Houston Rockets Chinese center Yao Ming has undergone a successful arthroscopic procedure to remove a bone spur in his left ankle.

Yao Ming, who posted career highs of 18.3 points per game last season, is expected to begin rehabilitation for his ankle in the coming weeks.

The 24-year-old was enrolled in the league as the first overall pick of the NBA draft in 2002 and has averaged 16.4 points and 8.5 rebounds in his career.

Yao has been an All-Star in each of his three seasons with the Rockets, who lost in the first round of the NBA playoffs to the Dallas Mavericks.
 
(Xinhua News Agency June 18, 2005)