Yao..Yao..Yao

The NBA all star game has come and gone and although it was entertaining there was one large figure absent from the gala. Yao Ming, center for the Houston Rockets was the leading vote getter for three consecutive years as a result of getting millions of votes from his homeland. Yao Ming was and is a good player who brought a game to a new nation. The NBA owes Yao for what he has done for the game. Though over the past several years has endured serious foot injuries that plagued players such as BIG Z who plays for the Miami Heat.

Yao was able to connect two nations through a simple game. His presence cannot be overstated and represents a growing trend of foreigners taking over the NBA. This movement is a positive one in my opinion as it in part is forcing U.S. college players to stay in school longer as foreign players who are older and have professional experience. Though one American Brandon Jennings realized this and after graduating from high school headed immediately overseas to begin his professional career.

In large what I am saying is that the NBA owes Yao Ming a great deal of thanks for his ability to bring a new audience to their league. Further, his impact although not as great as expected on the court, will be felt for a great deal of time off of it.