Hoops Habit
Fansided

Ranking every first overall pick in NBA history

By Christopher Jeter

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat on November 18, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat on November 18, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
(Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) /

12. 2002: Yao Ming, Houston Rockets

Yao Ming’s impact on the NBA far exceeds his production on the court. He played a big role in the league’s international brand expansion, particularly in China, which has become a major NBA market.

Of course, Yao’s on-court career greatly contributed to that surge of interest. The Rockets took him first overall in the 2002 draft, basically as a condition of him coming over to play in the league, and after a few games, he established that he wasn’t another tall stiff that only existed to get dunked on.

In fact, Yao was quite skilled and mobile for a man his size. His 7-foot-6 frame allowed him to shoot over most of his opponents, but he also had an array of post moves and later developed a nifty faceup game.

Unfortunately, Yao could never consistently stay on the court. As with most players his size, leg and foot problems ultimately derailed his career, as he only played in 77 or more games four times in nine seasons.

But when he played? You could make the argument that he was one of the best centers in the league. In terms of production, Yao peaked between 2005-08, averaging 23.0 points and 10.2 rebounds with a 24.9 PER. While it’s easy to forget because of the brevity of his career, Yao was really good.