Yao Ming (Chinese: 姚明; born September 12, 1980) is a Chinese basketball executive and former professional player. He played for the Shanghai Sharks (CBA) and Houston Rockets (NBA). A 8-time NBA All-Star, he was named to the All-NBA Team five times. At 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m), he was the NBA’s tallest active player in his final season.
First overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, he led the Rockets to a 2009 playoff series win. Injuries forced his 2011 retirement. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2016), he became CBA chairman (2017).
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Yao Ming Net Worth
Yao Ming has a net worth of $160 million. He played for the Shanghai Sharks and Houston Rockets, standing 7 feet 6 inches tall as the NBA’s tallest active player in his final season.
On November 9, 2007, 200 million people in China watched him face Yi Jianlian and the Milwaukee Bucks, making it one of the most-watched NBA games ever. An eight-time All-Star, he totaled 9,247 points, 4,494 rebounds, and 920 blocks. He earned $93 million in NBA salary, peaking at $17.6 million in his final season.
Early Life
Yao Ming was born on September 12, 1980, in Shanghai, China. He is the only child of Yao Zhiyuan (6’7″, 2.01 m) and Fang Fengdi (6’3″, 1.91 m), both former professional basketball players. At 11 pounds (5.0 kg), he weighed twice the average Chinese newborn.
At age nine, he began playing basketball and attended a junior sports school. By age ten, he was 5’5″ (1.65 m). Sports doctors predicted he would grow to 7’3″ (2.21 m), eventually surpassing that height.
Career
Yao Ming tried out for the Shanghai Sharks’ junior team at age 13, practicing 10 hours daily for acceptance. After four years, he joined the Sharks’ senior team, averaging 10 points and 8 rebounds as a rookie. A foot injury in his second season reduced his jumping ability by 4–6 inches (10–15 cm).
The Sharks lost two CBA Finals to the Bayi Rockets before winning their first CBA championship. In his final season, Yao averaged 38.9 points, 20.2 rebounds, and shot 76.6%, making 21 consecutive shots in one game.
Personal life
Yao Ming entered the 2002 NBA Draft, studied English for two years, and liked Star Wars but disliked hip hop. He met Ye Li at 17, and they married on August 6, 2007. Their daughter, Yao Qinlei (Amy), was born on May 21, 2010, in Houston, Texas.
Yao co-wrote Yao: A Life in Two Worlds and was featured in The Year of the Yao. He earned an economics degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2018). In 2016, he founded Yao Family Wines, earning high praise from Robert M. Parker Jr.
Does Yao Ming speak English?
At the start of his NBA career, Yao Ming understood reporters’ questions but felt uncomfortable responding in English, often relying on a translator. After years of dedication, his English has significantly improved, and he is now close to mastering the language.
Conclusion
Yao Ming’s journey from a basketball prodigy to a global icon is remarkable. His impact extends beyond the court, influencing sports, business, conservation, and philanthropy.
FAQs About Yao Ming
- What is Yao Ming’s height?
- Yao Ming stands at 7 feet 6 inches.
- How many times was Yao Ming an NBA All-Star?
- Yao Ming was an eight-time NBA All-Star.
- What is Yao Ming’s most notable contribution to conservation?
- His work with WildAid to reduce shark fin soup consumption in China.
- What role does Yao Ming play in Chinese basketball post-retirement?
- He is the president of the Chinese Basketball Association.
- How has Yao Ming influenced China-U.S. relations?
- Yao’s success in the NBA and his various engagements have helped bridge cultural and sporting ties between China and the U.S.
