Yao Ming expressed concerns about team chemistry to the Houston Chronicle and referenced Ron Artest's involvement in the 2004 brawl with Pistons' fans following the news that the former Pacer and King had been dealt to the Rockets.

"Hopefully, he's not fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands," Yao said, according to the Chronicle.

When asked about those comments, Artest said Yao had bought into "all the propaganda" about him, according to The Sacramento Bee.

"I understand what Yao said, but I'm still ghetto," Artest said, according to the report. "That's not going to change. I'm never going to change my culture. Yao has played with a lot of black players, but I don't think he's ever played with a black player that really represents his culture as much as I represent my culture. Once Yao Ming gets to know me, he'll understand what I'm about."

"If you go back to the brawl, that's a culture issue right there. Somebody was disrespecting me, so he's got to understand where I'm coming from. People that know me know that Ron Artest never changed."

Ron Artest said that he was excited about going to the Rockets but would join them only if they are committed to him, the Houston Chronicle is reporting.

Artest's comments about commitment stem from Yao Ming?s wariness of the trade.  Ming is happy with the deal but is concerned for team chemistry.

?We?ve still got to make sure there?s still a commitment,? Artest told the Sacramento Bee. ?That?s the main thing. When I speak to the powers-that-be of the Houston Rockets organization, we?re going to find out how much they really want me there.?

?For some reason, I like (Artest),? Yao said, ?because in the games we play against him, I hate him."

?When I text-messaged with Luis (Scola), we talked about team chemistry. That?s only what worries us. We worry about the new attitude to the team. We are adding talent to the team, and we need that, but building team chemistry is important. This is not bad. I don?t mean he is not welcome to Houston. But a new player always needs some time."

?There?s worry. Obviously, yes. ... Hopefully, he?s not fighting anymore and going after a guy in the stands. ... I have to find a way to talk to him and see what we can do as a basketball team. He has a history, but we know he is a physical player. He is a good player. He really can help us.?

Australia's defense overwhelmed China in the Boomers' 67-55 win on Wednesday, holding Yao Ming to only 14 points in the process, the Associated Press is reporting.

The Houston Rockets center was 5-for-8 from the field in 30 minutes. Yao had few touches as Australia forced 25 turnovers.

"We have a lot to improve on in a short time, but we will do our best," Yao said.

The Houston Rockets have reached an agreement to acquire forward Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings, the Houston Chronicle is reporting.

The Rockets will give up guard Bobby Jackson, a No. 1 draft pick next season and another player that the individual with knowledge of the trade could not name.

Rookie Donte Greene is included in the deal, but since Greene has already signed a rookie contract he cannot currently be traded.

Greene is considered to be key to the trade from the King's perspective, and his status will prevent the deal from going through until August 14, when he becomes eligible to be dealt.

The Rockets also are expected to acquire rookies Patrick Ewing Jr. and Sean Singletary in the deal to make the money match, but both have partially guaranteed contracts and are likely to be released.

The Rockets will also send the Kings cash in excess of $1 million.

Rockets' center Yao Ming was back on the court for China ahead of the Olympics, scoring 21 points in 28 minutes of action to lead China past Angola 83-74, the Associated Press is reporting.

"Yao lets us really put the pressure on the opposition," China guard Liu Wei said after the opening day of the FIBA Diamond Ball tournament.

Yao made eight of his 10 shots and had five rebounds and was impressive running the court. He showed no sign of the injury to his left foot that ended his NBA season in February and threatened his Olympic participation.

Carl Landry's agent Buddy Baker said he could give any one of several NBA teams the go-ahead to present an offer, but Landry is weighing his options.

?We?ve had teams interested in what we think Carl?s value is and saying what they think Carl?s value is,? Baker said. ?We?re waiting to finalize that. It?s not, 'We?ll give you this.? It?s more, 'We?re very interested, what are you thinking??"

?If he wanted me to close deals, I could close it, yes. We?re not going to rush through this process. We?re going to go through this process, pursuing all of his options.?

Houston's Carl Landry may be the next NBA player to turn away offers from NBA teams to cash in overseas, his agent has told the Houston Chronicle.

"Carl would entertain all serious offers," Landry's agent, Buddy Baker, told Houston television station KRIV-TV on Wednesday. "There is serious interest in Carl by both other NBA teams and internationally."

On Wednesday, former Hawks' forward Josh Childress surprisingly made the jump from the NBA to Euroleague despite being wanted by Atlanta.

Rockets' center Yao Ming returned to the court for the first time in almost six months on Thursday when he joined China's national team in an Olympics warmup against Serbia, according to The Associated Press.

Yao's appearance at the Stankovic Cup is his first game action since he suffered a stress fracture to his left foot in February, ending his NBA season and threatening his status with China's team.

While he still has not signed a rookie contract, Joey Dorsey and the Houston Rockets reached an agreement on an insurance policy which will allow the ex-Memphis forward to participate in the summer league, the Houston Chronicle is reporting.

Dorsey was forced to sit the first game because he was not covered.

The Pistons claim that they aren't interested in dealing for Tracy McGrady, but the All-Star forward wouldn't mind joining the team, according to The Detroit Free Press.

"Is Tracy McGrady interested? Yes, he is. I spoke to Tracy McGrady earlier. His basic thing is he's very happy in Houston, but he wants to win. So whatever is a winning situation for him is something he is more than willing to entertain," ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said on Tuesday.

A team source told The Free Press earlier this week that the Pistons are not "remotely" close to a deal with the Rockets for McGrady.