Famous Basketball Player Yao Ming

Everyone in China knows Yao Ming. Dubbed the “Moving Great Wall”, the 7-foot 6-inch (2.29-meter) Chinese basketball legend played for the Houston Rockets of the NBA from 2002 to 2011. With his soft shooting touch and deft passing skill, he earned all-star honors in eight of the nine seasons representing the Rockets.

And his impact on basketball culture extended far past his on-court accomplishments. A media favorite, Yao was a pitchman for numerous companies and was the focus of the NBA’s efforts to popularize the league around the globe.

In 2016, Yao Ming was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame, alongside Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson. Currently, he is the chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association.