CBA in Shock! Sun Minghui Teams Up with Zhao Rui? This is Liaoning's Biggest Problem...

Recent rumors have set the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) ablaze with speculation that Sun Minghui might join the Xinjiang Flying Tigers and team up with his good friend Zhao Rui. Although the possibility remains uncertain, it's worth noting that Sun did visit Xinjiang recently for a vacation. Similarly, Shen Zijie also visited Xinjiang in April before being traded to the Beijing Royal Fighters.

The potential pairing of Sun Minghui and Zhao Rui is undeniably powerful. The duo showed their chemistry during the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, where their intense play even led to both being ejected from a game against Bahrain. Though it was a humorous incident, it highlighted their ability to work together effectively. Despite both being guards, Zhao Rui's off-ball capabilities complement Sun's playmaking, making them a formidable backcourt duo.

Xinjiang’s Financial Prowess

The Xinjiang Flying Tigers currently have one remaining max salary slot and ample financial resources to offer Sun Minghui the highest possible contract. If they manage to secure Sun, they would become the top contenders for the CBA championship next season and the strongest rivals for the Liaoning Flying Leopards. However, the challenge lies in whether Sun is willing to join Xinjiang and whether his current team, the Zhejiang Lions, would agree to let him go.

Xinjiang's strategy of using significant financial leverage to acquire top players is not new. Over the years, they have spent heavily to bolster their roster, acquiring talents like Wu Guanxi, Li Yanzhe, Zhao Rui, and Zhu Xuhang. This approach is necessary as Xinjiang often struggles to attract top players willingly. Therefore, the idea of Sun Minghui joining Xinjiang seems far-fetched, especially since the team lacks the trade assets they had when acquiring Zhao Rui from Guangdong.

National Team Chemistry

The prospect of Sun Minghui and Zhao Rui playing together will more likely be seen in the national team. The last time they teamed up was during the 2022 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and Asia Cup, and they did not play together in any significant international matches in 2023. With the upcoming 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, fans can look forward to seeing this dynamic duo in action again.

Under former head coach Du Feng, Sun Minghui saw limited national team action, but current head coach Guo Shiqiang seems more inclined to utilize his skills. Some critics argue that with the national team undergoing a generational shift, 28-year-olds like Sun and Zhao should be phased out. However, Guo Shiqiang's approach appears to balance youth development with experienced players, as evidenced by the inclusion of 28-year-old Gao Shiyan.

The Need for Experience

The upcoming Asia Cup Qualifiers will be crucial, especially considering the Chinese national team’s recent 73-76 loss to Japan in February. That defeat was one of the final straws that led to Du Feng’s departure. Guo Shiqiang understands the high stakes of these games and the potential fallout from another home defeat to Japan. His emphasis on honor and results means he is likely to field a strong lineup, including veterans like Zhao Rui, Sun Minghui, Zhou Qi, Zhang Zhenlin, Hu Mingxuan, Hu Jinqiu, and Zhao Jiwei.

While Japan’s basketball team has improved significantly, there is confidence that a fully committed Chinese team can secure victory. In the 2021 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, Du Feng’s squad, which included almost all key players like Zhou Qi, Wang Zhelin, Hu Jinqiu, Zhang Zhenlin, Zhou Peng, Abudushalamu, Zhao Jiwei, Guo Ailun, Sun Minghui, and Zhao Rui, dominated Japan in back-to-back games, winning by a combined 49 points.

Implications for the CBA

The potential of Sun Minghui joining Xinjiang has significant implications for the CBA. The Flying Tigers, already a powerhouse, would become even more formidable, posing a direct threat to Liaoning’s championship aspirations. Liaoning, who have been a dominant force in recent years, would face their biggest challenge yet. Sun’s addition to Xinjiang could disrupt the league’s balance of power and create new dynamics in the title race.

Moreover, the chemistry between Sun and Zhao could bring a new level of excitement to the league. Fans would eagerly anticipate their matchups against top teams like Liaoning, creating a buzz that could elevate the CBA’s profile. The league has seen various power shifts over the years, but this potential move could be one of the most impactful in recent memory.

The Broader Impact

Beyond the immediate CBA implications, Sun’s potential move to Xinjiang highlights the increasing financial muscle of Chinese basketball teams. The willingness to spend big to secure top talent is a testament to the league’s growth and ambition. It also underscores the competitive nature of the CBA, where teams are constantly looking for ways to outdo each other and build championship-caliber rosters.

For Sun Minghui, a move to Xinjiang would represent a new chapter in his career. Teaming up with Zhao Rui would not only boost his chances of winning a CBA title but also provide a platform to further showcase his talents. As for Zhao Rui, having a familiar and capable partner in the backcourt could enhance his game and make Xinjiang a more cohesive and dangerous team.

The Road Ahead

As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Sun Minghui’s next move. Whether he stays with Zhejiang or joins Xinjiang, his decision will undoubtedly have a ripple effect across the league. Fans, analysts, and teams alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this saga unfolds.

In the meantime, the anticipation for the new CBA season continues to build. With teams making strategic moves and players preparing for the challenges ahead, the stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable season. The potential pairing of Sun Minghui and Zhao Rui may be just one storyline, but it encapsulates the drama, intrigue, and competitive spirit that make the CBA a league to watch.

For now, the rumors and speculations add to the offseason excitement, keeping fans engaged and eager for the season to start. Whether Sun Minghui and Zhao Rui end up as teammates in Xinjiang or continue their partnership in the national team, one thing is certain: their combined talents and chemistry will leave a lasting impact on Chinese basketball.