(Singapore, SGP) - Australian basketball great Luc Longley Thursday warned Chinese giant Yao Ming could be headed for a "dead end" as he struggles to shake off long-term injury.
Longley, who won three straight NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan at the Chicago Bulls, said Yao's situation reminded him of when his playing days were ended by a persistent ankle problem.
"We're just getting so well fed and the population's getting so large that the occasional giant like Yao Ming or myself comes along," said the seven foot two (2.18 metres) Longley.
"But it's hard to keep a body of that size and weight injury-free for a long period of time. That's probably the biggest challenge I had in my career. I imagine if Yao Ming is anything like me, it's frustrating no end.
"You spend your whole time searching for solutions and ways to keep your body in shape, and sometimes you run into a dead end like I did. But I'm sure he's doing everything he can."
Longley was speaking before this month's two-match Youyi Games friendly series between Australia and China, which the seven foot six Yao is missing as he recovers from a broken foot which sidelined him for most of the NBA season.
The 42-year-old Longley played 11 NBA seasons before being forced to quit in 2001 while Yao, who also plays centre, has been at the Houston Rockets since 2002.
Yao, 30, says his injury is improving but he will not know whether he can return to the NBA next season until August or September.
Australia host China in Perth on June 24 before the second game in Singapore on June 26. The games will expand to a three-match series played in Australia, China and an unconfirmed Southeast Asian venue next year, organisers said.
