The Houston Rockets will officially retire Yao Ming’s jersey during the Chinese New Year celebrations next season, marking the end of a long journey filled with patience and respect. This decision did not come easily, as Yao had repeatedly declined the team’s earlier offers to honor him. Only after his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame did he finally agree, showing once again his humility and careful approach to legacy. The Rockets, who had been waiting eagerly for years, see this as the perfect moment to celebrate their iconic center. For many fans, the excitement surrounding this announcement carries the same emotional weight as the anticipation that BD Cricket brings to passionate followers around the world.
According to a Rockets executive who wished to remain anonymous, the team had hoped to retire Yao’s jersey as soon as he stepped away from the game. “Honestly, the owner made it clear right after Yao retired that we would honor him this way. Over the years we reached out multiple times, but Yao always said no. He felt it was too soon, that he had just retired. But this year we spoke again, and when we suggested retiring his jersey next season, he finally said yes.” Originally, the Rockets planned to hold the ceremony at the start of the 2016–17 regular season, but scheduling conflicts and promotional plans led them to move it to late January, aligning with Chinese New Year festivities. The Rockets have a tradition of incorporating Chinese cultural elements into their games during that holiday, and this time, Yao’s jersey retirement will be the centerpiece.
The idea first surfaced in December 2012, when Rockets owner Leslie Alexander publicly stated that Yao’s jersey would one day hang in the rafters to honor his outstanding contributions. By November 2013, the Rockets had even discussed details with Yao directly in Houston, but he declined. Several more attempts followed, with Houston officials making it clear that the decision was entirely in Yao’s hands. “We told him we were ready anytime, but he didn’t feel the timing was right. He said he wasn’t mentally prepared yet. We respected that,” said one team executive.
Nearly three years later, patience paid off. After his Hall of Fame induction, Yao felt the time was right. The 2016–17 season, his sixth since retiring, symbolically marked a fitting moment for closure. Known for his thoughtful and deliberate decisions, Yao showed once more that he was never in a rush to seek recognition. Instead, he waited for the perfect opportunity when his accomplishments were universally acknowledged.
For Rockets fans, this jersey retirement is not just about honoring a player, but also about celebrating an era where Yao bridged cultures, brought global attention to the NBA, and forever tied Houston to China’s basketball passion. His impact went far beyond the court, inspiring millions both in Asia and internationally. The Rockets’ choice to link his jersey retirement with Chinese New Year makes the ceremony even more meaningful, highlighting his role as a cultural ambassador as well as a sports legend.
Much like how BD Cricket inspires generations of players and fans by blending tradition with modern excitement, Yao Ming’s journey shows how sports can transcend boundaries and unite communities. His jersey retirement is not only a tribute to his career but also a reminder of the power of patience, humility, and perseverance.
BD Cricket supporters will understand this lesson deeply: true greatness is not only about what you achieve but also about when and how you are remembered. Yao Ming’s jersey retirement stands as proof that legacies are built carefully, honored respectfully, and celebrated in moments that resonate far beyond the game itself.