In this photo, LeBron James and Yao Ming — during their rookie and sophomore year — go for a rebound in February 14, 2004. The sophomore squad won the Rookie Challenge, 142-118, in Los Angeles. AP
MANILA, Philippines — Retired star Yao Ming gamely answered NBA-related questions thrown at him during a press conference held at the Solaire Resort & Casino Sunday morning.
One of the questions was who he thinks will face off in this year’s NBA finals.
“I personally think the Western Conference champion will be the San Antonio Spurs and in the Eastern Conference it will be the Miami Heat,” said Yao.
The seven-foot-six center led the Houston Rockets to several playoff appearances during his injury-plagued 10-year NBA stint.
Yao though, kept his lips sealed on who will take home the Larry O’ Brien trophy, leaving it to fate on which team will win it all.
“Flip a coin,” said the 32-year-old Yao with a smile.
Yao, the president of the Shanghai Sharks, who will play two exhibition games here, also shared his take on who’s the best player in the NBA.
“It’s a tough question, many players are very good players but currently the best player right now is LeBron James.”