Tip-off with hoops, and the NBA is in the middle of its All-Star break. The game's current stars will take centre stage in Toronto this week.
And while we wait for the annual exhibition this weekend, the game honored some of its past stars -- as Yao Ming, Shaquille O'Neal and Allen Iverson have all been named as finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame.
A unique talent, a special individual, an icon. Yao Ming truly is all of this and so much more. On Friday in Toronto, some of the greatest to ever step onto the hardwood gathered for the announcement of the next round of basketball hall of fame nominees.
And even among those who loom largest, Yao stands alone, as he awaits an honour he didn't even know existed growing up in China.
"Honestly, in the early days of my career or my basketball life, we don't know much about the outside world, the States, hall of fame, those things,"
"We didn't learn those things until the late 90's, but still that was light years away from us," said Yao Ming, Hall of Fame Nominee.
Things though, would soon hit warp speed for Yao as in 2002, after dominating the CBA with the Shanghai Sharks and winning a title. Yao would be selected first overall by the Houston Rockets.
It would prove to be a seismic moment in NBA history as the Chinese hero brought the association into millions of households helping to open up a new, huge market.
But let us not forget though, the big guy could ball as well, averaging 19 points and 9 rebounds over his injury shortened career and he remains loved and respected by his peers including Dwyane Wade who calls Yao "groundbreaking".
"He was a heck of a player, a big guy that can shoot, had touch. He was a big guy to play against,"
"I tried to dunk on him once and ended up on the ground. But, he was great for our game," said Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat Guard.
"The game in China grew tremendously and that has had a tremendous impact for the NBA in growth,"
"So beside his level of skill, he was a dominant player for a few years. He's brought a lot more to the game than just his performance," said Pau Gasol from Chicago Bulls Forward.
And it is the whole of Yao Ming that will eventually see him enter the Hall of Fame, part player, part ambassador. A bridge between China and America, both on and off the court.
"And here we are, here I am today. I feel like this is not an end but a new beginning for a new generation,"
"I hope I can tell a good story for them to encourage them to join the sports and play basketball," said Yao.
Although Yao was revealed as a finalist here in Toronto on Friday, the official announcement of his enshrinement into the Hall won't come until early April.
That is when the International Committee will announce if Yao does go in directly.
Should the giant get the call to the Hall? He will become the first Chinese to earn such an honour.
It would be a fitting end to a truly legendary and unparalleled career.
