5 modern-day NBA careers that ended too quickly

2. Yao Ming

It was great to see Yao Ming inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Having built a reputation as a dominant big man, even while Shaq was playing, and for putting basketball on the map in China, he deserves it. But given how the latter part of his career played out, he should’ve been inducted a lot later.

In Yao’s first three seasons, he averaged 16.4 points and 8.5 points while only missing two games. He helped get the Rockets to the playoffs for the first time in five years in just his second season. But since then, 2008-09 was the only full season he ever played again.

In 2005-06, he missed 25 games but still led the league in All-Star votes. The 2007-08 season was a memorable one since Yao Ming was done for the season after February, yet the Rockets still went on a 22-game win streak. Although Yao had a full season the following year and was dominant, he never got the chance to elevate them to a championship contender.

Had Yao remained healthy, he could’ve given the Rockets some great years. 2009 was the only time he ever made it past the second round in his career, but that was hardly indicative of the player he was. Although he had a hard time staying on the court, he was a treat to watch when he did play. He eventually retired at age 31 citing his lingering injuries. While he was a great player in his own right, he will be remembered for a lot more than just his play on the court.