Report: Yao Ming will be enshrined into Hall of Fame

Former Rockets center Yao Ming has been elected for enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

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Former Rockets center Yao Ming has been elected for enshrinement into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Ming, 7' 6", was the No. 1 pick in the 2002 NBA draft out if China and averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks across eight seasons. He is credited for connecting the NBA to China, bringing in millions of dollars in merchandise sales and television deals.

• SI VAULT: Yao Ming’s unmatched global impact on the game (12.06.10)

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He is the first of the announced finalists to reportedly be elected. Among this year’s group that may be elected are Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson. The class is expected to be announced during the Final Four this weekend.