As the top pick of the Houston Rockets in the 2002 NBA draft Yao Ming only played a total of nine years. While his stats may be impressive during his brief career his impact in the globalization of the NBA brand is unparalleled. Ming finished with career averages of 19.0 points and 9.2 rebounds, including two seasons when he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds. He retires sixth in Rockets history in points (9,247) and rebounds (4,494), and trails only Hakeem Olajuwon in blocks. During the first seven seasons of his career no center scored more points than Yao who at the same time was able to rank in the top four at the position in rebounds, blocks, and field goals. While there is no such thing as the “NBA Hall of Fame” the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is not linked specifically with the American pro league. It also honors international players, amateurs, women, coaches, contributors and referees. The criteria to gain admittance in the Basketball Hall of Fame...
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