Yao Ming calls time on his NBA career; Ends a Dynasty – NBA Update
The Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming, one of the most famous basketball players in the world, has reportedly decided to hang up his boots. Various sources, including those affiliated with the NBA, are confirming that Yao indeed
will not feature again in an NBA game.
The 7-foot-6 centre became an instant star when he was drafted by the Houston Rockets back in 2002 as the 1st overall pick. Ming became the face of the league in Asia, especially in his home country of China where he
enjoys legendary status.
Yao became the first Asian player to make it big in the NBA and paved the way for many Chinese and Asian players to come and play in the league. His popularity and talent was such that Yao was voted onto the NBA All-Star team in
his rookie year, a feat only equalled by Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers since then.
Yao has been fighting with injuries for a few years now and earlier indicated that he had grown tired of making comebacks time and again. Yao’s health became a major concern for his family and himself since the player became a
father in 2009. Back then, he stated that it was important for him to know his limits and not confine himself to crutches by overdoing it in basketball.
"I can only try so many times. I want to be able to run around and play with my child, not always wear a cast and use these crutches."
The last season Yao only featured in 5 games and he has now seemingly failed to recover from the ankle injury that has kept him out.
The player reportedly has already informed of his decision to the NBA and the Houston Rockets.
Ming holds a special place in the hearts of NBA fans in general and Houston Rockets fans in particular. He was a real credit to the game and one of the most likeable athletes in the league. He was also a genuine star and one of
the best centres to play in recent times, when fit. Yao had an all round game with a touch of finesse that not many his size can boast.
For some time, Yao was arguably the best centre in the world, with Shaquille O’Neal on the wane and Dwight Howard not yet peaking. Despite his injuries, he was a very valuable asset to the NBA in the 9 years that he played here,
averaging 19.1 points and 9.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.
His retirement is sure to be met with sadness and disdain of NBA faithful around the world.