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Yao Ming

Rockets Prime (2006-08) · 2006–2008

7'6"
310 lbs
2002 Pick #1 (Houston)
2002-2011
Houston Rockets
Skill ScoreHow you win — in-game attributes
69/99
All-Star Caliber

Ming's strong Inside Scoring (88) and strong Defense (82) define this era.

Legacy ScoreCareer dominance — record, titles, defenses
12/99
Prospect
All-Star (8) +10All-NBA 2nd/3rd (2) +2

Trophy Case

8×All-Star

2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011

8 selections — opened the door for international big men

2×All-NBA Second Team

2007, 2009

2 selections — the most skilled 7'6" player in NBA history

Signature Moments

The #1 Pick — China Meets the NBA

June 26, 2002·vs vs NBA

Yao was the first international player selected #1 overall without any US college experience. He was 7'6" and brought 1.3 billion Chinese fans to the NBA overnight. The league's global expansion is directly tied to Yao Ming.

He made the NBA a global league. China started watching basketball because of Yao Ming. The most impactful draft pick in NBA business history.

The Shaq Rivalry — "Tell Yao Ming, Ching Chong"

2002-2009·vs vs Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq made a racially insensitive joke about Yao before their first meeting. Yao responded by scoring 10 points in the first quarter and dominating. The Yao-Shaq matchups became must-see TV. Yao's dominance earned Shaq's genuine respect and friendship.

He answered trash talk with dominance. Yao Ming didn't need to say a word — his game spoke for him. He earned the respect of the most dominant center alive.

Career Numbers

Blocks Per Game

1.9

Career Games

Career cut short by foot injuries — peak was HOF-level

486

Field Goal %

.526

Points Per Game

Career average across 486 games

19.0

Rebounds Per Game

9.2

Verified Feb 2026

Season Stats · Rockets Prime (2006-08)

Blocks Per GameBasketball Reference
2
Points Per GameBasketball Reference
25
Rebounds Per GameBasketball Reference
9.4

Engine Attributes

Defense82
Stamina55
Playmaking52
Inside Scoring88
Scoring78
Shot Creation62
Ball Security78
Versatility58
Skill Score
69/99
All-Star Caliber
Legacy
12/99
Prospect

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