On the court he hasn't really contributed much in terms of playoff victories and such... but I think his impact off the court really deserves some recognition. He also spurred the globalization of the NBA in China.
That gets players little exhibits at the HOF in springfield... it doesn't induce a player to be inducted as an individual. It also doesn't lead to jersey retirement (unless you're a franchise that has done nothing, and you're desperate for a "jersey retirement" night)
i definitely believe it's a positive answer for this question. look what Yao have done for the Rockets City, look at the impact he got from the whole world. Houston has been building a team around Yao for at least 6 years, when they decided to trade SF3. They centered Yao as the pillar for Rockets. I definitely believe his jersey will remian above the rim.
For those fans who love Yao, so what if his number is not retired? Yao is a humble person. My guess is he would say he doesn't deserve it, at least up to this point. He once said he is not good enough to tie shoe laces for the Dream. Dream is humble too. I see the spiritual connection between the two. For me, that's more important and good enough. The torch is carried on.
