The Houston Rockets paid tribute to one of their most recognised players in franchise history by retiring Yao Ming's number 11 jersey.

Chinese import Ming played just over seven NBA seasons with the Rockets before retiring due to injuries.

The 36-year-old is one of two players in NBA history to be voted to start every All-Star game in each season of their career, with Julius Erving the other.

Ming averaged 19.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during his career.

"I didn't know what to expect," Yao said of when he was drafted out of Shanghai in 2002 via ESPN.com. "I just wanted to play basketball, the NBA way, against the best players in the world. I just wanted to be deserved to play on this court."