Yao Ming, the Houston Rockets legend known for his remarkable <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA career and off-court humility, recently revealed his favorite American city during a conversation with NBA player Kyle Kuzma. The discussion took place after Kuzma attended Ming’s charity basketball event in Hong Kong, spotlighting a memorable and hilarious exchange about the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak.
When Kuzma asked Yao about his favorite city in the United States, Ming answered enthusiastically, “My favorite is Philadelphia.” His reason sparked laughter from Kuzma, as Ming explained how the city’s unique combination of cheesesteaks and museums made it special to him.
Ming’s Unique Take on Philadelphia’s Attractions
Yao Ming enthusiastically described his affection for Philadelphia by highlighting its famous food and cultural sites. He said,
“Cheesesteak and I like museums. Chicago has good museums too, but Philadelphia has a good museum and also the Navy Factory, defending the entire ocean. That’s kind of a museum too,”
capturing not only his fondness for the city’s culinary culture but also its historical significance.
This amusing and heartfelt explanation quickly caught the attention of fans online, who joined the conversation with a variety of reactions ranging from admiration for Yao Ming to playful debates about the Philly cheesesteak.
Fan Responses to the Playful Conversation
The lively exchange between Yao Ming and Kyle Kuzma inspired several fans to share their thoughts, celebrating both the humor and Ming’s personality. Fans praised Ming’s genuine charm and reminisced about his basketball legacy, with one saying,
“I love Yao Ming. Damn gem of a man. Such a shame he and TMac didn’t have more success together.”
Another expression of enthusiasm came with a simple endorsement:
“Nothing like a Philly cheesesteak ong.”
Questions and imaginative suggestions also emerged, such as a fan wondering,
“Has Yao eaten over or under 1000 cheesesteaks in his life?”
and another jokingly adding,
“Brendan Fraser should play Yao in his biopic.”
However, some comments sparked a debate about Philadelphia’s reputation, with one user remarking,
“If the best thing you can say about Philly is a sandwich, it kind of proves the point of everyone who says the city’s overrated,”
to which others replied emphasizing the culinary supremacy:
“Food speaks louder than words, Philly cheesesteak wins every time!”
Ming’s Personal Connection to Philadelphia and Charity Work
Yao Ming also shared that his appreciation for Philly cheesesteaks began through his former teammate Cuttino Mobley, who hails from Philadelphia. This personal story connected the legend to the city in a meaningful way beyond just the food.
During the 12th annual charity basketball event organized by the Yao Foundation in Hong Kong, NBA stars including Kyle Kuzma, James Harden, and Jimmy Butler interacted with fans and participated in press engagements. Ming’s enduring influence on basketball in China remains strong as he continues to develop the sport through his foundation and by promoting grassroots growth in his role as chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Yao Ming’s Lasting Impact Beyond the NBA
Yao Ming’s NBA journey spanned eight seasons exclusively with the Houston Rockets, ending with his retirement in 2011 due to injuries that limited his final season to just five games. Many observers believe that without these setbacks, his career achievements could have been even greater.
In China, Yao transcends the identity of a former player—he is a national icon whose rise in the NBA inspired countless young athletes and expanded basketball’s popularity throughout the country. Since retiring, Ming has remained dedicated to nurturing new talent by bringing NBA superstars to Chinese cities through his foundation’s events.
Additionally, Ming is actively involved in environmental causes, leading significant efforts against the ivory trade and shark finning. His imposing presence on the court and warm nature off it have earned him lasting admiration. Fans continue to imagine what greater heights his career might have reached if injuries had not intervened.