not an elite athlete? since when do they judge people in HOF based on that? Yao is the most athletic player in NBA history at 7'5/7'6. nobody at that height is more athletic than he is.
I think Deke and Yao for both locks for the HOF, not only for their contributions on the court, and also for the international impact they've had upon the NBA and the world.
He is the first Asian player to properly compete in the nba. Doesnt matter if he continues his downward trajectory. That Draco dude made it and i dont ever remember him playing in the nba. Yao is more than a player. he is a diplomat.
if he wins a title he will be a shoe in. if he puts up 20/10/2 for the 3 years he'll probably make it as well. right now, i don't think he makes it but he's still got about 5 years to go before the end of his career.
He has put up good numbers in his career as well as having a profound international influence and reach, taking basketball in China to new heights. He will be in the HOF for both reasons.
