Yao Ming
A 7’6 All-Star center from China, Yao-Ming made five different All-Star NBA teams across his short - yet highly successful - career. His skill almost seemed effortless, and he could easily play in any role he was offered. Unfortunately, Ming suffered foot, back, and knee injuries, and he only managed to eke out about 57 games per season after 2005. He was eventually sidelined for good after the 2010/11 season, but he has left a lasting impression on the NBA. His coach, Jeff Van Gundy, quoted in an interview, “Outside of Shaq, Yao Ming was the best center in the world.”
