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It's been quite the last few days for former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming.
First, on Thursday, he received a Hall of Fame jacket assist from long-time rival and current friend Shaquille O'Neal.
Yao Ming, with a Shaq assist. pic.twitter.com/sywJNM2DLh
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) September 8, 2016
Next, he was officially inducted into the Naismith Hall, where he was presented by Bill Russell, Bill Walton and Dikembe Mutombo. He also gave a fantastic, funny and heart-felt speech.
And now he tops it all off with his 36th birthday. I can only imagine what these last few days were like for the big man, and he certainly deserves all the attention and the accolades.
It's also interesting to think that Yao is just 36 years old, considering he's already been retired for five years. We can only ever imagine the heights and the numbers attainable had he managed to stay healthy. He very well could still be playing. Though I'd say he did mighty fine for himself regardless.
Happy birthday, Yao. It's been one heck of a September for you!