Former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming, who was one of the most dominant big-men during the 2000’s, and had his jersey retired Saturday night. The 7’6″ Yao was a 8x NBA All-Star and spent several years as a dominant player in China before coming overseas to the NBA. Yao has played a huge part in the NBA’s popularity increase over in China and he continues to be a major force in Chinese athletics.
At the ceremony Yao is accompanied by former teammates Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, Shane Battier, and Dikembe Mutombo as well as Rockets legends Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon. Yao’s parents, wife, and daughter were also present. Rockets owner Leslie Alexander donated $100,000 to Yao’s foundation too, which aids in animal preservation.
Yao Ming was the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft and made the All-Rookie team. Injuries, sadly, were prevalent in his career. Foot and ankle injuries, including breaking his left foot three different time, prematurely ended his time in the NBA. Despite that, he averaged 19 points, nine rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game for his career. From the ’05-’06 season through the ’08-’09 season Yao averaged 21.9 points and over ten rebounds per game, a line only accomplished by one other player (Kevin Garnett) during that span.
Yao Ming joins fellow dominant center Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson as part of the 2016 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class. Though Yao’s career was cut short, his basketball legacy is not only defined by his dominance on the court but his global impact and community work. Check out the Houston unveiling Yao’s jersey in the rafters.
