Yao Ming to retire from NBA

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has decided to retire after eight seasons in the NBA.

In May, the 7-foot-6 Chinese star, plagued by lower-body injuries in the second half of his career, said his surgically repaired left ankle was healing properly and he wanted to remain with the Rockets.
The Rockets said they were interested in re-signing him if he came back healthy.
But according to Yahoo! Sports, the 30-year-old has now resigned to his injuries and will draw the curtains on his illustrious career.
Yao joined the NBA as the No.1 pick in the 2002 draft and has become the largest symbol - literally and figuratively - of the league's ever growing expansion around the world, particularly in Asia.
He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and in five seasons he was voted onto the league's second or third All-NBA team. He averaged 19.1 points and 9.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocked shots in his career.
His family has also played a part in his decision to retire as he looks to spend more time with his daughter.
Following the birth of his daughter, Yao was quoted as saying in NBA.com: "I can only try so many times. I want to be able to run around and play with my child, not always wear a cast and use these crutches."
Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal posted a video on his Twitter account, paying tribute to Yao.
"You are one of the greatest players ever to come out of China, one of the greatest players period," O'Neal said.
"Let's go on vacation, bro, me and you," he added.