Is China’s sports icon Yao Ming a success or a failure?

Yao Ming is the biggest name in basketball in China. Standing at 7 feet 6 inches, he is an NBA Hall of Famer and an eight-time All-Star. But for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), his success is tied more to its political accomplishments than his athletic talent. Yao is now the head of China’s Basketball Association and a ranking government official. In April 2024, news broke that Yao Ming had been taken away by the authorities due to “sensitive issues.” His rise and possible downfall reflect a trajectory similar to China’s rapid rise to dominance during economic reforms, followed by a looming fall.

Timestamp:
1:06 A Highly Anticipated Birth
3:05 State-Controlled Property
4:19 “Give me NBA or I’ll quit!”
5:47 Two Countries, One Yao Ming
6:53 A Government Official
7:53 A Disruptive Outsider
10:04 A Dangerous Reformist
12:15 Rumor Has IT…
13:08 A Corrupt Sports Official?
14:09 A Success Or Failure?
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