Will Yao Ming’s retirement dimish the NBA’s popularity in China?

[goodjerseys]

Yao Ming had always been the focus of China’s media since his career in Huston Rockets, as the center of this team, Yao wears mumber 11 NBA jersey and his characteristics made him widely known both at home and abroad.
David Shoemaker, the newly appointed CEO of NBA China said that he does not see Yao’s uncertainty is having a negative imoact but has generated a lot of interest.
As we know, Yao Ming’s contract with Huston Rockets has expired on 30th June but the Rockets will be welcome if Yao Ming returns.
After playing 5 games last season, Yao underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his left ankle and he has not recovered until now. Yao Ming also said that he will have to retire if his left ankle can not heal.
It seems that David Shoemaker is confident that Yao’s retirement will not hurt NBA’s popularity in China if Yao retires because it has a strong foundation.

[hank_zhan]

I don't think so.
There are still a lot of NBA fans which like NBA deeply in heart.