Yao: 'I'm a Texan, and a Houston Rocket for life'

Injuries robbed Yao Ming of his prime years, and cut short what should have been a dynasty for the Houston Rockets.

Yao's broken foot, compounded by Tracy McGrady's balky back, left Rockets fans wanting more - the team only made it out of the first round once, in 2009.

But Yao's eight seasons in Houston created a lifetime of memories, and he made sure to thank his adopted city while being enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday.

"You stood by me through good and bad times, you gave me strength to move forward. I will always consider you my family," Yao said.

"I am a Texan, and a Houston Rocket for life."

Yao also thanked members of the Rockets' front office, and gave a nod to former teammates Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley. Those two made Yao feel welcome in his rookie season as the No. 1 pick moved halfway across the world from Shanghai.

Mobley even had Yao to his house for "soul food," something the center recalled with a chuckle during his induction speech.