What if Yao Ming hadn’t been injured?
Possibly one of the greatest big man who would never reach his prime, Yao Ming is a name that still makes Rockets fans tear up slightly whenever it’s mentioned. The Chinese big man could’ve ushered in a new Ming Dynasty in Houston, if only he hadn’t succumb to so many injuries.
Ming would only end up playing in just 486 games over his 8 seasons, which averages out to 60 games a season. He would only play 2 full seasons (from 2002-2004) and in his last season, 2010-’11, he would only play in 5 games. Despite his short career, Ming was able to play at such a high level that he was voted into the Hall of Fame on September 9th, 2016 along with stars such as Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson. Ming averaged 19 points, nine rebounds, and almost two blocks with 52 percent shooting from the field and 83 percent free throw shooting.
If Ming had been able to keep playing, we would’ve seen him be a part of some huge Rockets moments, assuming he stayed in Houston, including being able to team with James Harden and possibly even Clint Capela.
With being drafted in 2002, we’d probably just now be looking at the end of a great run for Yao Ming, which almost certainly would’ve seen him cement his legacy as a Hall of Fame big. Still, it is nice knowing that he at least got the recognition he deserved, even if he had one of the shortest NBA careers in the Hall of Fame.