The Houston Rockets signed Dennis Lindsey, vice president for basketball operations/player personnel, to a four-year contract Friday.

Lindsey's future became uncertain when the Rockets unexpectedly named Daryl Morey their GM after the 2006-2007 season.

"It means a lot, because Dennis is very important," Dawson said. "He signed a multiple-year deal. He's going to be in the position he was in. We're fortunate to have him with this organization. He's been here 10 years and has been a great asset."

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that, according to Yao Ming's agent, Yao is recovering well from foot surgery and could still play in this summer's world championships.

Yao underwent surgery April 14 in Houston to repair the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot, which was broken during a game against Utah. Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said Yao's injury could take 4-6 months to heal.

"I believe there is still a possibility for Yao to participate in the world championships," Zhang was quoted as saying in the report posted Wednesday.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming won't be forced to play in the World Championships by the Chinese government in September. The estimated six-month recovery period would have Yao in jeopordy of playing hurt and injuring himself even more in the World Championships if he was forced to play.

Rockets center and former Nuggets player Dikembe Mutombo said Monday wasn't his final Denver appearance as a player. "It crossed my mind," he said about retirement thoughts earlier this season. "But I realize that I want to play one more year. I haven't told all my teammates I'm going for one more."

The Rockets appear to have a strong interest in Mutombo returning.

The Rockets are close to signing Dennis Lindsey, the team's vice president for basketball operations/player personnel, to a new four-year contract to remain with the team, Rockets general manager Carroll Dawson said.

Lindsey was thought to be in line to succeed Dawson as general manager until Daryl Morey was named assistant general manager for a year until he becomes the general manager after next season.

"We're very close," Dawson said. "I was working on that all week. Dennis leaving (Friday on a scouting trip to Europe) interrupted that, but I feel very good about it. Any organization would be glad to have Dennis forever. He's a quality person. He does a great job."

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Chinese are reportedly upset with the recovery timetable for Yao Ming.  The Rockets believe that Ming's recovery could be four to six months, affecting Yao's availability to play with the Chinese national team at the World Championships this summer in Japan.

Wire service stories out of Beijing and Internet chat rooms have been filled with suspicion about the Rockets' motives at bringing Yao back so slowly and with anger directed at coach Jeff Van Gundy.

"He (Van Gundy) disabled Yao Ming! He's more vicious than a capitalist!" fumed one chat-room fan, according to Reuters news service. "The Rockets are already out of the playoffs, yet Yao still plays. I firmly support (Van Gundy's) sacking!"

The Houston Chroncile is reporting that, despite a poor season, coach Jeff Van Gundy has received an endorsement from his owner.

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander, while saying that no one from the owner to the coaches could claim to have done a "great job" in a season stuck at 33 wins, said Friday he "absolutely" wants Van Gundy back as coach.

Though he said Van Gundy's work this season could not be judged because of a stream of injuries, he indicated no loss of confidence in his coach.

"I think Jeff's a great coach," Alexander said, "and I think he can take us to a championship."

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming had surgery Friday to repair a broken bone in his left foot.

Yao broke the fifth metatarsal in his foot in a loss to Utah on Monday.

Dr. Tom Clanton, the Rockets team physician,  performed the surgery at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston.

Dikembe Mutombo's future with the Houston Rockets could be in jeopardy after his production has dropped off dramatically, the Houston Chronicle is reporting.

"Why all of the injuries?" he said. "Why all of the problems? Why can't we finish games? So many questions."

One more is whether the veteran center has the inclination or the energy to return for a 16th NBA season ? the last on his contract ? and if the Rockets have a place for him.

"Ohhh," Mutombo said, dropping his face into his palms. "It crossed my mind once this season. There was a period (March 3-13) where I hardly played at all (five minutes total) for six games and you sit and ask yourself why. Did I want to go on?"

After losing 14 straight games on the road, the Minnesota Timberwolves finally snapped their streak, defeating the Rockets by a final score of

"We've lost a bunch on the road, I don't even know how many," said Eddie Griffin, who had the last of his five blocks in the final minute. "It's a relief to get this one."