Houston Rockets star Yao Ming believes Yi Jianlian has a bright future in the NBA despite the drama surrounding his unwelcome drafting by the Milwaukee Bucks last week.

"I'm envious of Yi's talent. I believe he will have bright career in the NBA," Yao said in Beijing yesterday, where he was unveiled as an Olympic torchbearer selection ambassador by sponsor Coca Cola.

As reported yesterday, Yi's representatives are currently examining trade scenarios to get their client out of Milwaukee. But Yao said that no matter where his national teammate begins his career, Yi will enjoy a better start than he did.

"Yi already has one foot in the NBA and what he needs to do is move the other foot in. It won't take long," Yao said. "I wish him a good start in the NBA, at least better than my poor debut of zero point and two rebounds."

He would not be drawn on Yi's draft situation, saying he did not know the details about his desire to be traded from the Bucks.

Yao overcame widespread doubts about his worth as a number one pick in the 2002 Draft and made the All-Star team in each of his five seasons.

Yi faces similar skepticism, and Yao said he must learn from his mistakes and prove himself on the court.

"I think Yi should learn how to express his own ideas on court and show his technical skills," Yao said. "He should give full play to his good technique and gain experience from winning and losing matches."

Injury concern

While Yi sweats over his future, Yao is focused on the national team's Olympic bid. He confirmed that he had even delayed a shoulder operation until after the Games.

"In recent years, the shoulder injury has had more and more impact on me. I must have an operation but now is not the right time," Yao said. "The operation will take half a year to recover from. If I have it right now, I will have to rest for a long time. Then, I can't ensure my best form for the Beijing Olympic Games. I have discussed it with my doctor and he agreed to adopt a conservative treatment schedule. The operation should be done after the Games."

His national team commitments have concerned the Houston Rockets, who fear their big man does not get enough rest in the off-season, and the news that he is delaying surgery until after the 2008 Games will be a blow.

The Chinese men's basketball team finished eighth in the 2004 Athens Games, and Yao believes with home court advantage a medal is a possibility.

"Everything that I'm doing now is for the Beijing Games. I'll give anything to stand on the podium," said the 27-year-old. "As the host country of the Olympic Games, we have already got favorable time, geographical and human conditions. What we need more is our own efforts. I hope I will be in my best form to do this."

Back in China for a rest between NBA seasons, Yao's main task is to recover and find some time to train with the Chinese national team. But the shoulder injury may change his plans.

"I promised our national team coach I would play some matches with the team this year, but due to the shoulder injury, we'll have to discuss how to use our time well," he said.

A medal is not Yao's only Olympic ambition.

Since the selection for the Olympic torchbearers began, Yao has said he would like to be the person who lights the Olympic Flame in the National Stadium.

"To be the last Olympic torchbearer to light the main caldron is a great honor, so I would like to be that person," said Yao, who was the torchbearer at the 2004 Athens Games. "If I'm not the last one, I will still feel the honor wherever I hold the Olympic flame."

(China Daily July 4, 2007)