Houston Rockets legend and Hall of Famer Yao Ming was undoubtedly the most decorated NBA player that came from Asia. He's an eight-time All-Star, a two-time All-NBA second team, and he had career averages of 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. But did you know that before he was drafted first overall in 2002, China didn't want him to go to the US and join the NBA? That's what former league commissioner David Stern told ESPN's Marc J. Spears.

“China wasn't going to allow him to come out of the country to play in the NBA. I remember meeting with the president of the Shanghai Sharks. And they were all trying to get a payment from the NBA to allow Yao to come over. I said, ‘We're not paying anything. If he wants to come, and you want him to come, he's welcome. And if you don't, that's OK, too.'

“But eventually they announced that he was able to come, and sure enough he was drafted No. 1 overall in the draft. … It was a pretty exciting time, because he became a bridge [to China].”

It was a good thing that China did allow Yao to make it to the NBA. Not only did he become one of the best centers in league history, but he also became a global icon. Moreover, he gave fellow-Asians hope that they too could make it to the league.

Although he's been riddled with injuries for most of his career, Yao still managed to have a great run in the NBA, and that's what matters.