In 2002, Yao Ming was selected as the No.1 pick by the Houston Rockets. He can be said to be the first foreign champion in NBA history. At that time, it was undoubtedly a controversial matter that a big and thin yellow man could be elected as the No.1 in the NBA. Many people may say that the Rockets value the huge China market and the huge commercial value of Yao Ming, but those who have experienced that period of history should know that Yao Ming gave a loud slap to all those who questioned him.
As we all know, NBA has a strong scouting system. I believe no team will be willing to take this risk if it is only considered from a commercial point of view. Yao Ming was able to win the first prize in those days, which must be inseparable from his own strength.
Although Yao Ming is a yellow race, his basketball talent and basketball IQ are definitely not inferior to those of European and American players. He is 2.26 meters tall and comes from a sports family. He has received professional basketball training since childhood and his basic skills are extremely solid. Although he plays No.5 on the court, his flexibility and soft shooting feel are no less than that of a guard.
The year before joining the NBA, Yao Ming led the Shanghai Sharks to win 23 consecutive victories in a single season and won the final championship. Yao can be said to be the overlord of CBA. He relies on his innate physical advantage and good shooting ability. It can be said that no one can defend Yao Ming alone in CBA.
At that time, Yao Ming not only proved himself in CBA, but also became famous in the international arena. He also had many encounters with the dream team at the Sydney Olympic Games. A big man who can shoot must have left a deep impression on people at that time. Because of his own performance, he was also rated as the most potential athlete by ESPN.
There is no doubt about Yao Ming's talent, but to win the first prize, we have to say that the times make heroes. At that time, the NBA was dominated by the center, and the Lakers just won three consecutive championships with O 'Neal. At that time, the league can be said that the center won the world.
It is precisely because of such factors of the times that the Rockets can put all their eggs in one basket and bet their money on Yao Ming.
Of course, no matter what the level of competitive sports is, the NBA is still a business alliance, and Yao Ming's choice can't be separated from the 65.438 billion+300 million business market behind him. Yao Ming used to be the highest-paid Asian athlete, and the Houston Rockets relied on Yao Ming's influence to gain popularity in China. Choosing Yao Ming as the top pick is a win-win choice.
Everyone knows the later story. Yao Ming quickly established himself in the NBA and became the first center in the league. When Yao Ming faced O 'Neill for the first time, he let him eat three hot pots in a row, which also made O 'Neill sit up and take notice of him. If it weren't for late injuries and other factors, maybe Yao Ming could have achieved higher results, but in any case, Yao Ming's performance can be called No.1, and Yao Ming's title of No.1 in NBA is well deserved.