When the Rockets were in China last week to talk with various officials of the Chinese basketball league, they had a chance to watch Yao Ming practice and to talk with him a bit.  Yao got some information that has not been discussed much this offseason, according to the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen.

Maurice Taylor's Achilles, which he badly tore last offseason, is now very healthy, according to Tomjanovich.  It was rumored that Taylor had put on a lot of weight during his rehabilitation, but Feigen reports he is down to 290 pounds and has been cleared for running.  He should easily be ready for the regular season and the Rockets hope he'll be ready July 7th for the LA Summer Pro League.

Also, Cuttino Mobley meant it when he said he'd rather have Odom than Yao.  But, Feigen plays down the importance of it, crediting it to the fact that he and Odom are friends and that players will prefer veterans.  He doesn't think it will affect Yao's integration into the team.

Yao was also concerned that he may disrupt the Rockets' offense.  Feigen says he should make an impact and change the offense and envisions Yao in a high post.