BEIJING - The Houston Rockets feel like the Earth has resumed spinning again with Yao Ming's imminent return from a career- threatening injury, according to teammate Aaron Brooks.

Houston Rockets guard Aaron Brooks believes the team will have a better season after Yao Ming returns from his foot injury. [Agencies]

"Without Yao, we were up and down last season. But now, it's good to have him back. His support in the lineup will definitely make a difference," said Brooks, the NBA's Most Improved Player last season, during a recent teleconference to promote the NBA China Games, which will tip off on Oct 13 in Beijing then move to Guangzhou three days later.

The Rockets, who seemed destined to struggle without their big man last season, finished with a surprising 42-40 record and tuned up their transition game by going with a small lineup.

Although Yao's workouts in preseason camps have wowed fans, there are concerns his lack of pace will affect the run-and-gun Rockets. Also, introducing Yao to the fast-paced system is expected to take some time

However, Brooks is not worried about the All-star big man regaining his chemistry within the team.

"It really won't take much time because Yao is such a great player who makes the game easier for all of his teammates. It will probably take us a few weeks to get the timing down on some of the things we used to run, but I am really excited he is back," he said.

The 25-year-old guard averaged 19.6 points and 5.3 assists per game last season, showing his potential on offense with Yao missing from the side.

"I had to focus my game on different things, using more energy on scoring and defense without Yao last season. When we get him back, my job will be to manage our team on the floor and help other guys get easy baskets," Brooks said.

"When Yao is in the post, we get more options and open shots. Our offense is enhanced when we have a big man near the hoop."

While Yao, who enters his ninth NBA season having recently turned 30, knows his durability and stamina will be questioned, at least at the beginning of the season, the Rockets believe they have the answers in most of the other spots on their roster.

Houston signed free-agent veteran Brad Miller, 34, in July. Then it brought in swingman Courtney Lee, 24, from the New Jersey Nets after swapping Trevor Ariza in a four-team deal.

"I think the Rockets did a good job with the new players they brought in. Courtney is going to be a good player for us for a long time. Brad will be able to take a lot of pressure off of Yao, especially early in the season when Yao is playing limited minutes," said Brooks.

When asked if he would consider playing in the Chinese Basketball Association in the future, Brooks just shrugged.

"You never know what the future holds, I'm just really happy playing for the Rockets right now," he said.