NBA Photos: 2016 Hall of Fame
Ming The Marvelous
The 7-foot-6 Yao Ming blazed a trail from China, making his NBA debut in 2002. He went on to make eight All-Star appearances before injuries curtailed his career in 2011.
The 7-foot-6 Yao Ming blazed a trail from China, making his NBA debut in 2002. He went on to make eight All-Star appearances before injuries curtailed his career in 2011.
Hearing The Answer
Allen Iverson's relentless style during his 1996-2010 NBA career earned him 11 All-Star appearances, an MVP in 2001 and a career 26.7 scoring average.
Allen Iverson's relentless style during his 1996-2010 NBA career earned him 11 All-Star appearances, an MVP in 2001 and a career 26.7 scoring average.
Introducing The One And Only Shaq
Shaquille O'Neal made a splash as a rookie with the Orlando Magic in 1992, signaling the start of a career marked by a warm embrace of the spotlight and dominance on the court.
Shaquille O'Neal made a splash as a rookie with the Orlando Magic in 1992, signaling the start of a career marked by a warm embrace of the spotlight and dominance on the court.
Growing The Game
When Yao Ming debuted with Houston in 2002, he introduced an entire nation to the NBA, with 200 million viewers in China estimated to frequently watch when Yao's Rockets played.
When Yao Ming debuted with Houston in 2002, he introduced an entire nation to the NBA, with 200 million viewers in China estimated to frequently watch when Yao's Rockets played.
Crossing Up Greatness
As a rookie in 1997, Allen Iverson showed Michael Jordan that a new star was rising, executing a memorable crossover dribble against His Airness that year.
As a rookie in 1997, Allen Iverson showed Michael Jordan that a new star was rising, executing a memorable crossover dribble against His Airness that year.
When Shaq Attacks
NBA baskets were sometimes no match for Shaquille O'Neal. Here, he brings one down after dunking on the Nets in 1993, one of two baskets he demolished that season.
NBA baskets were sometimes no match for Shaquille O'Neal. Here, he brings one down after dunking on the Nets in 1993, one of two baskets he demolished that season.
Host With The Most
After serving as China's flag bearer, Yao Ming overcame foot problems and averaged 19 points to lead China to a quarterfinals berth during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
After serving as China's flag bearer, Yao Ming overcame foot problems and averaged 19 points to lead China to a quarterfinals berth during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
When Future Hall Of Famers Collide
Battling a man nearly twice his weight, 165-pound Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers could not get past 325-pound Shaquille O'Neal and the Lakers during the 2001 NBA Finals.
Battling a man nearly twice his weight, 165-pound Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers could not get past 325-pound Shaquille O'Neal and the Lakers during the 2001 NBA Finals.
First Of Three Straight Crowns
Shaquille O'Neal kisses the NBA Finals MVP trophy as teammate Kobe Bryant kisses the NBA title trophy in 2000, the first of three championships the duo would win in L.A.
Shaquille O'Neal kisses the NBA Finals MVP trophy as teammate Kobe Bryant kisses the NBA title trophy in 2000, the first of three championships the duo would win in L.A.
Stars Come In All Sizes
Rockets rookie Yao Ming and Sixers superstar Allen Iverson stepped on the All-Star stage in Atlanta in 2003, the first of eight berths for Yao and the fourth of 11 for Iverson.
Rockets rookie Yao Ming and Sixers superstar Allen Iverson stepped on the All-Star stage in Atlanta in 2003, the first of eight berths for Yao and the fourth of 11 for Iverson.
'We're Talking Practice?!'
In a memorable rant from 2002, Allen Iverson addressed reporters in a 35-minute news conference about his struggling Sixers, famously bemoaning those critical of his practice habits.
In a memorable rant from 2002, Allen Iverson addressed reporters in a 35-minute news conference about his struggling Sixers, famously bemoaning those critical of his practice habits.
Enter The Dragon
Rockets rookie Yao Ming squared off with the game's dominant center, Shaquille O'Neal, on Jan. 17, 2003. Yao blocked two of Shaq's early shots, and the Rockets beat L.A.
Rockets rookie Yao Ming squared off with the game's dominant center, Shaquille O'Neal, on Jan. 17, 2003. Yao blocked two of Shaq's early shots, and the Rockets beat L.A.
Here's His Reply
In their first meeting, Yao swatted Shaq. O'Neal, who had used Chinese-sounding jibberish in sending a message to Yao before their game, has said he regrets hazing Yao.
In their first meeting, Yao swatted Shaq. O'Neal, who had used Chinese-sounding jibberish in sending a message to Yao before their game, has said he regrets hazing Yao.
Shaq's Last Crown
Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade teamed up and earned a ring together in 2006, the high point of Shaq's 3 1/2 seasons in South Beach.
Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade teamed up and earned a ring together in 2006, the high point of Shaq's 3 1/2 seasons in South Beach.
When A Superb Answer Is Not Enough
Allen Iverson, who scored 48 points in a 2001 NBA Finals Game 1 win, could not overcome Shaq and the juggernaut Lakers despite handing them their only playoff loss that year.
Allen Iverson, who scored 48 points in a 2001 NBA Finals Game 1 win, could not overcome Shaq and the juggernaut Lakers despite handing them their only playoff loss that year.
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