"While Rockets center Yao Ming remains unsure about his future in the NBA, he says he may know by late this summer whether he'll be able to resume his career. Yao continues his recovery from a stress fracture in his left ankle, the latest in a series of injuries over the past several seasons which have derailed his career.

"Sometime around August or September," Yao replied when asked when he may know if he'll be able to play basketball again.

"Right now I'm not ready (to play)," Yao said. "But I still have a couple of months, maybe more." Yao chuckled as he uttered the final phrase since a looming NBA lockout may delay the start of the season.

"Actually I just visited the doctor yesterday," said Yao. "Everything looks good."

The top overall pick of the 2002 draft said he's able to jog on a treadmill, lift weights and do some spot shooting. Yao played in just five games last season before the fracture occurred, and he has missed major portions of four of the previous five seasons, including the 2009-10 completely, with a variety of foot problems.

"The more injuries you get, experience (in dealing with injuries) may help you," Yao said. "But it requires mental toughness. You get a little bit tired about this. My job is to play basketball instead of going to rehab every day."

Asked if it was frustrating, Yao replied, "Yes, it is frustrating.""