NBA team Houston Rockets are set to retire Yao Ming's No. 11 jersey in a halftime ceremony on Friday night (Sautrday AEDT) when they host the Chicago Bulls.
The first time Ming ever watched an NBA game as a young boy in China, he wondered why there were jerseys hanging in the rafters.
"The cameras randomly gave a shot of the retired jerseys," Yao said. "I slowly realised over time that's the highest honour a player can achieve for themselves and for the team.
"I will always ask myself, 'What is the story behind it?' I hope people see the jersey there and remember the story. Not just myself, but my teammates, my opponents, we put a story together."
A 7-foot-6 centre from Shanghai, Yao was the top overall draft pick in 2002 and was an eight-time All-Star, playing nine seasons in Houston before retiring in 2011 because of mounting issues with injuries. He averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks a game and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in September.
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