The other option is to treat the left foot with a cast and crutches. That approach would take between three and four months.

Chinese medical experts are optimistic Yao will be able to play in the home Olympics.

"I think time is enough for him to get himself ready for the Games," said Qiao Wei, Medical Education director of the Beijing University of Physical Education. "In fact, exhaustion was really the major reason behind Yao Ming's injury."

But Hu refused to blame the Rockets and the 38 minutes per night they demanded of Yao.

"He cannot reduce his (playing) time because he is a solid starter," Hu said. "Injury is unavoidable in any competitive sport. The issue alerted us and avoiding injury will be on top of our agenda before the Beijing Games."

Yao is seeking a second opinion before undergoing treatment because missing the Olympics would be "the biggest loss of his career". He said he would make a decision in the next six to 10 days.

"I'm looking for fast," Yao said. "Whatever way makes me come back quicker and, of course, what won't make me worry about the rest of my career."

"I don't think it's about being angry. If I cannot play in the Olympics for my country this time, that would be the biggest loss in my career to right now."

The center had been playing through pain since the NBA's All-Star weekend in mid-February.

Yao missed 32 games last season with a fractured right tibia and 21 games during the 2005-06 season with a toe infection that required surgery. He also missed four games at the end of that season with a broken foot.

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