Yao Ming: NBA put me in Hall of Fame 10 years too early – and sport in China is decades behind US
Chinese basketball superstar admits even he was surprised by his induction after criticism in US media
Chinese basketball star Yao Ming has admitted even he was surprised by his early induction into the NBA’s Hall of Fame, saying it came 10 years too early.
The former Houston Rockets star was inducted this year, prompting some critics to suggest his inclusion was pandering to the China market.
In an interview with American TV show "In Depth With Graham Bensinger", Yao admitted he did not feel he belonged in the same class as fellow inductees Shaquille O’Neal and Allan Iverson.
“Somebody else voted for me,” said Yao of the criticism. “And it reflected me back to… the first time I was selected as starting in the All-Star Game. And everybody said Shaq should deserve that and not Yao. And I agree with that, but it’s not my choice. It’s like that…
“Honestly [the Hall of Fame election] is a surprise … I think maybe I can play until 36, instead of being elected for the Hall of Fame at 36 years old.