In comments to Chinese state media Monday, Yao sounded far from optimistic about his future and also made a rare criticism of China's national basketball program.
"If the foot injury does not heal next season, I might choose to call it quits," he said.
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said in a statement that Yao is "currently participating in on-court basketball workouts" and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
Yao turns 30 in September and missed last season following foot surgery. He is set to return to the Rockets after deciding not to opt out of the final year of his five-year contract, which will pay him $17.7 million next season.
Though he has said his recovery was going well, the Rockets have signed 7-foot veteran Brad Miller to share the work at center.
"Yao Ming is working diligently on his return and has consistently received positive feedback at each of his scheduled medical checkups," Morey said.
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