Assault charges against Rockets' guard Rafer Alston were dropped on Friday, according to the Associated Press.

A man had accused Alston of stabbing him with a knife at a nightclub in August of 2007.

Prosecutors were unable to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, a Manhattan district attorney told the AP.

Yao Ming's season-ending foot injury caused shock and concern in his native China on Wednesday although hopes remained high he'd recover in time for the Beijing Olympics in August, the Associated Press reports.

Yao is the world's best known Chinese athlete and far and away the most popular sports star in China, embodying the country's collective hopes for global competitiveness and international acceptance.

"The only thing offering Yao Ming any solace at this time is that his injury will not force him to miss the Beijing Olympics of his dreams," leading newspaper Titan Sports said in a front page article.

Brent Barry has now cleared waivers, but he has yet to decide where he's going to continue his career, the San Antonio Express-News is reporting.

?As of 10 a.m. (Tuesday), there is no decision,? Barry said. ?There have been so many changes over the past few days, it?s very difficult. Just because I?ve cleared, I don?t have a timetable that today is the day I have to decide.?

Sioux Falls Skyforce guard/forward Bobby Jones today earned a call-up to The Houston Rockets.  Houston will be the third NBA team Jones will suit up for this season, in addition to stints with Denver and Memphis.

During his time in the NBA this season, Jones (6-7, 215) averaged 3.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in 23 games with the Nuggets, and 4.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in nine outings (two starts) with the Grizzlies.

The Rockets have won 12 straight games but have now lost Yao Ming for the remainder of the 2007-08 season.

Yao has a stress fracture in his left foot and will need surgery.

GM Darryl Morey announced the decision on Tuesday.

With a FIC of 903, Yao has been the NBA's 12th most productive player this season of 17.7 per 40 minutes.  He had a Reina Value of +19%.

The Phoenix Suns say that they expect to hear from free agent Brent Barry by either Monday night or Tuesday morning as to which team has will be joining, the East Valley Tribune is reporting.

Barry, who was traded from San Antonio to Seattle before being bought out, is believed to be favoring both Phoenix and San Antonio, with Houston and Boston both in the mix for his services, as well.

If Barry chooses the Spurs, he must wait 30 days before he can rejoin his former team.

The Houston Rockets introduced guard Bobby Jackson on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.

"I think over the years where I played my best basketball was with Rick [Adelman], and I'm happy to be back in his system, around a group of great guys on a winning team that is pushing for the playoffs," Jackson told the AP. "I'm looking forward to coming in and playing hard and doing the things I've been doing throughout my career."

Jackson played under Adelman for five seasons in Sacramento.

Brent Barry has been cut from Seattle, and according to his agent it is too early to say where he'll end up, the San Antonio Express-News is reporting.  San Antonio, Houston, and Phoenix have all expressed an interest in the veteran guard.

?At this point, we've just been informed he's been released,? Tellem said. ?We haven't even begun to think about the next step.?

If Barry chooses the Spurs, he'll need to wait 30 days per NBA rules.

The Houston Rockets are set to sign ex-Wizard and Nugget Bobby Jones to a 10 day contract, the Houston Chronicle is reporting.

To make room for Jones, the Rockets will release Adam Haluska, who was acquired with Bobby Jackson in the deal which saw Bonzi Wells and Mike James head to New Orleans.

If the SuperSonics buy out the contract of Brent Barry like many expect, the Houston Rockets are interested.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Barry will be released, and the Rockets will chase the veteran guard, but they will not be alone.  The Spurs, who traded Barry to Seattle, and the Suns are also expected to pursue Barry.

The Spurs have the most money to offer, having their full mid level exception still available, but in order for Barry to return to San Antonio he'd have to sit out 30 days.

"There are several guys that look like they might shake loose,? Rockets' GM Daryl Morey said. "We?ve have the ability to offer as much as most teams, unless they kept their mid-level. We used ours this year. I think we?re a pretty attractive situation. That was a big part of it."