When any of the legends left or retired from the Rockets nobody got their jersey. When McGrady left, tons of players have played #1, this is true with his former teams.
Are the Rockets going to retire his jersey on All-Star Weekend? If so, it would be a big honor for Yao. I hope that will happen.
he deserves it cuz he single-handedly made China luv basketball. theres a **** load of ppl in China! NBA made $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Its an owners decision it does not matter what fans think. Its like you telling me what jerseys I should hang on my wall.
At least back it up coward! He was the best center in the league for many years (Yes even better than Howard), was putting up great numbers, has been an all-star for many years (not just because of Chinese fans), had to overcome a lot of stereotypical, racist and mockery from everybody in the NBA(!), made the Rockets significant, was part of a 22 game winning streak that is still 2nd best in the NBA + he's humble, a gracious man who fought through every single injury and risked his career every time.
Congratulation big Yao. I am happy for you. 2009 playoff would had been your crowning achievement if not for the injury.
I think Yao deserves this. He made the Rockets relevant again. The Rockets gained millions of fans(and dollars), and he was an icon of the basketball world. That alone is enough for jersey retirement. Btw He should be in HOF too. It is the basketball HOF afterall.
his contributions to basketball and socio-political issues is more than enough to have his jersey retired imo
You also forgot to note they all played an extremely long time in the league and dwarf Yao's career stats. They all also won several more playoff series than Yao ever did.
Under normal circumstances, probably not. But Deke as an individual is an exception and I think they should. It was a memorable couple of years.
