Cui Yongxi Out for the Season! Farewell, Nets? His NBA Journey Could Be Over

The worst fears of basketball fans have been confirmed. The Brooklyn Nets have officially announced that Cui Yongxi has been diagnosed with a torn left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an injury that will rule him out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. While the Nets expressed optimism about his eventual full recovery, the news of a complete ACL tear instead of a less severe strain has cast a shadow over the young player’s NBA aspirations.

According to reports from prominent Chinese basketball journalist Song Xiang, Cui has maintained a positive outlook despite the grim diagnosis. He reportedly accepted the news with calm resilience, prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

A Rough Start to an NBA Dream

Cui’s NBA career was already off to a slow start before the injury struck. The 21-year-old forward appeared in just five NBA games this season, averaging only 2 minutes per game and contributing 0.6 points and 0.4 rebounds. His shooting splits—14.3% from the field (1-of-7) and 0% from three-point range (0-of-3)—left much to be desired.

In the G League, Cui showed flashes of promise but was still searching for consistency. Over five games, he averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1 assist, while shooting an impressive 42.9% from beyond the arc. While these numbers hinted at his potential, they weren’t enough to secure a lasting role in Brooklyn’s plans.

Now sidelined for the rest of the season, Cui’s future with the Nets looks uncertain. His current contract is a two-way deal, and with his first season cut short by injury, it’s unclear if the Nets will choose to extend him for the second year.

What Could Have Been

Cui’s NBA journey is undoubtedly a testament to hard work and determination. Born in 2003, he rose from being an overlooked prospect in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) to becoming a key player for the Guangzhou Loong Lions. His breakout came under the guidance of former Chinese national team head coach Aleksandar Đorđević, who recognized Cui’s potential and elevated him to the starting lineup for Team China.

Cui’s performances in the FIBA World Cup and Asian Games solidified his reputation as one of China’s brightest basketball talents. His decision to test himself in the NBA was ambitious, given the doubts surrounding his ability to compete at the highest level. Still, his journey inspired countless fans back home.

When Cui was asked about the Nets’ upcoming preseason game against the Phoenix Suns in Macau next year, he had expressed his excitement and determination to earn a spot in the rotation. Sadly, this injury means that he will not have the chance to suit up in front of fans from his home region.

The Impact of ACL Tears

An ACL tear is one of the most devastating injuries for any athlete, and its effects are particularly severe for basketball players who rely on explosive movements. Modern medicine has made remarkable strides in treating such injuries, and many players have successfully returned to high levels of performance. However, the road to recovery is long and arduous, typically requiring a full year of rehabilitation and retraining.

For Cui, the timing couldn’t be worse. As a young player still trying to establish himself in the NBA, this injury represents a significant setback. Unlike established stars who have proven their value to teams, developing players like Cui often face an uphill battle to reclaim their spots.

What’s Next for Cui Yongxi?

While the Nets have publicly supported Cui during this difficult time, the reality of professional basketball is harsh. Brooklyn may decide to part ways with him at the end of the season, opting not to exercise the second year of his two-way contract. If that happens, Cui will need to consider his next steps carefully.

One possibility is a return to the CBA, where he is already a well-known figure. A stint back home could provide Cui with the playing time and confidence he needs to fully recover and potentially relaunch his NBA aspirations. Alternatively, Cui could explore opportunities in other international leagues, using his experience in the United States as a stepping stone.

Despite this setback, Cui’s story is far from over. At just 21 years old, he has plenty of time to recover, rebuild, and continue chasing his basketball dreams. While his NBA future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Cui Yongxi has already made history by becoming one of the few Chinese players to step onto an NBA court. His determination and resilience in the face of adversity will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their own goals, no matter how challenging the path may be.