NBA Commissioner Silver backs Yao to become CBA president

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said on Thursday that it would be "great news" if former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming became president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks to the media prior to the Houston Rockets game against the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the 2016 Global Games - China, at LeSports Center on October 12, 2016 in Beijing, China. / CFP Photo

Speaking at a press conference prior to the NBA global game between the Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers at the O2 Arena in London, Silver did not want to show public support to the Chinese superstar on the one hand, but spoke highly about Yao's potential appointment to the CBA position on the other.

"I do not know firsthand whether that news is true, that he will become the head of the CBA. I have read reports. I have made a decision not to interfere in any way and to leave Yao Ming alone and only to wish him good luck. I think on behalf of both the CBA and global basketball, it would be great news," Silver noted.

Inductee Yao Ming speaks during the 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony on September 9, 2016 at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. /CFP Photo ‍

The 36-year-old Yao, who was selected by the Rockets as the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft, retired from professional basketball after eight seasons in the NBA. He then became the boss of the CBA side Shanghai Sharks. He was elected to the NBA Hall of Fame on April 2016.

(Source: China Daily)