NBA年度最佳新秀
Yao finished his rookie season averaging 13.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and was second in the NBA Rookie of the Year Award voting to Amar'e Stoudemire, and a unanimous pick for the NBA All-Rookie First Team selection. He was also voted the "Sporting News" Rookie of the Year, and won the Laureus Newcomer of the Year award.