There is old saying in China that if the mirror is made of bronze, one can dress properly. If the mirror is history, one can predict ups and downs.
If the mirror is people, one can reflect on one's own weakness and strength. I would like to take a moment to mention a few mirrors in my life.
First, I'd like to mention Mr. Mou Zouyun. He was a legend, Chinese basketball legend. And over 80 years ago, Mr. Mou, Mr. Mou Zouyun came here to Springfield to study basketball.
After that, he went back to China, dedicated his life to Chinese basketball. And today, the Championship Cup of CBA is named after him. That cup has become the life goal for every CBA player dream of.
I am not the first Chinese man to play in the NBA. That honor belongs to Mr. Wang Zhi Zhi. He was a pioneer for all future Chinese players who dream of coming to the NBA.
He cleared the road for us and made so many sacrifices. I learned so much from him. Although he cannot be here today, I want to thank him.
Many people know the story that began when Rockets drafted me in 2002. Not many people know how much effort the Rockets put in before I arrived and throughout my career.
Thank you to Les Alexander, Michael Goldberg, Carroll Dawson, Tad Brown, and Keith Jones for making me feel at home in Houston. When I arrived on my first day, Steve Francis gave me a strong high five and a huge hug to welcome me.
Steve has been the perfect big brother to me ever since that day. Cuttino Mobley invited me to his home for something called "soul food."
Please excuse me for my beginning English back then that I heard sounds like salty food which confused me a little bit. Thank you to Steve, Cuttino and everyone on my early Rockets teams to make me feel so welcome.
