Australian center David Andersen signed a three-year deal with the Rockets this week, and hopes fans don't expect the second coming of Yao Ming.

Yao is expected to miss the entire 2009-10 season after having foot surgery.

Andersen isn't a banging center, and is more of a finesse player than Yao.

"Yao Ming's one of the premier players in the league," Andersen said Friday, according to the Houston Chronicle. "It's impossible to replace Yao here. I'm just looking forward to trying to help the team with the challenges that are coming because of Yao being out."

Andersen is expected to start at center for the Rockets entering the 2009-10 season.