Search by the First Name of the HOFers
Yao Ming
Inducted:
2016
Player Stats:
7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
310 lb (141 kg)
Born:
September 12, 1980
Shanghai, China
Position:
Center
College:
NA
Yao Ming’s impact reached far beyond the court. The 7-foot-6 center from China became a global ambassador for basketball during his NBA career with the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011. Despite injuries shortening his playing years, Yao dominated when healthy—combining size, skill, and a soft shooting touch.
An 8-time NBA All-Star, he averaged double-doubles in multiple seasons and played a key role in expanding the NBA’s reach into Asia. Off the court, he carried himself with humility and leadership, later becoming President of the Chinese Basketball Association. Yao’s presence united fans worldwide and elevated the game’s international appeal.
In 2016, he earned his rightful place in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Yao's Awards & Records:
- 8× NBA All-Star (2003–2009, 2011)
- 2× All-NBA Second Team (2007, 2009)
- 3× All-NBA Third Team (2004, 2006, 2008)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (2003)
- 3× CBA rebounding leader (2000–2002)
- 3× CBA blocks leader (2000–2002)
- 3× FIBA Asia Cup MVP (2001, 2003, 2005)
NBA Records:
- First overall pick in 2002 NBA Draft
- Only international player to lead NBA All-Star voting
- Helped NBA's global expansion, especially in China
- Consistently led All-Star fan voting from 2003 to 2005
- One of the tallest players in NBA history at 7'6"
Teams :
Shanghai Sharks (1997–2002)
Houston Rockets (2002–2011)
NBA Draft:
2002: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Houston Rockets
Number Worn:
11
Career Stats:
Seasons:
8 (2002–2011)
Games Played:
486
Points:
9,247 (19.0 PPG)
Rebounds:
4,494 (9.2 RPG)
Blocks:
920 (1.9 BPG)
FG(%):
52.4%
FT(%):
83.3%
Yolanda Griffith
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
188 lb (85 kg)
Born:
March 1, 1970
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Center
College:
Palm Beach CC (1990–1992)
Florida Atlantic (1992–1993)
Yolanda Griffith was a dominant force in women's basketball, known for her relentless rebounding, elite defense, and efficient scoring. After starring overseas and in the ABL, she made an instant impact in the WNBA, winning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in her 1999 rookie season with the Sacramento Monarchs.
A seven-time All-Star and two-time All-WNBA First Team selection, Griffith led the Monarchs to their only championship in 2005 and earned Finals MVP honors. Renowned for her physicality and work ethic, she was a consistent double-double threat and a key figure in the league's early years. She also captured Olympic gold with Team USA in 2004.
Griffith was inducted into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest post players in women's basketball history.
Griffith's Awards and Records
- WNBA champion (2005)
- WNBA Finals MVP (2005)
- WNBA MVP (1999)
- 8× WNBA All-Star (1999–2001, 2003–2007)
- 2× All-WNBA First Team (1999, 2005)
- 3× All-WNBA Second Team (2000, 2001, 2004)
- 2× WNBA rebounding champion (1999, 2001)
- 2× WNBA steals champion (1999, 2004)
- WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (1999)
- 2× WNBA All-Defensive Team (2005, 2006)
- WNBA 10th Anniversary Team (2006)
- WNBA 15th Anniversary Team (2011)
- WNBA 20th Anniversary Team (2016)
- WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021)
- Russian League Player of the Year (2005)
- First-team Parade All-American (1989)
WNBA Teams
Sacramento Monarchs 1999–2007
Seattle Storm 2008
Indiana Fever 2009
WNBA draft:
1999: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
Sacramento Monarchs
Numbers Worn:
33, 13
Career Stats
Seasons:
11 (1999–2009)
Games Played:
311
Game Started:
306
Points:
3,672 (11.2 PPG)
Rebounds:
2,444 (7.9 RPG)
Assists:
496 (1.6 APG)
Steals:
544
Blocks:
350
FG%:
50.6%
FT%:
71.3%
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NBA Hall of Fame
The NBA Hall of Fame, officially known as the Basketball Hall of Fame, is a prestigious institution that honors the greatest figures in the sport of basketball. Each year, the Induction ceremony celebrates legendary players who have made significant impacts on the game. The Hall of Fame class features basketball legends whose remarkable career achievements and iconic moments have defined the sport.
Inductees are recognized for their substantial player contributions, earning various awards and honors throughout their careers. The Hall also pays tribute to retired jerseys and acknowledges the profound impact on the game by highlighting the historic contributions of its members. With a focus on the legacy in basketball, the NBA Hall of Fame continues to celebrate excellence and inspire future generations of players through memorable speeches and recognition in sports.
