Charles Barkley once publicly said he would kiss Kenny Smith's ass if this man scored more than 19 points in any game his rookie season, yet, in 2016, this person became the first player in any of the big four leagues to be drafted in the 21st century to be elected to their sport's Hall of Fame. This man was drafted number one overall in 2002 (ahead of Dukies Jay Williams and Mike Dunleavy, Jr.) and retired in 2011. At least one book postulates that his parents were forced to marry to produce a great athlete. Name this 8-time NBA All-Star center whose professional career began in 1997, five years before he was drafted in 2002.
Yao Ming