'Basketball giant' Yao Ming troubles his wife with his bedroom habits

Yao Ming ranks as the fifth tallest player in NBA history and enjoyed a distinguished career playing for the Houston Rockets.

A backstage story, both humorous and thought-provoking, about the post-retirement life of the Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming caught the attention of Chinese media in 2020. The main figures are none other than Yao Ming and his wife Ye Li, a former national team player. basketball player from China’s women’s team.

At that time, Yao Ming had been retired for several years and was serving as the Chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Despite still standing at an impressive 2.29 meters tall, the former NBA center’s weight had surged past 200 kg, a number that shocked many. During his peak playing days, Yao maintained an ideal physique weighing around 141 kg, suitable for the demands of professional training and competition.

The significant change in his physique caused some awkward situations in the daily life of the Yao family. In an interview with Chinese media, Ye Li admitted that she always had to keep a safe distance from her husband while sleeping, as even a careless movement could potentially become a hazard.

"He weighs more than 200 kg. Since becoming Chairman, he has had to attend more meetings, and his training and mobility have decreased. This has had a considerable impact on our family life.", Ye Li stated.

Ye Li was formerly a player on China’s women’s basketball team, standing at an impressive 1.91 meters. However, standing next to Yao Ming, she appeared small compared to her famous husband’s towering stature. The couple officially married in 2007 after nearly a decade of dating, at a time when Yao was still playing for the Houston Rockets.

Yao Ming began his professional career in 1997 with the Shanghai Sharks before making history for Chinese basketball by being selected first overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Rockets. Over eight seasons in the U.S., he averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, appeared in eight NBA All-Star games, and had his number 11 jersey retired permanently by the Houston Rockets.