I wonder if the team could put up a special banner for all the players that have come and gone over the years that were integral to a team's success, but didn't necessarily earn the honor of their jersey's being retired. Yao would fit that bill perfectly. A special banner for the workhorses and special players in the fans heart that didn't put up hall of fame numbers per se. A banner of player names, in which you can only be added by fan vote.
I don't think there's any question his jersey will be retired. Feigan was on the radio this afternoon and said if it makes people feel good than go ahead and do it. Similar reasons as to why Clyde's jersey was retired even though it was only 3.5 years here.
Would be a nice gesture. He made a huge impact for the little time he dominated. His global impact was significant.
Absolutely his jersey is retired... Yao is #11 in Houston, period... Yao and his #11 Houston Rockets jersey are known worldwide which was important for basketball in general. This is why he will also be in the HOF... It's the Hall of FAME, not Hall of Playing, though I would argue when healthy he was one of the greats of all time. Shaq seconds that...
Probably so for what he meant to the city of Houston as a global icon. As just a basketball player, not so much (though he was great while he lasted).
Yao will have his jersey retired, there is simply NO DOUBT to that. Some writers (like Chris Mannix) have even suggested Yao is a HOF'er for his contributions to opening up the NBA game on a global level. So that prompts me to ask this: Does Yao deserve a statue? I actually think Yes. His global contributions to this franchise and the NBA are immeasurable
I disagree with that suggestion. If a player transcended the sport then I think he deserves the honor of having his jersey hung from the rafters. There is no question that Yao transcended the sport.
My initial reaction is no. No 'ships. No deep playoff runs. No MVP seasons. He is a great guy and an icon. But as a player I just don't think he was great enough.
And Tmac actually had chance to have jersey retied on two teams if he didn't blow up the relationship with management.
Jerseys too. On court, Yao is #5 at Win share ranking in Rcoekts history, 2nd most all star selections as a Rocket in Rockets history. A lifetime Rocket. Off the court, biggest impact to Rockets organization in Rockets history. Deserves a statue in that area. Just can't see any case his number won't get retired.
