Yao Ming

119

Yao Ming was a huge star in the Chinese basketball league, where he would win mvp, and the title for the Shanghai Sharks. When he was drafted into the NBA, he continued his sucess making several all star appearances. While he never won an NBA title, he did bring the audience from China into the NBA which helped the league grow more into a global brand over time.

Hakeem Olajuwon

28

Nicknamed "The Dream." Hakeem Olajuwon was ahead of his time. Although he could post up and rebound with the best centers in the NBA, he also had a great mid range game too that often helped spread the floor for his teammates. Hakeem could play like a guard in spite being seven feet tall. I know in the modern NBA, that's common considering the NBA has been more about positionless basketball. But back in the 80s and 90s when Hakeem played? It wasn't that common, so Hakeem was unique for his time. He won back to back titles for the Houston Rockets, and he was part of the third dream team for team USA after he got his green card to become an official citizen of the United States. Hakeem was born in Lagos, Nigeria. His patented move was the shake and bake move that was infamously used during his second title run. His coach would say, "Never underestimate the heart of a champion." Hakeem certainly had the heart of a champion.