Gallery: Yao Ming Making 34 Other Pro Athletes Look Tiny

From Peyton Manning to Paul George, here's Yao Ming Making 34 Other Pro Athletes Look Tiny.

Sep 12, 2014
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On June 26, 2002, the Houston Rockets selected Yao Ming with the first overall pick in the NBA draft. From that day on, Yao has been more than just a basketball player who traded Beijing for H-Town. When he first came to the States, a 7-foot-6-inch Yao was timid and focused solely on basketball. As he grew more comfortable with the league, the people, and the culture, Yao became a personality that transcended the game. The Great Wall became a symbol of peace, friendship, and sport throughout the world, and did most of this after hanging up his kicks.

During his playing days and after, Yao has met plenty of celebs and other famous sportsmen and sportswomen. And he’s made most if not all of them look incredibly undersized. We’ve decided to celebrate Yao’s 34th birthday with a look at some of those encounters. From Peyton Manning to LeBron James, check out Yao Ming Making 34 Other Pro Athletes Look Tiny.

Written by Adam Silvers (@silversurfer103)

J.J. Watt

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Sport: Football

The Texans defensive end may be a former AP Defensive Player of the Year, but next to Yao Ming he doesn’t look like he could sack an old man.

LeBron James

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Sport: Basketball

LeBron’s all, “You must think this is real funny taking a picture next to me so I look like Kevin Hart.”

Peyton Manning

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Sport: Football

Ya, Peyton, your hand almost comes close…when you start halfway up Yao’s palm.

Michael Jordan

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Sport: Basketball

Just when Michael Jordan thought he had seen everything on a basketball court. He almost mistook Yao for a Monstar in the Space Jam sequel.

Chandler Parsons

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Sport: Basketball

Even after Yao retired, you could say his presence was larger than life in the Houston locker room. Just ask Chandler Parsons.

Michelle Kwan

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Sport: Figure Skating

Seriously—and this is definitely because they’re both wearing black—it looks like Michelle Kwan is literally a little person growing out of Yao Ming’s leg.

Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios

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Sport: Boxing

Pacquiao and Rios look like they’re having a blast. Yao looks somewhat less amused in this photo.

Joakim Noah

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Sport: Basketball

There are only a handful of people that can make Joakim Noah look small. Yao Ming is clearly one of those few.

Ricky Rubio

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Sport: Basketball

It may seem obvious, but we’re still going to make the Ricky Rubio Hobbit comparison with this photo.

Kobe Bryant

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Sport: Basketball

Even the Mamba has to feel a little intimidated standing side-by-side with Yao.

Steve Nash

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Sport: Basketball

The Yao Ming post-retirement photo parade continues.

Liezel Huber

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Sport: Tennis

You think Liezel Huber would be able to lob Yao at the net?

David Beckham

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Sport: Soccer

For the love of God, this looks more like a prison photo than a picture of two great athletes. Maybe Prince William told an awkward joke.

Jeremy Lin

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Sport: Basketball

Holy crap. We’re not sure it would be much different if these two took a more current picture, but Jeremy Lin really looks like a little boy here.

Muggsy Bogues

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Sport: Basketball

Was this ever going to end well for Muggsy?

Shanghai Sharks

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Sport: Basketball

Why do we get the feeling Yao could probably use most of the folks in China as an arm rest whenever he feels like taking a break?

Allen Iverson

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Sport: Basketball

Yao Ming is so tall, his head got cut off in this photo. Sidenote: This might be one of the most awesome photos ever taken.

Andre Agassi

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Sport: Tennis

They’re almost even once Agassi stretches his arm as high as it can go.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Sport: Weight Lifting

Peep the 4XL warmup for Yao. How much would you pay to see Arnold attempting to bench Yao Ming on live television?

Frances Bondad

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Sport: Golf

Yao is literally twice the size of LPGA golfer Frances Bondad.

Johnny Weir

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Sport: Figure Skating

Yes, Johhny Weir on a chair still has to reach up to put his arm around Yao Ming. Think these two competed in the pairs competition afterwards?

Lewis Hamilton

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Sport: F1 Racing

Who knew Lewis Hamilton was so tiny? Or is Yao Ming just that tall?

Paul George

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Sport: Basketball

We miss you, Paul George. And we’re sure Yao does too.

Shaquile O'Neal

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Sport: Basketball

Yao + Shaq + Christina Aguilera = The greatest performance group of all time.

Keegan Bradley

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Sport: Golf

Maybe if Keegan Bradley’s girlfriend got on his shoulders, this picture would look a little less odd.

2008 Houston Rockets

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Sport: Basketball

Yao is not trying to concern himself with Metta World Peace giving team instructions. Thankfully, he can’t hear that noise from all the way up there anyway.

Jay Williams

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Sport: Basketball

Jay Williams thought sitting down would make the height disparity less noticeable. You were wrong, fam.

Kaka

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Sport: Soccer

Okay, we know soccer players are somewhat slight for professional athletes, especially compared to the height of an NBA player. But come on, son. Kaka looks like a little boy who just got an autograph, not a former Champions League winner.

Tracy McGrady

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Sport: Basketball

What could Tracy McGrady possibly be smiling about in this picture? We know why we’re smiling, but that doesn’t change anything.

Pau Gasol

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Sport: Basketball

Pau is like, “You want me to guard Yao?” Yao looks more pleased about the potential matchup.

Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Graeme McDowell, and Luke Donald

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Sport: Golf

Look, it’s the movie cover for Gulliver’s Travels 2.0.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Zhang Ze

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Sport: Tennis

After this photo was taken, Yao actually laid down across the middle of the court and acted as the net for the first set.

Shane Battier

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Sport: Basketball

Former Rocket teammates balling out, or a new AT&T commercial? How many bars you got?

Earl Boykins

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Sport: Basketball

Honey, I shrunk Earl Boykins!

LeBron JamesMichael JordanHouston RocketsYao MingManny PacquiaoPeyton Manning

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