It's like if Yao Ming grew three inches. And became slower. And looked different. And was named Sun Mingming.

World, meet Chinese center Sun Mingming. He's 7-foot-9, plays professionally in Japan and wears number 79 (maybe because he's 7-9? That would be a bit contrived.) Did we mention he's tall?

His size has led to the comparisons with his compatriot Yao of the, but Sun’s lack of speed is considered by some experts as a barrier to a career in the NBA.

If he ever makes it to the NBA, Sun would be the tallest player in the league’s history, overtaking Manute Bol and Gheorghe Muresan, who both stood 7-foot-7. Yao, at 7-foot-6, is the tallest active NBA player.

You'd think someone would take a waiver on him. If he can hold a basketball with two hands and walk without falling over, he's good for at least 15 and 10 a game.

Though his imposing figure could become a rude welcoming for some of the league's shorter players. Much like the defender picture above, fighting off a screen might turn into the 15-year-old's equivalent of second base. Though things could probably work out well for Sun's girlfriend: knee pads not necessary.

[AP]