Wow, Yao!

Yao Ming is not only the tallest player on the Houston Rockets roster, but he’s also heads above everyone else on the 2006 Forbes’ Chinese Celebrity List (yes, Virginia, there is a China edition of Forbes magazine). This is Yao's third year to top the list, which is complied by comparing fortune, fame, media and popularity (wow, it sounds like junior high).

We learned that Yao is worth approximately $20 million, from salary and endorsements — not too shabby. His endorsement ventures include Nike and Visa (Houstonist still loves this commercial).

Yao's fame and fortune still couldn’t produce a win for the Rockets last night, though; they fell to the Spurs 81-88. The Rockets are now ranked No. 11 out of 15 in the Western Conference. Still, Yao scored 25 points in the game. Once again, not too shabby.