Word: yao
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...Yao Ming still has no idea how many millions are in his future. As the No. 1 pick in last year's National Basketball Association draft, Yao signed a four-year contract with the Houston Rockets for $17.8 million. A few rival NBA executives predicted the contract would run out before the Rockets saw a return on their investment. But after a rocky start, Yao--now 22 and 7 ft. 5 in.--has shown flashes of dominance. He has scored 20 points against the defending-champion Lakers, 27 against the Spurs and league MVP Tim Duncan, and 30 against...
...bows to a different God than the rest of us do, but as Michael Jordan, 39, limps toward retirement (he swears he means it this time), Yao appears to be the answer to the league's prayers. You see, in addition to his vast potential as a player, Yao Ming has a personality--and an appealing one at that. Despite his temporary reliance on an interpreter, Yao's English already reveals a sly, self-deprecating sense of humor. He loves Starbucks, computer games, action movies and SUVs, and when his Great Wall of a face cracks a smile, arenas light...
...Yao was ready to start his global journey years ago. Chinese officials, however, were hesitant. "They knew he would play in the U.S. eventually," says Ronzone, now director of international scouting for the Detroit Pistons. "But you have to understand, they're a proud people, and he's a national treasure. They wanted him playing at home until they understood the American landscape." In 2001 the Chinese sports authorities allowed two accomplished but lesser players, Mengke Bateer and Wang Zhizhi, to test the NBA waters. Meanwhile, Chinese officials huddled with international scouts to determine whether Yao would...
...Sports: Filling Yao Ming's Shoes
...Sports: Filling Yao Ming's Shoes