The NBA is built on the legends who sustain greatness over decades, but just as often, players exit the league long before fans are ready to let go.

Injuries, personal battles, shifting priorities, or tragedies have cut short careers that once seemed destined for historic heights.

With Ben Simmons reportedly questioning whether he wants to continue playing, it's worth revisiting some notable cases of players who left the game too early

33. Yao Ming

When the Houston Rockets selected Yao Ming with the No. 1 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, he was unlike anything the league had ever seen. A 7'6  giant with soft hands, smooth footwork, and the skill to dominate both inside and out. He quickly justified the hype, becoming a three-time All-Star in his first three seasons and proving he could go toe to toe with the NBA's best centres.

However, starting in 2005, Yao's body began to break down under the strain of his size. A string of serious foot and ankle injuries, including multiple fractures, forced him to spend as much time in rehab as on the court. By the time he was 30, the cycle of surgery and recovery had left him physically and mentally drained. As Yao put it years later, he feared that pushing any further could leave him “in a wheelchair.”

Still, his impact in just eight seasons was significant. Alongside Tracy McGrady, he formed one of the league's most memorable duos while his presence drew millions of new fans from China and helped accelerate the NBA's global growth. Despite retiring far earlier than anyone hoped, Yao left the game with over 9,000 points, nearly 5,000 rebounds, and a Hall of Fame induction in 2023.

Injuries may have shortened his career, but his influence on the sport, in Houston, China, and worldwide, remains immeasurable.