"In terms of opening up doors for Chinese basketball players to come to the NBA, or for the youth here in China to believe that it's possible to achieve the dream of being an NBA player, all that started from Yao," Yao played eight seasons in the NBA, but missed an estimated 250 regular-season games the past six years. ""His dominant play and endearing demeanor along with his extensive humanitarian efforts have made him an international fan favorite and provided an extraordinary bridge between basketball fans in the United States and China," Stern said.Basketball gained a foothold in the world's most populous nation through TV broadcasts and media coverage of Yao, while attendance at Rockets games increased 55 percent after he joined the team. He had surgery in January, and was lost again for the season.Yao had played six years with the Chinese national team before joining the Rockets, and was already a star in his home country. "This is a sad day for me as well as the entire Houston Rockets organization," Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said in a statement.
After helping pro basketball gain a foothold in the world's most populous market, Chinese star Yao Ming has retired. He already owns the club and wants to contribute more. "Yao Ming was a great basketball player, but he's distinguished himself as an even better person. All market data delayed 20 minutes. "Houston general manager Daryl Morey attended the farewell conference after getting permission from the NBA because the lockout prohibits contact with players.He said he was tired from the long trip, but "I would be sorry if I wasn't here.
"Despite news of Yao's pending retirement being out for several weeks, the actual announcement was treated with the pomp that Yao's appearances in China bring. All market data delayed 20 minutes. But one door is closing and another one is opening. "Ming xie," it said in large Chinese characters that, loosely translated, mean "Yao, with teary eyes at times and dressed in an equally somber black suit, closed the book Wednesday on his eight-year career with the "My past six months were an agonizing wait. I hope I can do something for it," Yao said.Yao's wife, Ye Li, and their 14-month-old daughter, Yao Qinlei, and Yao's parents, Yao Zhiyuan and Fang Fengdi, were in the room. I had been thinking (about my future) over and over. He plans to continue his philanthropic work with his Yao Foundation.NBA Commissioner David Stern sent a message via video link. Houston Rockets' legend Yao Ming had his jersey retired this evening. The NBA's version of the Ming Dynasty is done. Media were asked to sign up weeks in advance for the conference and show up two hours early to pass through airport-style security checks.The Grand Shanghai Ballroom was crammed at the back with dozens of television cameras and black-suited security men outnumbered the hundreds of media. Qinlei was dressed in a red qipao, a traditional Chinese dress.He later appeared with his family on the stage to the applause and cheers of the crowd.Yao entered the Grand Shanghai Ballroom after the master of ceremonies led a countdown to his arrival, months after his last game.
11 jersey was retired by the club in a ceremony in Houston. I hope we can continue his culture in the NBA. Check out the entire halftime ceremony dedicated to the Chinese center! "Yao had a sense of humor, a great attitude and sense of working together. More importantly, his impact expanded the NBA's influence in Asia into lucrative merchandise sales and TV ratings.After his rookie season, Yao helped the Rockets reach the playoffs in the next two seasons.Yao played in 77 games in the 2008-09 season, when Houston reach the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1997.But Yao broke his left foot in a playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers, and underwent complex surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2009-10 season. or redistributed.
"Thank you.
He carried the Olympic torch through Tiananmen Square and his country's flag during the opening ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. "Yao ranks second in Rockets history in blocks (920), sixth in total points (9,247) and sixth in total rebounds (4,494). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, "Yao Ming has been a transformational player and a testament to the globalization of our game," Stern said in a statement. "I had to leave the court since I suffered a stress fracture in my left foot for the third time at the end of last year.
"Yao said he will return to work with his former Chinese team, the Shanghai Sharks, with the possibility of becoming general manager. He also donated $2 million and set up a foundation to rebuild schools in the wake of the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. After helping pro basketball gain a foothold in the world's most populous market, Chinese star Yao Ming has retired. My past six months were an agonizing wait. And he became the most recognizable face -- usually smiling -- of any athlete in Asia. He donated $2 million and set up a charity to rebuild schools in the wake of the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan. "My playing career started with the club. From the moment he arrived in Houston with unprecedented expectations, he handled himself with poise, dignity, purpose and pride well beyond his years. ""It's a big moment," Morey said. He said he had no immediate plans to start his own clothing or athletic equipment lines, either, but didn't rule it out in the future.Yao's contract expired after last season, and the Rockets said they were interested in re-signing him if he came back healthy. ©2020 FOX News Network, LLC. I hope we can continue his culture in the NBA.