NBA Rookie of the Year Award
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.