Yao Ming's Houston Rockets No. 11 Jersey FULL Retirement Ceremony (2017)
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Published 2017-02-03
Ming played seven seasons in the NBA before missing the 2009 season because of injury, and subsequently missing all but five games in the 2010 season. He retired shortly after because of injuries.
The 7-foot-6 center was an eight-time All-Star, and is one of two players to be voted in as a starter every season of his career. He averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks for his career and was one of the most dominant big men of his generation.
Yao blazed a unique trail. He became the first player drafted No. 1 overall despite not playing in college. And he walked that trail successfully, being enshrined into the Hall of Fame with Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson last year.
"As a basketball player he's one of the best," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said via ESPN. "He presented something you don't really see every day, 7-6 of an unbelievable talent and knowledge of the game.
"When you get to know him, which I have the last year or so, he's a funny guy, a great locker room guy, he added so much to the game. He's a pioneer and what they're doing tonight is great and being in the Hall of Fame is even better. But he deserved everything, if not more."
Former Rockets teammates Tracy McGrady and Dikembe Mutombo were on hand, as were former Rockets stars Hakeem Olajuwon and Calvin Murphy.
All Comments (21)
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A short story behind Yao's jersey number: Yao chose number 11, because that was the jersey number of his girlfriend Ye Li then . (He wore number 15 for Shanghai Sharks before moving to NBA). 6'3'' Ye Li played center for her national team and attended the 2004 Olympics. Moreover number 11 resembles "YY" which combined the initials of this basketball couple Yao&Ye. Yao even printed "YY-11" on the back of his BMW that he used in Houston. Yao chased this girl for almost half a year until she agreed to start their first date in 2000. Ye Li was Yao's first love and the only love. They got married in 2007. Their daughter Amy was born 2010. Great athlete. Sweet couple. Beautiful family.
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Yao is a cheat code in 2k17
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I remember thinking Yao Ming was unstoppable as a kid
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nightmare for warriors if he is playing...
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Yao was such a nice person, a great teammate, and a dominate center. He is the true embodiment of all the great things about Chinese culture. So proud of him for what he has accomplished. One cannot imagine the immense pressure and expectation Yao had faced when he first joined the NBA. Yao is an icon. Will be remembered as one of greatest player that has huge impact on the game
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He still has a big influence on the Houston franchise. Look at the Rockets uniform design and logo.
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The only C that was able to hang with Shaq and even get the best of him at times in their primes..
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It is a pity that Yao and Tmac got so many injuries. Both of em r powerful players. They deserve a championship.
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Yao Ming, thank you for all you've done for this city!
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That story about the $2 really touched me! Yao Ming was not just a great basketball player, he is an even better human being!
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Olajuwon is so bad ass he has to stand up twice......
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Yao is so overwhelmed at the beginning of his speech, almost got him smashed. #Proud
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Great Yao, can't wait to play him in 2k18 legend team
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t-mac and yao were the great duo that never was. if those guys stay healthy they win a title. maybe multiple.
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Well deserved,he is a legend.He is our Chinese people's pride!!
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Bruh, Yao's dad is 6'7" and mom is 6'3", imagine how tall his daughter is gona be with a 7'6" dad and 6'4" mother. even crazy is if he had a son. hes probably gona be 8 feet tall or something
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He is legendary!
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I'm glad that Yao has been recognized for what he's done on and off the court. A very heartfelt speech. Truly a shame his career had to be cut short. ~ Kido
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fucking awesome. Proud of Shanghai and Proud of China!!!
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Congratulations Yao. well deserved. Hakeem 'the dream' Olajuwon. My man
