MRI results showed improvement in the stress fracture that limited him to five games this past season.

"Everything looks good," Yao said. "The pictures (MRI) showed great news."

Yao, who will become an unrestricted free agent?July 1, remained noncommittal about whether he will be able to play next season. He said he should have a better idea by August or September.

Based on that timetable the 7-6 center likely would

miss most, if not all, of training camp.

"It's too early to say," Yao said of whether he will play next season.

Pressed on the subject, Yao replied, "If there is a season" — a reference to a possible work stoppage with the NBA's collective bargaining agreement set to expire. "Right now I'm not ready (to play), but I still have a couple months, maybe more."

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander and general manager Daryl Morey have expressed their desire to re-sign Yao if he's healthy.

"I think the only issue is my injury," Yao said.

Yao, an eight-time All-Star who has endured a series of bone injuries, said last offseason that he would consider retirement if he could not stay healthy. Injuries, most notably to his left foot and ankle, have interrupted each of the past five seasons."