Basketball Hall of Famer Yao Ming speaking with reporters in Beijing circa 2002. Photo: AFP
China still searching for next Yao Ming, 20 years after NBA debut
- No Chinese player has come close to matching Yao’s achievements, and the prospect appears even less likely amid simmering tensions between Beijing and Washington
- The son of two former basketball pros, Yao cut his teeth with Shanghai Sharks before joining the Rockets as their first pick in the 2002 NBA draft
Basketball Hall of Famer Yao Ming speaking with reporters in Beijing circa 2002. Photo: AFP