What Actually Happened To These 4 International Stars From The 2000's

Yao Ming
A generational talent from China, Yao Ming was the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft and quickly became one of the league’s top centers. Standing 7'6", he combined size with surprising agility and skill. An 8-time All-Star, Yao was a dominant inside presence on both ends of the court for the Houston Rockets. Despite chronic foot injuries that cut his career short in 2011, his influence extended beyond the court—he played a pivotal role in globalizing the NBA, especially in Asia. Yao was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Andrei Kirilenko
Known for his versatility and defensive prowess, Russian forward Andrei Kirilenko (nicknamed “AK-47”) spent most of his NBA career with the Utah Jazz. He was a one-time All-Star and earned multiple All-Defensive Team honors thanks to his shot-blocking, steals, and high basketball IQ. Kirilenko was capable of filling up the stat sheet across all categories and was known as one of the league's best all-around defenders during the 2000s. He later played in Europe and became president of the Russian Basketball Federation.

Peja Stojaković
One of the NBA’s elite sharpshooters in the early 2000s, Serbian forward Peja Stojaković was a central figure on the high-powered Sacramento Kings teams. A 3-time All-Star, he was known for his smooth shooting stroke, especially from three-point range. Peja won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 before retiring. After his playing career, he remained involved in basketball through front-office roles, particularly with the Kings.

Hedo Türkoğlu
A trailblazing Turkish forward, Hedo Türkoğlu made his mark in the NBA as a versatile scorer and playmaker, particularly with the Orlando Magic. He won the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2008 and was instrumental in the Magic’s run to the 2009 NBA Finals. Known for his ability to hit clutch shots and handle the ball as a forward, Türkoğlu played 15 seasons in the league. Post-retirement, he became president of the Turkish Basketball Federation.



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