During his time in the NBA, Chinese basketball sensation Yao Ming stood out as one of its biggest stars. Jordan ending his professional career in 2011 rocked the basketball world and left observers to question what motivated him to depart. Below we will offer a look at the many influences on Yao Ming's decision to walk away from his NBA career.
Persistent Injuries
Persistent foot and ankle injuries derailed Yao Ming's NBA career. Those injuries severely compromised his capacity to maintain peak performance. Yao underwent multiple surgeries and rehab stints, but he wasn't able to remain healthy for a long period of time toward the end. The cumulative toll of these injuries almost certainly contributed to his decision to retire from professional basketball at the age of 30.
Impact of International Play
Yao Ming was already a superstar in the NBA, and he is one of the most important figures for Chinese basketball team as well. International play, offseason tournaments and training camps for those events also wore on Yao's body. His NBA obligations and continuous flying to play for his country, ultimately caused further wear-and-tear on an injury-prone body. Between his NBA duty and international basketball outings, it would not be far-fetched to think that the idea of commitment is what followed Yao Ming back into retirement.
Longevity and Quality of Life
At 7-foot-6, Yao Ming was one of the tallest players we have seen play in the NBA. Playing basketball at that kind of height can only be sustained physically for so long. Yao could have thought long-term, about the effects on his health and quality of life outside basketball. Exit from the NBA would have allowed him to return home to concentrate on his quality of life, possibly preventing even more physical issues brought about by an altruistic stature.
Cultural and charitable responsibilities
Yao Ming was one of the biggest keys in connecting the NBA and basketball with China. It is said that the former player retired from playing in some NBA games so he would have more time to pursue his charitable activities and strengthen basketball movements at home. Given Yao's various commitments to charitable work and his status as a cultural ambassador, absent this transaction he might well retire from professional basketball today go about undefined off-court pursuits.
The Past and Future Opportunities
It is nearly impossible to put into words the influence Yao Ming has had on a global scale with the NBA and basketball. Maybe he did not want to take any more chances and retire from the league, proof of his own candidature for Best International Player in NBA History. Retiring From competitive basketball also may have granted Yao the chance to take on many of other sorts from roles.
Ultimately, Yao Ming’s retirement from the NBA was caused by a combination of factors that included alcoholism, the demands of international play, fears for his long-term health, some limitations as a cultural and philanthropic figure, and the desire to create a meaningful legacy.
Undoubtedly, his departure was a sad experience for fans and basketball lovers. However, his impact remains strong, as he continues to give back. His retirement marked the end of an era, but it also opened up many new opportunities that Yao created when he retired: his deportment off the court.
LATEST
- NEWS
- |
- ARTICLES
- |
- VIDEOS
FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK
