Yao Ming Officially Announces Retirement

Wednesday, in his hometown of Shanghai, Yao Ming officially announced the he was retiring from basketball. Through relatively young for retirement at 30 years old, Yao has missed plenty of games in the past few seasons with foot and leg injuries.

Yao spent his entire NBA career playing for the Houston Rockets after they drafted him in 2002. The 7'6" center was easily recognized due to his size and was voted to eight All-Star games based on performance and the incredible voting power of his fans in China.

Through his career Yao averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds per game but his largest impact may have come in bringing the NBA to China. Since his arrival lucrative merchandise and TV deals have been established between the country and the NBA as it gained popularity.

As a member of the Chinese National Team Yao had a large following before coming to the NBA and was an ambassador for the country, carrying the Olympic torch through Tienanmen Square and holding the Chinese flag during the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics.