Yao among Rockets big names to attract Howard to Houston

Washington, July 2 (IANS)

Yao Ming playing against Dwight Howard before his retirement.

Houston Rockets showed its desire to sign Dwight Howard by sending a elite group to Los Angeles to talk with the free agent, and former Rockets All Star center Yao Ming also helped with the situation.

Yao told Houston KRIV-TV that he had already been in touch with Howard through Skype. Yao said Rockets “have a young team, a talented team that has ability to reach championship level with you” to Howard, and he indicated he would come back to Houston July 11, with hope to meet Howard again, reports Xinhua.

Rockets “persuading group” included Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, owner Les Alexander, general manager Daryl Morey, head coach Kevin McHale, player James Harden and Chandler Parsons.

Former Rockets member Dikembe Mutombo also sent Howard a message.