Leslie Alexander: Rockets will retire Yao Ming's number

He wasn't HOF "ability-wise" player...? This phrasing reads as if you're doubting his potential to be a HOF player... He very well could have been...

He averaged over 25ppg 9rbs and 2 blocked shots a game in the 2005-06 season, and sustained that average in points, to go with 10rbs a game in the playoffs of that year... The previous year and following year he was at 22ppg 10rbs and 2 blocks a game, while battling injuries and triple team defenses... He was finally coming into his own at the same time that injuries were starting to sideline his career, when they finally took it's toll on his body the 2008-09 season, the year where he battled back to come back in the playoffs against the Lakers only to see the end of his career during the following season where he was averaging 10-5-1.6 a game while playing only 18mpg...

The man could bang down low with the best of them (when allowed to by the referees) or finesse around defenders at 7'4 with up-and-unders, and a pseudo-dreamshake... He could also step out and nail a 15 footer... He's one of the best free-throw shooting centers in league history... a rare feat in itself...

He didn't make those all-star games on his ethnicity alone... otherwise Yi Jianlian would've had several appearances... He certainly didn't make all those All-NBA teams with the so-called "Chinese vote"...

Shaq himself, ego and all, said Yao in his estimation would've been a top 5 center of all time if not for injuries...

He did all this under intense media scrutiny... as the first hyped, and successful Chinese born NBA player...

Yes he had HOF potential "ability wise"... and yes he deserves to have his jersey retired...

 

Probably earned Les the most money by a player ever. That's why he is retiring Yao's number.

 

I approve.

 

He was the most famous basketball player on the world g

 

Let's retire Elvin Hayes San Diego #11, Vernon Maxwell championship #11 and Yao Ming current #11 at the same time.

 

Watch Cuban step in and retire it first ... smh.

 

Ming is one of the all time Rocket greats imo. He deserves it, great for him!

 

while other teams are thinking about improving, les is focused on something else...

 

this is all some ruse...

Yao has secretly been recovering in some secluded Chinese laboratory, whilst they have been replacing adamantium with his brittle human bone.

Dont let his most recent photos fool you...they don't actually depict a national celebrity who has finally let himself over-indulge after a life of honor and service...nay, merely a byproudt of the bloating from all of his top secret procedures.

He is a hero who has to live a lie...until we are ready

No doubt he will rip off whatever pin striped suit jacket he may be wearing that night and unveil a custom fitted ketchup and mustard #11 jersey, emboldened by the taught outline of his engineered adamantium chest.

You heard it here first folks...I'm an insider.

 

Retire Mac with Yao, only right.

 

Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Gosh, I miss them very much. Good times.

 

Why Tracy..? He had his best years in Orlando... Yao was a career Rocket...

 

Guys.... its a hoax.... its been 2 years since Les approve it.

 

Don't retire Mac i don't think, but Yao was screwed by docs. Alot of unfulfilled potential with Mac.

 

Tracy McGrady quit on the team near the end of his stint here...

 

Still part of the 22 game win streak and the unforgettable 13 in 33.

Past is the past, I'll still love to see it happen.

 

Canaan wears #1, before that others like Terrence Williams

on the other hand, nobody has worn #11 since Yao left


the smart people can figure out who's NOT getting their number retired.

 

Rookie TOFs think McGrady is getting his number retired?



I hope you can figure it out, it might take you to use your little brain

 

#11 isn't really a common #, but I can see the point.

 

Wait, what?