Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets honor Yao Ming with jersey retirement ceremony

Published Feb. 3, 2017 10:23 p.m. ET

Rob Perez

It is not out of the question to say Yao Ming is one of, if not the most important players in NBA history. In 2002, Yao was drafted by the Houston Rockets from China; he not only finished his career as an eight-time All-Star, five-time all-NBA player and an inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame — he's the most popular basketball ambassador from the continent of Asia.

On Friday night, during halftime of the Houston Rockets' home game vs. the Chicago Bulls, Yao was honored by the Rockets franchise by having his jersey retired and hung in the Toyota Center rafters:

In attendance for the ceremony, in addition to Rockets front office executives, were some of Yao's former teammates: Shane Battier, Dikembe Mutombo, Tracy McGrady, and the great Hakeem Olajuwon.

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/827701846055608320

Before the jersey was revealed, Yao spoke for several minutes about his career and the importance of the game of basketball to him, his home country, and worldwide:

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/827707886570582016

Got in a well-timed joke at T-Mac's expense:

https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/827710793554751488

Even James Harden couldn't help but hug the guy:

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/827709445924851713

Congratulations to Yao on the world-changing accomplishments completed during his nine seasons in the NBA. Soak it in, big guy. You deserve it.