In the world of basketball, each day of the year holds a special significance for NBA fans as they celebrate the birthdays of some of the greatest players to have ever graced the hardwood. Let’s take a closer look at which NBA players were born on September 12.
One of the most iconic players born on September 12 is none other than Yao Ming. Born on September 12, 1980, Yao Ming made history when he was selected by the Houston Rockets as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. Standing tall at 7-foot-6, Yao was a phenom from China who brought a new level of international talent to the NBA. Despite never playing college basketball in the U.S., Yao quickly made a name for himself in the league.
Yao Ming received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named an All-Star starter in each of his eight seasons with the Rockets. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to a foot injury, but not before he left a lasting impact on the game. A five-time All-NBA selection, Yao finished his career with impressive numbers – 9,247 points, 4,494 rebounds, and 920 blocks over 486 games. His contributions to the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
Another notable player born on September 12 is Vernon Maxwell. Born on September 12, 1965, Maxwell was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 47th overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs. Maxwell went on to play 13 NBA seasons for a total of eight teams, showcasing his versatility and skill on the court.
Maxwell’s most successful stint came with the Houston Rockets from 1990-1995, where he played a crucial role in helping the team secure back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. Over his 855 career games, Maxwell tallied 10,912 points, 2,200 rebounds, and 2,912 assists, solidifying his place as a respected player in the league.
As we celebrate the birthdays of Yao Ming and Vernon Maxwell on September 12, we are reminded of the incredible talent and impact these players had on the game of basketball. Their contributions will forever be remembered by fans around the world.
