O'Neill and Yao Ming have a very good relationship. When did they start talking to each other?

The relationship between O'Neill and Yao Ming dates back to 2002. That year, Yao Ming entered the NBA for the first time and began to play for the Houston Rockets. This caught O'Neill's attention because O'Neill has always been interested in China basketball. He quickly expressed his desire to communicate with Yao Ming.

At that time, Yao Ming was still a rookie just starting out, and he was a little reserved about NBA giants like Shaquille O'Neal. However, Yao Ming also appreciated O'Neill's talent and leadership skills. So he accepted an invitation to hold a friendship match in cooperation with O'Neill and showed excellent skills.

This game not only brought O'Neill and Yao Ming closer, but also gave the two men a deeper understanding of each other's capabilities. They quickly became friends and built trust through communication and interaction. At the time, Yao Ming was still developing his career, and O'Neal was already an experienced NBA player.

As time went by, the relationship between O'Neill and Yao Ming got better and better. They supported and encouraged each other and became very close friends. Whether on the field or in private life, they often stay in touch and are proud of each other's success.

In addition, O'Neill and Yao Ming often participate in charity activities together to jointly promote the development of basketball. Their friendship is not limited to basketball, but also includes many other aspects, such as culture and living habits. They learned from each other and understood each other's countries and backgrounds, deepening their bonds with each other.

O'Neill and Yao Ming began to have a heart-to-heart relationship in 2002. Their friendship not only stems from their common hobby in basketball, but also based on each other's respect and understanding. Their relationship has continued to this day, and they have become good friends who support and encourage each other. Their story has also become a famous story in NBA history, leaving a deep impression on fans.