Yi Jianlian has sprained his left knee in a NBA game but has told Chinese fans not to lose sleep worrying about whether he would be ready for the Beijing Olympics.

Yi played only five minutes and 40 seconds before suffering the injury 3:03 into the second quarter when struck on the outside of the knee while battling for a Milwaukee rebound in the Bucks' 110-109 victory over Washington.

"Someone was chipping in. They hit my knee and it twisted a little bit," Yi said through a translator. "Then I felt a little pop and I tried to run on it and I felt pain. I just can't put a lot of pressure on it."

An MRI exam Thursday will provide more details of the injury but China fans are already nervous after a season-ending broken left foot suffered by Houston star Yao Ming, who vows to be ready to play for China at Beijing in August.

Yi said he has never been hurt in the knee before but the 20-year-old from Shenzhen was optimistic when asked if Chinese fans could rest easily about his ability to play in the Olympics in four months.

"I doubt it's really that serious," Yi said. "But what I have to do is wait until the doctor gives his report."

Yi was sidelined for six games last month by a right wrist sprain and a left ankle sprain.

"I have had injuries but before this year, they weren't really that serious," Yi said.

But Yi also has never before played so many games in a season. The Chinese Basketball Association plays about half of an NBA-length season and is less demanding in intensity than the elite US league of global stars.

"The NBA is a lot stronger than the CBA. The games have a greater degree of difficulty," Yi said. "Of course there are some differences - the physical nature of the game, the different basketball culture, the level of the players, the schedule of the NBA is twice as many games.

"The NBA sets the standard for worldwide basketball. The NBA is a big international league. I have gotten used to it and can show my abilities more."

While averaging 8.7 points and 5.3 rebounds over 66 games, Yi has become fitter, faster and more aggressive. The sixth overall pick in last year's NBA Draft spoke with confidence about his NBA and Olympic future before the injury.

"I feel stronger than before and I'm more experienced," Yi said. "I just hope I can improve all-around for next season. I hope my performance will be a little more stable from game to game.

"I want to pick my game up a level. In my first season I ran into a lot of things I had no understanding about. Now I have learned a lot of things. I feel more prepared for next season."

One adjustment Yi dislikes is losing. The Bucks are 26-48 and all-but out of the playoff race.

"It sucks," Yi said. "But we are professional players. We have to keep our heads up and push through it. This season isn't that good but we still have to prepare for next season."

Yi is also preparing for the Olympics with optimism his team and nation will shine on the global stage.

"I'm looking forward to it excitedly and with confidence," Yi said. "Every Chinese person is looking forward to it. The whole world is coming to play. It's like a worldwide party in front of their homes."

Yi's NBA experience should make him a crucial leader for the team.

"I look at it is just my first year in the NBA," Yi said. "I'm hoping to bring my experience and what I have learned to help my team to the best of my ability. I hope the Chinese team will have great success in all its games."

Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak said Yi has answered the challenge of playing the world's best talent while half a world from his home.

"He has adapted his game," Krystkowiak said. "He seems like he is playing with some confidence. He's playing 25-30 minutes a night and still learning. He's trying to be more intimidating in the paint. That's a key to his being successful."

"It's a big challenge. When you throw in cultural differences and all the challenges and the pressure on him, it's even greater.

"For the people of China and his teammates, there has to be a lot of pride in what he has accomplished in the NBA.

"I predict when the Olympics are over, he can say 'Whew' and all that is behind him and he can concentrate on being a great player. I think he's going to be a great player in this league."

AFP