35 Points, 11 Rebounds! Kenneth Lofton Jr. Takes Over the Starting Role from Wang Zhelin

The Shanghai Sharks have roared back to life in the second phase of the CBA season, claiming a dominant three-game winning streak. Over this stretch, they have defeated the Zhejiang Lions by 30 points, the Sichuan Blue Whales by 36, and the Tianjin Pioneers by 35—a combined margin of 101 points. Under new head coach Lu Wei’s guidance and with a full roster at his disposal, Shanghai has become an offensive juggernaut. The team has consistently scored over 100 points per game during this phase, a stark contrast to their struggles in the first phase, where triple-digit outputs were a rarity.

In their most recent 129-94 blowout victory against Tianjin, one notable change caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Kenneth Lofton Jr., making his first start in the second phase, erupted for 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Meanwhile, Wang Zhelin, who returned from injury, came off the bench to contribute 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.

This marked the first time Lofton has been utilized as Shanghai's starting center since his arrival, a role previously held by Wang Zhelin. Since joining the Sharks in the 2021-22 season, Wang has rarely played as a substitute. However, Lofton’s performance and pedigree, honed in the NBA, have made him an undeniable force in the CBA.

Kenneth Lofton Jr.: A Rising Star in Shanghai

Lofton, an undrafted player from the 2022 NBA Draft, has wasted no time establishing himself as a dominant player in the CBA. Despite going undrafted, his talent is unquestionable. Lofton made headlines in the NBA with a stunning regular-season performance, scoring 42 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a single game. During his time in the NBA G League, he averaged a double-double of over 25 points and 10 rebounds per game, earning MVP honors.

Since joining the Shanghai Sharks, Lofton has continued to showcase his skill set. Through six regular-season games, he is averaging 21.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals in just 28.3 minutes per game. He has maintained impressive shooting percentages of 54.9% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc. His impact has been immediate, with two games of 30 or more points already under his belt.

Lofton’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor has not only elevated Shanghai’s performance but also redefined their lineup. His presence allows the team to deploy Wang Zhelin as a high-impact reserve, a move that has paid dividends in their recent success.

Wang Zhelin’s Role Shift

Wang Zhelin’s transition to a bench role marks a significant shift for the Sharks. Since his arrival in Shanghai, Wang has been the cornerstone of the team, rarely relinquishing his starting position. His willingness to adapt to this new dynamic speaks volumes about his team-first mentality and respect for Lofton’s abilities.

Wang remains a highly productive player, as evidenced by his 25-point, 9-rebound performance against Tianjin. His contributions off the bench provide Shanghai with a potent one-two punch in the frontcourt, giving the team a versatile and deep roster capable of competing with the league’s best.

Shanghai’s Long Road to Redemption

While the Sharks’ resurgence is promising, their first-phase struggles have left them with an uphill battle. After starting the season with a dismal 1-9 record, their current 4-10 mark places them 18th in the league standings. The team’s recent dominance has provided a glimmer of hope, but their journey back to playoff contention remains fraught with challenges.

Coach Lu Wei has played a pivotal role in Shanghai’s turnaround. His emphasis on offensive efficiency and adaptability has unlocked the team’s potential. With Lofton and Wang leading the charge, the Sharks now have a clear path to climbing the standings, though there is no room for complacency.

A Changing League Landscape

As Shanghai fights to climb the rankings, the league’s upper echelon continues to see shifts. The Zhejiang Lions, early-season favorites, have ceded the top spot to the Guangsha Lions, followed closely by the Liaoning Flying Leopards and the Shanxi Loongs. The Beijing Ducks, once dominant, have slipped to fourth place.

The Guangdong Southern Tigers, an 11-time CBA champion, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, barely clinging to a playoff spot at 10th place. With the league’s competitiveness at an all-time high, even traditional powerhouses must adapt to remain relevant.

Kenneth Lofton Jr.: The NBA Weapon in the CBA

Lofton’s emergence as a force in the CBA has drawn comparisons to his potential in the NBA. His combination of size, skill, and versatility makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. His ability to score from the post, stretch the floor, and facilitate for teammates has transformed the Sharks into a more dynamic and unpredictable team.

For Shanghai, Lofton represents a bridge between their aspirations and their current reality. If his early performances are any indication, he has the potential to lead the Sharks on a deep playoff run, provided the team continues to build on its recent momentum.

As the Sharks set their sights on a brighter future, the duo of Lofton and Wang offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s possible. With their blend of NBA-caliber talent and CBA experience, Shanghai may yet emerge as a dark horse in this year’s championship race.