Yao Ming

Yao Ming is a Chinese professional basketball player, born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of his generation. Yao began his professional career with Shanghai Sharks before being drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2002, where he became an eight-time NBA All-Star.

Yao is known for his incredible height, skills, scoring ability, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, such as being the first player outside of the United States to lead the NBA in All-Star votes.

Off the court, Yao is also recognized for his philanthropy and influence, making significant charitable contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Shanghai Sharks

• Youth and Early Career: Yao was born and raised in Shanghai and joined the Shanghai Sharks' youth academy. He made his first-team debut for the Sharks in 1997.

Houston Rockets

• Early Success: Yao was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2002. He quickly developed into one of the league's best centers, earning All-Star honors in his rookie season and leading the Rockets to multiple playoff appearances.
• Career Challenges: Yao's career was marked by a series of injuries that often sidelined him for significant periods. Despite these challenges, his impact on the court and his popularity remained undiminished.

Retirement

• Later Career: In 2011, Yao announced his retirement from professional basketball due to a series of injuries. However, his influence in the world of basketball continues, as he currently serves as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association.

China National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for China in 2000.

Achievements:

• Asian Games: Winner in 2002 and 2006.
• Yao led China to its best finish in an Olympic Games, reaching the quarterfinals in 2008.

• Position: Center.
• Skills: Known for his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and shot-blocking. Yao's height, basketball IQ, and shooting touch made him one of the most dominant centers in the NBA during his career.

• Family: Yao is married to Ye Li, a former Chinese professional basketball player. They have one daughter together.
• Philanthropy: Yao is involved in various charitable activities, including wildlife conservation efforts and providing scholarships for students to study in the US.

• Yao Ming is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his impact on globalizing the NBA. His status as an icon extends beyond the court, inspiring millions of fans around the world, especially in his native China.

Most Votes for NBA All-Star:

• Lead the NBA in All-Star votes multiple times

NBA Hall of Fame:

• Inducted in 2016

Chinese Basketball Association:

• Won the CBA championship in 2002

International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Hall of Fame:

• Inducted in 2019

Books

• Yao Ming: The Road to the NBA. Yao Ming with Ric Bucher. Miramax Books (2005).
• Operation Yao Ming: The Chinese Sports Empire, American Big Business, and the Making of an NBA Superstar. Brook Larmer. Avery (2005).

Websites

• NBA: Information about Yao Ming’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.nba.com
• Houston Rockets: Details about Yao’s career at Houston Rockets. Available at: https://www.rockets.com
• FIBA: Updates and records of Yao in FIBA competitions. Available at: https://www.fiba.com

Articles

• ESPN: Yao Ming’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/966/yao-ming
• The Guardian: Yao Ming’s career and impact on globalizing the NBA. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/apr/04/yao-ming-nba-hall-of-fame-basketball

Interviews and Documentaries

• The Year of the Yao (2004): Directed by Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern. This documentary provides a detailed look at Yao’s rookie year in the NBA.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Yao Ming, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com