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Yao Ming is Rockets biggest what-if

Where were you when the Houston Rockets drafted Yao Ming? It’s a vivid memory for me as a Houston Rockets fan. I distinctly remember a fan in a street interview declaring that Ming would be the “best center ever!” I…

By James Piercey · The Dream Shake

Published: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at 9:26 AM

Key Things to Know

James Piercey argues Yao Ming represents the biggest "what-if" scenario in Houston Rockets history due to injuries.
The writer claims the Rockets could have competed for the 2007-08 championship if Ming and Tracy McGrady stayed healthy.
During his dominant 2006-07 season, Ming averaged 25.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks across 48 games.

The Story in 60 Seconds

James Piercey of The Dream Shake argues that former center Yao Ming remains the Houston Rockets' greatest "what-if" due to career-altering injuries. Reflecting on Ming's dominant prime, Piercey contends that better health could have completely reshaped the franchise's history and championship trajectory during the late 2000s.

Piercey highlights Ming's stellar 2006-07 campaign, where he averaged 25.0 points and 9.4 rebounds, and claims a healthy Ming and Tracy McGrady could have contended for the 2007-08 NBA title. The piece concludes that despite Ming's elite skill, his massive frame ultimately shortened his career due to persistent physical setbacks.

Read the full article on The Dream Shake

Yao Ming is Rockets biggest what-if

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