(Ecns.cn)--Many Yao Ming fans across China were shocked when they learned from US media on Friday that their basketball idol has decided to retire.
The reports have not been confirmed yet by Yao's American agent, according to whom, Yao has scheduled a news conference on July 20 in Shanghai to reveal his plans.
The 31-year-old All-Star center has been suffering from an injury in his left foot and ankle over the last two years, which has kept him away from many games. He missed the entire 2009-2010 season and played just five games last season.
The general assumption was that even if Yao retires he would still be a symbol of Chinese basketball and continue to be involved in businesses or activities related to it, given one of his current identities as the owner of the Shanghai Sharks.
Why retire?
Retirement is a hard choice, yet a must for Yao Ming, reported the Guangzhou Daily. Yao missed the entire 2009-2010 season after a surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot, and played just five games last season due to a stress fracture in his left ankle.
The latest injury, instead of improving, is now worsening. Doctors warned that one more injury may have him walking on crutches or sitting in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Will Yao play for China?
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has been keeping silent so far about Yao's retirement. They still hope Yao can attend the coming London Olympic Games and play for China, which, according to the 7-foot-6 fame's current situation, will be almost impossible.
His retirement would be a complete retreat from all basketball games, thus Yao would quite probably not play for CBA either, speculated reporters at the Guangzhou Daily.
Will Yao come back?
Super basketball star Michael Jordan retired and then came back to the NBA twice, which has stirred people's curiosity as to whether Yao would return later.
If Yao could recover from the injuries in the next two years, he may be able to come back, reported the Guangzhou Daily, but he would probably play for the Shanghai Sharks, not the NBA.
Yao is 31 years old now, still in a golden age for basketball players. Former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal just retired this year at 39 years of age. Compared to Shaq's 19-year career, Yao could still have a long career ahead of him.
How much has Yao made during his career?
Since Yao joined the NBA, he has played eight seasons, with a total salary of $93 million.
Moreover, by 2008, Yao had also cashed in $21 million in advertisements. Though his injuries and constant absences from NBA games affected his commercial activities, he still made 357 million yuan ($55 million) in 2009 and 229 million yuan ($35 million) in 2010. His total income up to now has amounted to 1 billion yuan ($155 million).
However, his retirement will certainly see a reduction in sponsors and advertisement revenues, which may result in an annual loss of over 200 million yuan ($31 million).
How influential is Yao?
Yao is a professional player who has reached his career peak and has also made a big fortune. His stories have shown other Chinese players that winning in the Olympics is not the only way for them to stand out.
Over nearly a decade, Yao's presence has helped facilitate the NBA's popularity in China and also across the whole of Asia. More kids and youngsters have joined basketball teams and some have already become professional players due to Yao's influence.
Yao's 2007 matchup with countryman Yi Jianlian was broadcast over 19 networks and seen in more than 200 million homes in China, according to a CNN report.
An official, a coach, or a businessman?
Yao will surely be able to join the management team of the CBA due to his excellent performances and contributions the sport. He could also choose to join the government and take an administrative job related to sports, like Li Na, the newly crowned tennis champion of the French Open, who will likely be the vice director of the Tennis Management Center of Hubei Province.
Yao is also qualified to be a coach. He would be highly welcomed to bring his NBA experience to China. Being the pillar of the national men's team for many years, Yao has advised the national team in their training and games.
Besides basketball, Yao has also had many business ventures, investing in a Houston restaurant called YAO Restaurant & Bar, a music website called top100.cn, and a gym called California Fitness Yao Ming Sports Club.
Though missing most of the games last season, Yao still topped the Forbes' China Richest Celebrity List in 2011, with a worth of 229 million yuan.
Will there be another Yao Ming in China?
At this point, Yao's successor has not yet shown up, and possibly will not any time in the near future.
To outdo Yao, one would have to be a better NBA core player, lead his team to the finals, and win the champions, commented the Guangzhou Daily.
Talented players like Yi Jianlian and Sun Yue, who have joined the NBA, have not yet achieved as much as Yao has.
