An NBA question

[tornado]

Last night during the NBA broadcast there was a mention of the upcoming All Star game and a comment about Yao Ming's spot being filled by a replacement...

BUT -- the comment made about Yao was something to the effect that he was a lock as a sure future Hall of Famer

This might be a little off topic from Bradley basketball...but what do others think???
Is Yao a sure Hall of Famer???

Here's are just a few facts and stats...

-Of course he never got a ring..
-he really hasn't played in almost 2 years, his career marred by injury
-he's only played close to a full season four times, and has appreciable stats from just seven seasons
-he has 9196 career points
-he has 4468 career rebounds
-career averages are 19ppg, 9rpg

There are actually very few players in the HOF with these numbers, and none from the modern era......so I guess I really question this statement especially when Yao's career may be over.
It's sad that he may not play again, but I am confounded as to how his numbers, which hardly rival Bill Cartwright (12713 pts/6106 rebs) or Benoit Benjamin's (9223 pts/6063 rebs), can justify consideration for HOF.


BTW -- even players like Artis Gilmore, 17-year vet with 25,000 career points and averages of 22ppg, 17rpg are not in the HOF!!

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/steve_aschburner/02/13/gilmore.snub/index.html

[thefish7]

Yeah, I can't see Yao in the HOF.

[Braves4Life]

Yao is not HOF worthy based upon his short playing career. However, a case could be made that he is worthy based upon the impact he has made upon the game internationally, particularly in China.

[TheAsianSensation]

Isn't the basketball HoF a world basketball HoF? All international statistics/results are automatically part of your HoF resume that is considered.

I have no idea what those numbers are, though.

[amettrick]

Yes, the basketball HOF is not affiliated with the NBA. So more than just NBA stats are considered. Plus, as B4L pointed out, his impact on the game overall is likely to earn him the nod.