David Stern is glad to see Houston Rockets all-star center Yao Ming return, saying it’s important to the NBA, the Rockets and China. “China is an important market for us. People __ _____ when Yao’s on court. So we are looking forward to having him back next season.” Stern said.
When asked how it would be different after Yao retires, Stern said, “After he retires, we hope that we can continue to work with him. He may become the Chinese ambassador（大使）because he ______ here .”
Yao’s role has already started to change. He became the owner of his home team, the Shanghai Sharks. Stern said, “To be a boss of a team is a hard job, but I believe Yao Ming can _______. ” “I think he didn’t have any experience in having a team. He will face lots of difficulties to run a team,” he said. “But I think he is so smart that he can make it.”