NBA Commissioner Silver backs Yao to become CBA boss

File photo shows Yao Ming speaks during the 2016 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony at Springfield Symphony Hall in Massachusetts, US. [Photo/Agencies]

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

Speaking at the press conference prior to the NBA global game between the Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers at the O2 Arena, Silver did not want to show public support to the Chinese super star 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 to not 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," he said.

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 also elected to the NBA Hall of Fame last April.