Yao Ming career is over, officially files retirement papers with the NBA

[vyomguy]

A true giant of the game is no more. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! is reporting that Yao Ming has officially filed retirement papers with the NBA league office. Yao has battled a bevy of injuries to his body throughout his career. During the past season, Yao was only able to play 5 games before undergoing additional surgery. His career will be celebrated for its' impact off the basketball court, opening up the game of basketball to the Asian market.

[Deuce]

Yao Ming retired.

About time. Odon will be next.

[onlooker]

About damn time.

I agree with Deuce. Oden won't play much in the NBA.

[jjgold]

He could of been great without injuries and would of won at least one title

I guess body just oo big

[CMNoney]

He could of been great without injuries and would of won at least one title I guess body just oo big

Indeed. Only 486 career games played. After the 08-09 season it looked like he was back. Sad news.

[topgame85]

As a Rockets fan I knew it would come to this, still glad to have had him though.

[tony_come]

Avg. Big man

didn't win the big one

he's Chinese

next

[Dad]

God willing, he can just relax now and not have the burden of a nation on his back.

[mw00]

china overused him..too bad. couldve been one of best offensive centers ever in nba

[The_Kid]

china overused him..too bad. couldve been one of best offensive centers ever in nba

Agreed. His lower body couldn't take the pounding.

[Tilt360]

I guess Andrew Byum will be an ALL-Star this year.

[crustyme]

only player over 7'2" that lived up to the hype.

[Brock Landers]

Report: Yao Ming to retire from NBA

Yahoo Sports reports: Houston Rockets center Yao Ming will retire from the NBA after eight injury-plagued seasons, Yahoo Sports Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
The 7-6 center was instrumental in spreading the NBA's popularity in his native China. The former No. 1 overall pick averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds a game.

[james4512]

frees up a lot of cap room for the rockets now

[seaborneq]

Could have played 20-25 minutes a game with a good coach or as a backup, but the smart asses of the NBA think a big man needs to play 40 minutes a game.

[Brock Landers]

the guy was unstoppable at times, just so huge

[Stacocakes]

Still young sad to see. The best thing to do though because he couldn't get out of bed without getting injured. Throw Oden into the mix as well I agree

[BigBurk]

Always sucks to lose a player like Yao. Will be missed on court as well as off court.

[RoagBettor]

Yao really energized this city when he was drafted, and he played his heart out every game. You could see the frustration on his face as he was learning, and also the joy when he became truly great in several aspects of the game (especially offensively). He ignited not only the Asian community here in Houston (and in China), but also most Rockets fans. Sure, he was still criticized by many for his skills (or lack thereof), but he lived up to expectations in his short career. And as a human being, none of his critics can argue what type of person he truly is.

I hope to see him more often at his restaurant and wish him the very best in life as he goes forward.

[will2survive]

Great big man with untapped potential. This is very disappointing. Greg Oden doesn't deserve to be put in the same class as Yao Ming. Ming was an established star

[neverstoppers23]

That is some sad news, poor rockets just a years short years ago had T-mac and Yao Ming looking like they were going to make some things happen. Poor Ming, he was great at times. One of the best when he was at his best.

[Louisvillekid1]

sucks, dude had serious skills

[danso]

Yeah with the lockout abound, he might as well hang em up sooner than later

[Cannon]

WOW no more YAO. He will join the Circus next..........

[MB]

Expected news. NBA takes a big hit today. They definitely have to come to an agreement and have a season now. Can't afford to lose Yao AND the season

[Holtgetsback]

Great player and better person

Yao will be missed

[hels]

He played wayyyyy to many minutes and after getting injured it was just a downhill slide after that. It's unfortunate that he's done but it was coming sooner than later.

[Mr KLC]

Being a Rocket fan, I can only think what could of been. When Yao was playing, he was definitely on. He was great in the Houston community, and he made a lot of new NBA fans in China.

[thunderingherd23]

really sad....he was such a good player and such a good man....he was so nice...represented China so well

[lolbear]

as a chinese fellow, i am so happy to see how everyone appreciates the big man so much (aside from a troll or two which is bound to happen). let's not forget the man played through a broken foot in the playoffs that winded up causing his career. for those who call the man soft please reevaluate your definition because the man has a heart of steel. he might be way worse in terms of skills compared to guys like lebron and carmelo (offensively anyway), but his heart has always been bigger than theirs, he was never a distraction to the team, and was always a pleasant player to watch whether or not you are a rockets fan.

this is a huge blow to the NBA, as we have lost one of the best representative of the game, one who shows more than just the flashy side of basketball

[Doug]

He seemed to add something to the game instead of take away like most.

[tofuman]

sad to see him go

[AribaAriba]

i remember him having an mvp type of year and he had this stupid injury that eventually ended his career. His post up moves in the paint is always a pleasure to watch, sad day for the fans.

[scholesy]

he will be missed, was hoping to see him play again next season if there is one

[Naz18]

That sucks I always like Yao, thought he didn't get the respect he deserves when he was the best center in the game for a few seasons.