Houston Rockets legend Yao Ming, one of the most iconic international figures in NBA history, revolutionized the center position with a rare blend of size, skill, and grace. A Hall of Famer and global ambassador for the game, Yao left a lasting impact both on and off the court. Now, he’s revealed the player he considers the greatest of all time—and it’s none other than a fellow Rockets legend.
According to the official website of the Olympic Games, Yao has long idolized Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, the Hall of Fame center who led the Rockets to two NBA titles in the 1990s. “His idol was Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon, the mega star center who played for… the Houston Rockets, the club Yao Ming would go on to play for. In fact, he had basically predicted his entire career,” reads the Olympics’ official tribute to Yao.
The admiration is well documented. Olajuwon wasn’t just an idol—he was a direct inspiration. When Yao made his NBA debut, it happened to coincide with a major moment in Rockets history. “I remember my first game for the Rockets was when we retired his [Olajuwon’s] jersey,” Yao told ABC News in a 2017 interview. “We watched it in the locker room, and I remember saying that was motivation to play hard.”
A journey that changed basketball
Born in Shanghai in 1980, Yao began his professional career with the Shanghai Sharks, quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest talents in Asian basketball. Standing at 7-foot-6 (2.29 meters), he combined size with a unique blend of touch, footwork, and basketball IQ. He led the Sharks to a Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) championship before drawing the attention of NBA scouts worldwide.
In 2002, Yao made history as the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, selected by the Houston Rockets. He became the first international player ever drafted first overall without prior college or professional experience in the U.S. From the start, Yao captivated fans with his polished post moves, soft shooting touch, and poise on the court. He quickly earned the respect of NBA peers, including Shaquille O’Neal, with whom he shared some of the most memorable battles of the early 2000s.
Over the course of his eight-year NBA career, Yao was named to eight All-Star teams and averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. But his legacy extends far beyond the box score. Yao served as a cultural bridge between China and the United States, drawing millions of new fans to the NBA and playing a pivotal role in globalizing the sport.
Yao’s final steps
Though his career was cut short by a series of foot and ankle injuries—forcing him into retirement in 2011 at age 30—his influence never faded. In 2016, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Today, he continues to shape the future of the sport as president of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Yao’s story remains a powerful testament to resilience, cultural impact, and the global power of basketball—and his reverence for Hakeem Olajuwon speaks to the lineage of greatness that defines the Rockets franchise.