Yahoo yao ming biography book

Standout big men such as Elvin Hayes, Hakeem Olajuwon and Moses Malone helped the Houston Rockets make their mark on the NBA at large. As the Draft approached, the Rockets kept that trend going by using their No. 1 overall pick in that draft to think big again.

On June 27, , the Rockets made Yao Ming the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft. He became the highest Draft pick to come directly from an international league, previously starring with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association.

As a rookie, Yao averaged points, rebounds and blocks as Houston went He was an All-Star starter in , marking the first of seven straight All-Star Game appearances.

Although injuries slowed him throughout his career, Yao became a Hall of Famer in He had his No. 11 jersey retired by the Rockets in after averaging 19 points, rebounds and blocks per game in his NBA career.

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More Legendary Moments

As soon as he bought the cash-strapped Shanghai Sharks, Yao Ming(notes) was pressured into a most defensive declaration: This wasn't done as a retirement toy, but born of obligation to his hometown team. That's how it goes for him now. That's the reality of his every move. All across the world, the fears that Yao never plays basketball again are real and justified.

The Houston Rockets are counting on an innovative and complicated surgical procedure to repair the hairline fracture in his left foot. They hope it'll ultimately create a base for his body that'll withstand the unprecedented pounding delivered beneath his 7-foot, 6-inch frame. Nevertheless, Yao will miss next season and Houston officials operate with private doubts he'll ever be a sturdy player again.

They won't say this, because it does no good for Yao's rehabilitation and the psyche of the Rockets faithful. Whatever happens, this has turned into one of the sport's saddest stories. Yes, it's reminiscent of Bill Walton'

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