Now that Yao is off crutches, he has been able to get out more often. On Wednesday night, he appeared at the Rockets’ game against the Warriors to cheer his teammates on.

Click here for more photos of Yao at the Rockets-Warriors game.

Then on Thursday, Yao appeared at Toyota Center along with other Rocket teammates to thank season ticket holders for their patronage.

Click here for more photos of Yao at the season ticket holder event.

Yao also told reporters that he will be traveling with the team on their next road trip when they play Miami, Philadelphia and New Jersey. This road trip is obviously huge since it will have a big bearing on if the Rockets make the playoffs or not, so it’s good to see that Yao will be supporting his teammates even though he isn’t required to go.

Yahoo Sports’ “Ball Don’t Lie” blog threw alot of love today at Chuck Hayes by writing an entire post about his triple-double last night. It’s an interesting read. They analyze various players’ stats to determine if it was the most improbable triple-double in NBA history. Check it out here.

All of this brings to mind what Yao had said last summer when after working out with Hayes, was very impressed with Chuck’s improved offensive skills. Looks like Yao knew first that Chuck was on his way to do some special things this season.

Yao made an appearance last night at Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill‘s charity bowling event in Houston benefitting Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Yao is now off his crutches from his ankle surgery, and is in a walking boot. It’s still a long road for Yao’s comeback attempt, but it’s great to at least see him in good spirits.

Click here for more photos of Yao and Rocket teammates at the event.

Yao Ming revealed Thursday night before the Rockets’ annual “Tux & Tennies” charity gala some hopes that might surprise a few folks, but not YaoMingMania.

Yao said that he would like to try to make a comeback from his ankle stress fracture and surgery, and that he would like to come back to the Rockets. It also didn’t surprise us that the Rockets would like for him to come back and play for them, too.

But for an organization that doesn’t make strong statements about keeping any player, especially one that has an expiring contract, I think the strong words they used about wanting to keep him are still noteworthy and significant. Very few players could command that kind of respect from an “all business” organization like the Rockets.

Here are excerpts from this Houston Chronicle article.

“I’ll try continuing [to come back],” Yao said Thursday. “A lot will depend on this foot.”

Asked if he believes he will play again, he said, “That’s the direction.”

In the final season of his contract, Yao added he hopes to be back with the Rockets.

“I like it here. I’m used to playing here,” he said. “I’m comfortable, really, really comfortable to play here, and I have my family here. I’m not really planning to leave.”

Told of Yao’s comments, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey would not discuss the team’s plans, but he was as clear about his preference.

“I hope Yao Ming comes back to play again,” Morey said, “and I hope that it’s here.”

“If he’s healthy and the doctors say he can play,” Rockets owner Leslie Alexander, “of course we want him back again.”

Click here for the entire Houston Chronicle article.

Here’s a photo of Yao and his wife Ye Li at the gala Thursday night.

Click here for more photos of Yao and Ye Li at the event.