Via ESPN, we learn that Yao Ming asked the Basketball Hall of Fame to hold off on his nomination for induction indefinitely.
↵There is apparently no timetable on how long they wanted the Hall to wait, but Hall of Fame president and CEO John Doleva indicated that Yao wouldn't be placed back on the ballot until he requests it.
↵He'll be eligible five years after his retirement, which would be in 2017, but that's as a player. If he goes in as a contributor to the game, which is how he was nominated this time, Yao would be able to enter immediately. He'd have to be voted in by a panel of international basketball experts, but his contributions with the Chinese national team would be also considered along with his NBA career.
↵There are a couple ways you can look at this. First, Yao admittedly respects the institution enough not to want to go in this way just yet. That's admirable. But, there's also a part of me which thinks Yao may not be done playing. By requesting a delay in this, he can maybe come back once/if he's ever fully healthy without the weird situation of already being in the Hall.
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