Regardless of hypothetical scenarios, Ming's actual influence went beyond the game. When he entered the NBA as the first overall pick in 2002, Yao became the face of basketball in China ...

Latest, greatest stop? Live-in translator for Yao Ming. All before his 30th birthday. No one has a better view of Yao Ming's rookie season than Colin Pine, top. "I adapt to new circumstances ...

In just half a season, Yao Ming has lived up to high expectations as the No. 1 overall pick. Shawn Bradley, from Harris' Mavericks and from his 7-6 perch, is in his 10th season of chafing from ...

NBA star Yao Ming, architect Yoshio Taniguchi, and other dignitaries break ground for the Asia Society Texas Center on May 15, 2008. (Richard J. Carson/Asia Society) In the summer of 2002, when the ...