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Yao reportedly frustrated by McGrady's absence

'Yao's frustration is real' with his injury plagued Rockets teammate

Rockets Raptors Basketball
The Houston Rockets entered the season with high hopes, but injuries continue to plague them. From left to right, Tracy McGrady, Luis Scola, Rafer Alston, Yao Ming and Ron Artest watch from the bench during a blowout loss to Toronto on Jan. 2.
Frank Gunn / AP
updated 8:30 p.m. ET Jan. 14, 2009

Rockets fans probably are tired of waiting for Tracy McGrady to get healthy. Apparently, so is a key member of the Rockets.

According to a story on NBA.com, an "extremely plugged-in person" says that Yao Ming and McGrady don't talk, and that "Yao wants him out." The story also said Yao and McGrady like one another, but "Yao's frustration is real."

McGrady has been in and out of the lineup this season trying to recover from a knee injury. On Monday, the team announced he'd miss the next two weeks to try to give the knee the rest it needs to fully recover. McGrady had minor surgery on his knee in May and has struggled to regain strength in his left leg.

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As the NBA.com report points out, McGrady will be difficult to deal this season with a $20.3 million contract. His contract expires after next season, though, so a trade next year would be more realistic.

McGrady is just one of several Rockets players who have had injury problems this season for a team that was expected to compete for an NBA title. Ron Artest is also out with an ankle injury, and Shane Battier missed the first 15 games of the season with a foot injury.

© 2009 Sporting News

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