Former NBA star Yao Ming is expected to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 following potential changes in the election process, according to a report in Agence France Presse.

The report said the wait time for Basketball Hall of Fame candidates would be shortened from five seasons in retirement to four.

The new change would see the Basketball Hall of Fame open the door for eligible nominees after five calendar years. Under the new rule, several candidates, notably Yao, O'Neal, Iverson, Jason Kidd and Steve Nash could join the Class of 2016.

Yao Ming, the former center at Houston Rockets, said “(I) feel flattered to be recommended as so many legendary predecessors have been nominated there.”

Finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2016 are expected to be announced in February with selection in April and enshrinement in September at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Source: AFP

Proofread by John Devlin.