Did the Chinese National Basketball Team Freeze Out Wang Lanqin? Nearly a Perfect Three-Point Shooting Debut in the NBA

In a highly anticipated preseason match, the Portland Trail Blazers faced off against the Chinese national basketball team, securing a decisive 61-42 victory after three quarters. This game was particularly notable as Cui Yongxi made his NBA debut as a Trail Blazer, showcasing his 3-and-D capabilities with a standout performance. Cui went 3-for-4 from beyond the arc, tallying 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal, marking a perfect NBA debut. Highlights from the game show Cui hitting three-pointers from the top of the arc and the corner, as well as an impressive pull-up three, demonstrating an improved release speed and accuracy.

Post-game, Cui shared a heartfelt embrace with China’s interim head coach Guo Shiqiang, who also coaches Cui at Guangzhou. This game also saw the rare appearance of Yi Jianlian, who came to watch live, adding more excitement to the event. Cui's journey to the NBA this summer has been filled with expectations, both a source of pressure and motivation. Following the game against the Chinese national team, the Trail Blazers are set to officially start their Summer League campaign, facing teams like the Spurs, 76ers, Wizards, and Hornets. These upcoming games will be the real test for Cui.

Comparisons have been made between the physiques of Cui Yongxi and Liao Sanning, evoking thoughts of a famous painting. However, the main focus of the match was not Cui, but Wang Lanqin. There had been speculation about Wang’s limited playtime under Guo Shiqiang’s coaching, as he was not featured in the final Summer League game. Guo Shiqiang responded to questions about preferring Gao Shiyan over Wang Lanqin by stating, "Players who are not prepared will not be given opportunities."

This led to concerns that Guo Shiqiang might blacklist Wang Lanqin, similar to what happened with Lin Wei. Both Wang and Lin, players from the Tongxi team, enjoyed more freedom under coach Xi Relijiang during their rookie seasons. However, it is important to remember that the Chinese national team is not the Tongxi team, and Guo Shiqiang is not Xi Relijiang. Fortunately, these fears were unfounded, as Wang was activated and performed well in the scrimmage against the Trail Blazers. Clips from Cui’s highlights also featured Wang Lanqin.

Since Guo Shiqiang resumed his role as head coach of the Chinese national team, he has faced significant criticism. Many are unhappy with his reluctance to fully develop and utilize young talent, as seen with the absence of promising players like Lin Wei and Zhao Weiren from the overseas training camp. Additionally, there are accusations of nepotism, with Guo favoring veteran players like Gao Shiyan and Zhu Mingzhen, despite them being on the verge of turning 30, rather than focusing on nurturing younger talent.

Turning attention to international basketball, the Serbian national team recently defeated the French national team 79-67 in a thrilling exhibition game. This matchup, a true clash of titans, saw both teams field their best players without holding back. Nikola Jokic led Serbia with an impressive performance, scoring 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds, dominating the French frontcourt duo of Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert. Jokic’s message was clear: "I'm a three-time MVP; what do these mythical creatures have on me?" This serious approach from the European superstar raises concerns for Team USA, especially since both the American and Serbian teams are in the same group for the Paris Olympics. They are set to face each other in their first game, and the question arises: Can the USA’s frontline, potentially featuring Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis, offer more resistance to Jokic than Wembanyama and Gobert?

Returning to the topic of the Chinese national team, the preseason game against the Trail Blazers highlighted significant issues and areas of improvement. For Cui Yongxi, this was a promising start to his NBA journey, but for the Chinese team and particularly Wang Lanqin, it was a chance to address rumors and concerns about their future under Guo Shiqiang’s leadership. The speculation around Wang’s playing time and development reflects broader issues within the team's strategy and management.

As the Trail Blazers gear up for their Summer League, all eyes will be on Cui Yongxi to see if he can continue his impressive form. Meanwhile, the Chinese national team needs to focus on integrating young talent and ensuring they have the opportunities to develop and shine on the international stage. The criticism directed at Guo Shiqiang’s coaching decisions highlights the delicate balance between fostering young talent and relying on experienced players. The success of the Chinese national team will depend on how well this balance is managed in the coming years.