NBA legend Yao Ming is 7-foot-6 tall, but his presence can still seemingly escape one’s attention.
The eight-time All-Star, 43, was spotted at the airport earlier this summer, towering over police officers escorting him.
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Social media users failed to recognize 7-foot-6 NBA legend Yao Ming in a viral X postCredit: X/_Heady__
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Ming was drafted No. 1 overall by the Houston Rockets in 2002Credit: Getty
But a social media user didn’t recognize one of the most iconic players to have ever entered the NBA – who also inspired a popular internet meme.
“What kind of height is this,” he asked on X, sharing a video of Ming walking by in a viral post.
The same user also expressed his shock over the fact that the former Houston Rockets center is “fit and walks well.”
Many others seemingly didn’t realize that Ming – who appeared to have put on some pounds since his playing days – was the man in the video as well.
One even asked: “Did we just resurrect Andre the Giant?”
And a group of NBA fans couldn’t believe that people are no longer familiar with Ming.
“Mom come get me they’re so young they don’t know who Yao Ming is,” one joked.
The Rockets selected Ming with the No. 1 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft.
The Chinese big man averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks in eight NBA seasons.
He also earned five All-NBA honors before injuries forced him to retire in 2011.
Ming earned over $93million during his time in the league.
But he’s reportedly doubled his fortune since ending his career thanks to investments in restaurants in the US and other business ventures in China.
Ming currently serves as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association.
