Yao Ming, the 7 ft 6 in (2.3m) giant from Shanghai, China, as decided to retire after 8 seasons in the NBA. Yao has been hampering injuries for the last 2 years of assorted injuries to his foot. He recently missed 2009-2010 NBA season due to 2 successful foot surgeries on his left foot. This season he played 30 games before he suffered a season ending injury.

Yao was selected 1^st overall pick in the 2002 NBA entry draft after playing for the Shanghai Sharks. He played in 486 games and average 19 points and 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game over his 8 seasons, all with the Houston Rockets. He was also 8-time All Star as one of the best Center in the game.

Aside from the playing in the NBA, Yao was also a great ambassador to the sport in China as he is considered a celebrity in his homeland. He had a large impact with NBA establishing a China venture in 2007. He has also represented his nation in many FIBA national championships and also 2 summer Olympics (2004, 2008) as he was also the flag barrier for China when they hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.

As the news broke out that Yao was retiring, Shaquille O’Neal, his former rival, posted a video, congratulating the career of Yao also said,

“You are one of the greatest players ever to come out of China, one of the greatest players period”

“Let’s go on vacation, bro, me and you” O’Neal later added

Source

Ellick Lee

Video game loving, technology seeking and YouTube musician following editor of AX3. Also part of the production team in AX3 as a Photo/videographer and Post-Production associate. I am just a happy camper.

   

Bearer, china, Flag, Houston, ming, olympics, O’Neal, Rockets, shanghai, Shaquille, sharks, summer, yao Leisure