Yao Ming
Iconic Chinese center who dominated the NBA with his immense size and skill.
Chronology: 1980-09-12 – Present
Origins & Early Life
Yao Ming (Chinese: 姚明; born September 12, 1980) is a Chinese basketball executive and former professional player. He played for the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), and then spent his entire nine-year National Basketball Association (NBA) career with the Houston Rockets. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star, and was named to the All-NBA Team five times. At 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m), he was the NBA's tallest active player in his final season.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Born in Shanghai, Yao began playing for the Sharks as a teenager, and played on their senior team for five years in the CBA, winning a championship in his final year. After negotiating with the CBA and the Sharks to secure his release, Yao was selected by the Rockets as the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA draft. He reached the NBA playoffs four times, and in 2009, helped the Rockets win their first playoff series since 1997. After missing several games due to a series of foot and ankle injuries in his last six seasons, Yao announced his retirement from professional basketball in 2011. Among Rockets franchise leaders, Yao ranks second in total blocks, sixth in total rebounds, and ranked sixth in total points at the time...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia