The cover of Sports Illustrated magazine published on February 10, 2003 shows Yao Ming and the inscription reads “The Year of Yao Ming”. Yao finished his rookie season averaging 13.5 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game, ranking second in the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. He was also voted the Sporting News Rookie of the Year and won the Laureus Newcomer of the Year award.

2003年2月10日，姚明的头像登上了当日出版的《体育画刊》杂志封面，标题为“姚明之年”。姚明以场均得分13.5分和场均投篮8.2个的成绩结束了自己的新手赛季，成为美国职业篮球联赛年度最佳新秀奖第二名。同时，他被当选为该年的体育新闻新秀，并获得劳伦斯最佳新人奖。