Yao Ming announced his retirement from the NBA on this day nine years ago.
The big man from China responded to the incredible hype surrounding him, but retired at the age of only 30 due to a leg injury.
The Houston Rockets chose Yao for the first pick of the 2002 NBA Draft. He performed a show against Shaquille O’Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers during the rookie season. He finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 6 blocks. This includes multiple blocks for O’Neill.
Yao became the dominant force at both ends of the court. Despite being 7’6 pounds and 310 pounds, he was very skilled and athletic.
Yao was an all-star in all eight seasons he played in the NBA. He retired with an average of 19 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He also played well in the postseason, averaging 19.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.5 bock per game in 28 playoff games.
Yao was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. A few months later, Rockets retired from his 11th jersey.
