This tweet came out yesterday with J.J. Watt and Yao Ming sharing a lunch together. The two Houston stars’ lunch together comes at a good time as the NBA All-Star Game makes its way to Houston this weekend.

With the discussion of Yao being talked about, there was a debate with a couple colleagues about Yao’s impact in the NBA. With a rumored jersey retirement, the debate surrounded the idea of the legacy of the 7’6″ giant.

Does he deserve to have his number retired? Was he that great of a player? Is he a Hall of Famer?

I remember when he announced his retirement in 2011 and there already was an instant debate on whether or not he was a Hall of Fame type player. He never put up dominating stats and injuries plagued his 8-year NBA career, but the game of basketball to me isn’t always about the performance on the court.

What Yao did for the impact of the international game was ever-changing. His international stardom was remarkable. Add that to his great attitude and presence in the NBA, I think that’s a Hall of Fame career.

The biggest debate came actually on the topic of his jersey retirement. What are the parameters for a jersey retirement?

I tend to think of the player’s impact for that one organization. Aside from the two championship teams the Rockets had, I can’t think of another player that has made a bigger impact on the team than Yao. With that alone, I think the jersey retirement is justified.

Overall, Yao will never be viewed as one of the greatest centers of all time. He was good, but he wasn’t that of legendary status. But I would like to think that the NBA wouldn’t be the same without Yao. That’s a fact and I think that is the legacy I want to have of him.