Yao Ming is not only a celebrated player on the court, but he’s also been a stellar personality off the court. For years, fans have appreciated the Rockets legend’s humility, resilience, and cross-cultural influence.
Recently, fans again got an insight into Ming’s thought process as he sat down with Kyle Kuzma after the Bucks power forward went to Hong Kong for Ming’s charity basketball game.
“My favorite is Philadelphia”, Ming exclaimed after Kuzma asked him which city is his favorite in America. When asked why Philadelphia, Ming gave a response that left Kyle Kuzma laughing while agreeing.
“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,” Ming recalled.
Yao Ming told Kuz why Philadelphia is his favorite city in the US:
"Cheesesteak." 🤣🔥
(via @kylekuzma) pic.twitter.com/HkxyOyUgPY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 22, 2025
Fans were quick to respond to this heartfelt, hilarious conversation between the two, replying with their quips and their love (or hate) for the Philly cheesesteak.
“I love Yao Ming. Damn gem of a man. Such a shame he and TMac didn’t have more success together.”
“Nothing like a Philly cheesesteak ong”
“Has Yao eaten over or under 1000 cheesesteaks in his life?”
“Brendan Fraser should play Yao in his biopic.”
“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.”
“Food speaks louder than words, Philly cheesesteak wins every time!”
“Bros favorite city is home to Podcast P and Embackhurts.
Ming revealed that Cuttino Mobley was his teammate from Philadelphia, and he’s the one who got Ming hooked on cheesesteaks.
Kyle Kuzma, James Harden, and Jimmy Butler flew down to Hong Kong for the Yao Foundation’s 12th annual charity basketball event, where they interacted with fans and held press events. Ming’s influence in Chinese basketball is far and wide, and he continues to try and build a solid basketball ecosystem there.
Ming played in the NBA for 8 seasons and was completely loyal to the Houston Rockets till his retirement in 2011 due to injuries. He was able to play only 5 games in his last season. Many believe he could’ve captured much more success if the injuries had not derailed him.
For China, he’s not just a basketball player or a sports figure; Ming is a national icon. His rise to the NBA inspired a generation of new players and bolstered basketball’s popularity in China.
Even after retirement, he has continued to impact the basketball world positively. His foundation brings NBA superstars to Chinese cities to promote the game and bring out more players like himself from the massive country.
He took up the role of chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association to modernize the game and develop players at the grassroots level.
Ming also actively works on environmental conservation and has led campaigns that helped curb the ivory trade and shark finning.
His massive structure, coupled with his warm persona, has always made a place in the hearts of fans, and they continue to wonder what if injuries had not derailed the Rockets center and he was able to achieve the success he deserved.
