Ruined his basketball career. He's still out there doing some serious work, though. Starting a business, getting a degree and becoming a serious philanthropist. Just a special dude.
Was thinking the same as I read it... didn't even call him by name. But, I loved reading of his friendship with Steve and how Rudy eased him in that first year. Obviously shaped his outlook and brief NBA career. Loved watching the big wall play. Sad it was cut short. A great guy on the court and OBVIOUSLY off of it too.
Its sad how underrated and forgotten Yao has become. Obviously not among Rocket fans, but casual fans don't realize how impactful he really was. Some of my friends just see a fringe all-star who averaged 19/10 and didn't do anything in the playoffs. Yao's defensive numbers aren't really indicative of how good he was, because he flat out deterred players from coming near the paint. Blocks are kind of a skewed stat in that sense. Yao was a great defender, fantastic shooter and post game, underrated passer, intelligent, and perfect team player. You literally cannot ask for anything else. I really miss Yao. Him and JH would be a scary combo.
Yao never had issue with any player on Rockets for his entire career despite being a star. He considered team way above his own status. The culture has changed.
Yao is so close to be being my favorite Rocket ever. I cant say enough good stuff about him, makes me sad how soon he was taken off the court and I love fantasizing about what could have been... Yao vs Shaq https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaEHa_SXTNs
JVG said it best: Yao was as happy for his teammates success as much as his own. This article confirms that
Yao was a great player, but an even greater person. He was so humble that it almost obscured how good he really was. Yao was automatic from the line and up to 15 feet from the basket, at least it felt that way. He should have won a ring, and his best chance was his year with Artest. Rockets were just dominating the Lakers and if not for that dang foot injury in the playoffs, Rockets would have gone all the way. As for Steve, he needed a back court partner like Harden. Imagine a guy like Franchise playing alongside the Beard. It would have been a high flying offense and very little D. LOL.
