A look back at when Yao Ming made his way into the NBA and became the first person to shut down Shaquille O'Neal

Yao Ming was among the most exciting talents the NBA has seen over the past 25 years and probably in league history. Standing tall with his 7-foot-6 frame, the former Houston Rockets star was a beast on both ends of the court when healthy. Ming was among the fewest players to stand up to the dominant Shaquille O'Neal and shut him down defensively.

Ming didn't come into the NBA as a college prospect. He started playing for the Shanghai Sharks in 1997 in the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association). Ming played for the Sharks' junior team at 13 years old and made his professional debut as a 17-year-old. He averaged 23.4 ppg and 15.4 rpg across 122 appearances in the CBA.

Yao Ming won the league MVP and finals MVP in 2001. He won the championship in 2022. Ming finished his CBA career on a high, averaging 32.4 ppg and 19.0 rpg in his final season.

Ming gained a lot of attention globally for his play during that stretch. He came close to being in the NBA three years before his league debut. The then deputy general manager of the Shanghai Sharks, Li Yaomin, pressured Ming to play in the NBA. However, Ming stayed in the CBA for another two years.

With interest in Ming growing, particularly from the US, the Chinese government stepped in and encouraged the idea of the country's best player playing in the NBA. They also introduced regulations that Chinese players will have to turn over half their NBA earnings, including endorsements to the government.

Yao Ming entered the NBA draft despite the uncertainty that the CBA would let him play in the US. They said the Houston Rockets would have to pick Ming as the No. 1 pick. The CBA also stipulated that Ming would have to return to play for the national team.

CBA permitted Ming to play in the NBA on the morning of the 2002 NBA draft. As expected, the Rockets selected him as the No. 1 selection. Ming was the first international player to get picked first without playing college basketball in the United States.

Looking back at Yao Ming's NBA career and battles with Shaquille O'Neal

Yao Ming had several doubters when he entered the NBA. Former stars and analysts believed Ming wouldn't succeed. The Chinese center had a slow start, as he played only 14 minutes per game across his first seven appearances. However, he turned the corner after a 20-point outing against the best team in the league, the LA Lakers.

It was one of the most hyped regular-season games ever as O'Neal finally met someone who could match him toe-to-toe with size and strength. Ming didn't disappoint. The 7-6 big shut down O'Neal by blocking his first three attempts, all at the rim.

Ming did an excellent job keeping Shaq outside the paint for the rest of the game and altering his shots. According to Shaq, the former Rocket was the first player to block three consecutive shots against him.

Ming finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks, leading the Rockets to a 108-104 win. He earned O'Neal's respect, and the two became great friends off the court. They also got enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in the same class (2016) along with Allen Iverson.

Yao Ming spent eight seasons in the NBA, all with the Rockets. He made the All-Star game six times. After missing only two games across his first three seasons, Ming endured an injury-riddled career. That forced him into early retirement from the sport in 2011, aged 31 years.