Yao could enter Hall as contributor (AP)

Retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming could enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as early as next year -- not as a player, but as a contributor to the game. John Doleva, the president and CEO of the Hall, said Tuesday that Yao has been nominated by a member of the Chinese media and his credentials will be considered by an international panel.

Kevin McHale George Mikan Earl Monroe Shaquille O Neal Hakeem Olajuwon