Gallery: 32 Awesomely Awkward Photos of Yao Ming

Today marks the 32nd birthday of one of the most polarizing and popular athletes of the last 20 years, the 7-foot-6 Yao Ming. After becoming an international phenomenon and All-Star center for the Houston Rockets, Ming's the career ended in 2011 due to multiple injuries to the dismay of his many fans. There is one thing he gave us during his career though: entertaining awkward photos. When you're that much taller than everybody and trying to assimilate to American culture while still maintaining Chinese staples, you're bound to have an awkward moment or two. So, in light of his birthday, here are 32 Awesomely Awkward Photos of Yao Ming.

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You don't run with your shirt off for the hell of it, bro.

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Yao had no idea what to do with the panda at this point, he just knew he'd look cool doing it.

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Linsanity got to meet his hero, while a gracious Yao had no idea how cool this would make him look now.

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Greatest moment of that kids life.

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Yes, Samaki Walker could not stop him.

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Throw in Derrick Rose and Joe Johnson and you've got yourself a starting five.

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How much would you pay to be a fly on the wall?

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Dikembe Mutombo needs to start doing classes for this. Serge Ibaka and Dwight Howard could really use some tips on their block theatrics.

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Kris Humphries has seen a couple famous O-faces in his day. Ayo!

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No matter how big you get it's always a trip to see yourself on the jumbotron.

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Yup, we're pretty sure he's looking through our soul right now.

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Yao was working out with Hakeem before it was cool.

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Somehow Nate Robinson got this board.

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Wonder how often he had to pose under the rim like this. Probably as much as Tebow in Christian poses.

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This is just frightening, he should be the villain in the next Avengers movie.

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Scenario 1: Yao blocks Battier. Scenario 2: Yao drop kicks Battier.

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#hardtimes

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This expresses every fans feelings towards Yao's career ending prematurely.

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Taking uninterested to a whole new level.

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The hoodest moment Yao ever had as a pro.

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They could have made an awesome buddy cop movie.

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Cheek to cheek, side by side.

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We're guessing this didn't end well for Al Horford.

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An epic post-game dump followed.

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That's that Ron Artest rubbing off on him.

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He was hanging out with Lamar Odom a little too much.

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For the first time in his life as an athlete, Peyton felt like the younger brother.

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"We're gonna go to the Chinese Pro Basketball League, then the NBA, then the All-Star game, then byaaaaaah!"

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If you find this picture even slightly amusing then this list was made for you.

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Yuck.

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#nuffsaid

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There isn't any other potential reaction one could have to such a thing.

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