Yao Ming on Jersey Retirement: ‘Happened Too Soon’

Drafted No. 1 overall in 2002, Yao played an integral role in helping the NBA become a global enterprise in China. Now, following a nine-year career that was cut short by foot injuries, Yao will have his No. 11 jersey retired Feb. 2, when the Rockets host the Atlanta Hawks.

“Jersey retired?” Yao said at a news conference officially announcing the event. “It just happened too soon. It’s something I couldn’t have dreamed of. I appreciate everything Houston did for me, the opportunity to come over here and play.” This has been a special year for the center, given that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame last month.

Source: Calvin Watkins of ESPN