Or so the story goes. Ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, who was also supposed to play for Crack's team, addressed the Yao Ming rumors during the recent episode of his 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast.

Despite the rivalry between them, O'Neal recognized Yao's skills and legacy. Like Shaq, his former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Robert Horry also acknowledged how special Yao was as a player.

Former Houston Rockets and Hall of Fame center Yao Ming pauses as he speaks during a halftime ceremony where his number 11 jersey was retired at Toyota Center on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, in Houston.