Yao Ming, ex-Garmin spokesman, retiring from pro basketball

Houston Rockets center and former Garmin spokesman Yao Ming is retiring, according to Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski. Nagging injuries have hampered 7-foot-6-inch Yao’s career. Last season, he played in just five games after suffering a stress fracture in his left ankle.

In nine seasons, Yao averaged 19 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks. In 2008, Yao became a pitchman for Olathe-based GPS maker Garmin, appearing in a number of TV spots, including the one above.

The Rockets are scheduled to play the Miami Heat at the Sprint Center on October 15. However, nothing is certain with the NBA lockout.