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• Yao Ming is a Chinese professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the NBA. Standing at 7'6", Yao is currently the tallest player in the NBA.

  Yao suffered a hailine fracture in his left foot in a May 8, 2009, playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

  In July 2009, Yao's investment company purchased his former club Shanghai Sharks. The club was in financial trouble.ESPN.com: Yao buys Shanghai Sharks

• Left Foot Injury

  As a result of Yao's left foot injury, The Houston Rockets applied for a disabled player exception from the NBA. This would make about $5.7 million available to sign Trevor Ariza from the Los Angeles Lakers ESPN.com: Move frees up money for moves

  After consulting with number of doctors, Yao decided to undergo a surgery. It means that he is likely out for the 2009-2010 season.ESPN.com: Yao to have surgery, likely out 2009-10

  Recent report indicates that he made a major recovery from the foot surgery. In an interview with KRIV, Yao states that the X-Ray picture looks good and the bones heal well.SignOnSanDiego: Yao Ming's better, but will sit next season He also indicates that he will not play in 2009-10 NBA Season.

• Fast Facts

  1. Born: September 12, 1980
  2. Birthplace: Shanghai, China
  3. 2002: First-overall pick in NBA Draft
  4. Height: 7'6"
  5. Weight: 310 lbs
  6. Jersey: 11
  7. Multi-time NBA All-Star

• China and the NBA

  When he was a teenager, Yao Ming started playing basketball for the Shanghai Sharks in China. He played for the Sharks from 1997 to 2002. In 1999, Yao was encouraged to enter the NBA Draft by the Sharks' general manager.TIMEasia Magazine: The Creation of Yao Ming(November 7, 2005) Yao waited until 2002 to enter the draft.

  While he was predicted to be a number one pick, many teams questioned whether or not the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) would allow Yao to play in the NBA. The CBA required that Yao return to play for the Chinese national team. The CBA also refused to let Yao play in the United States unless he were drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets. The Rockets took Yao with the first pick, making him the first international player to be selected first overall in an NBA Draft.China.org.cn: Yao Ming Makes NBA History in 2002 Draft (June 27, 2002)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Houston Rockets | Tracy McGrady | Shaquille O'Neal | Tim Duncan | Ben Wallace | Dwight Howard Yao Ming Injury | Yi Jianlian | Luis Scola

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