0 Points, All 0 Points! Only Cui Yongxi Can Make It in the NBA—The Last Standing Asian Player...

The scrutiny around Asian players in the NBA continues to intensify, and the latest victim of this harsh reality seems to be Bronny James and Yuki Kawamura. After a highly anticipated entry into the league, both have struggled to make a notable impact. Bronny, in particular, has become a lightning rod for criticism following a string of scoreless performances in preseason play, while Kawamura is facing similar difficulties, finding himself overmatched by the size and speed of NBA defenders.

Bronny James' Struggles

In the Los Angeles Lakers’ 107-102 preseason victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, Bronny James once again failed to register a single point. This marks the second consecutive preseason game where he has been held scoreless. In fact, across three preseason games, Bronny has totaled only 2 points, 3 blocks, and minimal contributions otherwise. His shooting woes are glaring: 1-of-11 from the field, including 0-of-5 from beyond the arc, and no trips to the free-throw line. This translates to shooting percentages of 9.1% overall, 0% from three-point range, and 0% from the line.

The dismal performance has triggered a wave of skepticism from basketball analysts and fans alike. One anonymous Western Conference executive even went as far as to say, "If you looked only at the stats without knowing the name, there’s no way Bronny gets into the NBA."

Despite being selected by the Lakers with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny’s preseason outings have done little to instill confidence. The Lakers signed him to a four-year, $7.9 million deal, which suggests they’re willing to invest time in his development, but the early signs are worrying. If the son of LeBron James hopes to carve out a role in the NBA, he’ll need to turn things around fast, especially with all the pressure that comes with his family name.

Yuki Kawamura Faces the Same Battle

In a similar fashion, Yuki Kawamura, a 5'8" point guard from Japan, is also struggling to adjust to the level of play in the NBA. Kawamura made headlines by signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, a deal that grants him a shot at making the regular-season roster. However, after a lackluster performance in the Grizzlies’ 94-119 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, his future in the league is uncertain.

Kawamura logged nine minutes of play but went 0-of-4 from the field, including 0-of-2 from three-point range, and finished with just one assist. His small stature has made it difficult for him to get shots off, and NBA defenders have been able to neutralize his once-impressive playmaking skills. His -16 plus-minus rating in this game illustrates how challenging it is for him to keep up with the NBA’s elite athleticism and size.

While Kawamura has thrived in international competition with the Japanese national team, the NBA is proving to be a much more difficult arena. The sheer speed, physicality, and defensive prowess of NBA players have exposed Kawamura’s limitations, especially when matched up against bigger, more athletic opponents. International competitions, even at the highest levels, don't prepare players for the NBA's unique level of physical intensity.

As it stands, Kawamura is unlikely to make the Grizzlies’ final roster for the 2024-2025 season, barring a significant change in his performance. He is expected to be sent to the NBA G League, where he can continue to develop in hopes of one day cracking an NBA rotation. But as of now, the dream of Kawamura becoming a prominent NBA player seems distant, if not improbable.

The Success of Cui Yongxi

With Bronny and Kawamura struggling, attention has turned to Cui Yongxi, a standout player who seems to be the last hope for an Asian player to thrive in the NBA. Hailing from China, Cui has shown that height, versatility, and a commitment to defense can still give players from Asia a fighting chance in the league.

Unlike Kawamura, Cui has the size and defensive prowess needed to succeed at the NBA level. Standing at 6'8" with a solid frame, he is a prototypical 3-and-D player—a role that is highly coveted in today’s game. While his offensive game is still developing, his defensive presence makes him a valuable asset even when he struggles to score. He’s shown the ability to guard multiple positions, something that has helped him maintain a foothold in the league.

Cui’s success reinforces the idea that, for Asian players or any international prospects outside of basketball’s traditional powerhouse regions, the key to carving out a career in the NBA often comes down to physical tools. Players like Kawamura, who lack height and athleticism, are finding it harder to make the leap to the NBA. But players with the size and skill set of Cui Yongxi are finding a niche, even if they aren’t primary scoring options.

While the NBA is slowly becoming more inclusive and global, the harsh reality remains that size, athleticism, and versatility are still the primary factors for success in the league. For undersized players like Kawamura, making it to the NBA is an uphill battle that requires overcoming the overwhelming physical advantages of their peers. Meanwhile, players like Cui Yongxi, who can contribute in multiple ways, stand a better chance of sticking around.

Klay Thompson's New Journey with the Mavericks

Meanwhile, Klay Thompson, a player who has already cemented his legacy in the NBA, made his preseason debut for the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson scored 10 points in 18 minutes, shooting 3-of-9 from the field and 3-of-5 from three-point range. While it wasn’t a stellar performance, Thompson admitted that he was extremely nervous. He even compared the experience to his first Finals game back in 2015, showing that after 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, change can still be nerve-wracking even for veterans.

Thompson left the Warriors after the 2024 season, signing a three-year, $50 million deal with the Mavericks. The move marks a new chapter in his career, one where his elite shooting will be crucial to Dallas' aspirations of contending for a championship. Thompson’s veteran leadership and shooting ability could be the missing piece for the Mavericks, a team that has been on the verge of reaching the Finals but has fallen short in recent years.

One notable absence from the Mavericks' preseason game was Luka Dončić, who is nursing a calf injury. While the injury isn’t expected to sideline him for the regular season, his absence in the preseason has prevented fans from seeing the full trio of Dončić, Thompson, and Kyrie Irving on the floor together. Mavericks fans are hoping that this trio will mesh well and lead the team deep into the playoffs, but for now, the chemistry between Irving and Thompson is a promising start.

The Mavericks will open their regular season against the San Antonio Spurs on October 25, a matchup that will feature two of the West’s most intriguing teams. Fans are already buzzing about the potential of this Mavericks squad, with some believing that this could be the year they finally break through and reach the NBA Finals. Only time will tell, but with Thompson and Irving leading the charge, expectations are high in Dallas.

The Verdict

As the NBA continues to evolve, it’s clear that not every prospect, no matter how hyped, will succeed. Bronny James and Yuki Kawamura are learning this the hard way, as their preseason struggles have raised serious doubts about their future in the league. On the other hand, players like Cui Yongxi, who have the physical attributes and defensive capabilities needed to thrive, are proving that there is still a place for Asian players in the NBA.

The road ahead will be challenging for all of these players, but as the league becomes more competitive, only those who can adapt and contribute on both ends of the floor will survive. Whether Bronny and Kawamura can make the necessary adjustments remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on Cui Yongxi as the torchbearer for Asian talent in the NBA.