 After nine seasons, 7'6" Chinese NBA star Yao Ming has decided to call it quits, following several injury-riddled years, reports Yahoo! Sports.
Yao's contract had expired with the Houston Rockets after last season, where he played just five games after missing the entire 2009-2010 season. The team had missed the playoffs the last two seasons as well, while their star center sat on the bench recovering from injury.
During the most recent season, Yao suffered a stress fracture in his left ankle, and many doubted whether he could return ... and it seems it won't happen.
He underwent surgery in January, then months later, Yao said his surgically repaired left ankle was healing properly. However, he said he wouldn't know until this summer if he'd be able to play again.
At press time, Yao and/or the Rockets have yet to make an official statement.
Yao's injuries have kept him from reaching his full potential. Some -- including his teammates -- felt he could've progressed into one of the greatest centers in the league's history.
"If he was never injured, he would have been one of the greatest centers ever," former Rocket's teammate Rafer Alston told Yahoo!. "You can't guard him. You had to foul him. He's 7-6, so he has a height advantage. He had the jump hook over the shoulder.
"If he was healthy, we would have gone far. He would have been one of the greatest centers of all-time if he was healthy."
During his seven-plus seasons, Yao averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds a game.
With Yao's departure, the NBA loses one of its few remaining center stars, following Shaquille O'Neal's retirement announcement in early June.
Shaq congratulated the Chinese pro in an online video post.
"We're going to miss you, bro," O'Neal said. "You're one of the greatest players ever to come out of China. You're one of the greatest players, period. I'm going to miss you, brother. Enjoy retirement. Let's go on vacation, bro. Me and you."
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