The People's Daily, a chinese newspaper, reports that the Shaghai Sharks will make center Yoa Ming available for the upcoming NBA Draft. The club said it would try its best to help Yao play in the NBA.

"Yao Ming opened the door to the NBA and he deserved the chance to play there. The club and the Chinese Basketball Management Center allow him to go to the NBA this season," Club director Bai Li said.

The 21-year-old Yao, who will turn to 22 in September, will be one of the hottest picks in June's draft conference as several NBA teams had sent scouts to Shanghai during the regular season and playoffs of the Chinese Basketball Association.