Frustration Grows: Cui Yongxi’s Preseason Struggles, 0-4 Shooting, and a Teammate Hogging the Ball

After much anticipation, Brooklyn Nets fans finally got their first glimpse of Chinese player Cui Yongxi during a preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. The game saw the Clippers starting James Harden, Norman Powell, Terance Mann, KJ Martin, and Ivica Zubac, while the Nets fielded a lineup of Ben Simmons, Dennis Schroder, Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Cameron Johnson. It wasn’t until there was just 1:25 remaining in the third quarter that Cui Yongxi made his debut.

Cui’s first possession was an exciting moment for his fans. He dribbled aggressively into the paint, drawing a triple-team from the Clippers' defense. Initially, the referees called a foul on Clippers forward Jordan Miller, but Clippers coach Tyronn Lue challenged the call. In a somewhat surprising move, the challenge was successful, and the foul was overturned. This was an unfortunate moment for Cui, but an understandable one considering the stakes in any NBA game—even in the preseason.

For fans of Cui, especially those in China, there was a sense of disappointment with the overturning of the call. Lue had once jokingly claimed that he was "part Chinese," but it seemed this goodwill didn’t extend to giving Cui the benefit of the doubt. Regardless, the moment passed, and Cui would get his chance again later in the game.

With just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Cui re-entered the game and made his way to the free-throw line after drawing a foul. He converted one of two free throws, officially getting his first NBA preseason point. While this moment was a minor milestone, it didn’t herald a breakout performance. Unfortunately, Cui would finish the game with just 1 point, 2 rebounds (one offensive), 1 turnover, and 2 personal fouls in just under nine minutes of play. He went 0-2 from the field, including 0-1 from three-point range.

In the end, the Nets fell to the Clippers, 115-106. Cui’s stat line wasn’t eye-catching, but for a player making his preseason debut, simply getting on the scoreboard was an achievement of sorts. At the very least, Cui avoided going scoreless—a small victory, albeit a modest one.

Struggling for Opportunities

One of the main takeaways from Cui’s performance was how few opportunities he had to showcase his offensive abilities. He wasn’t involved much in the team’s offense, touching the ball sparingly. This was largely due to the presence of teammate Jordan Bailey, who, despite being on an Exhibit 10 contract, seemed determined to hog the ball. Bailey took four shots in the game, missing them all, and seemed to have tunnel vision whenever he had possession, rarely looking to involve his teammates.

For nearly five minutes, Cui shared the court with Bailey, but during that stretch, he only touched the ball once. This lack of touches severely limited his ability to contribute on offense, leaving him with few chances to create scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates.

However, despite the limited offensive role, Cui’s defensive effort stood out. He played solid on-ball defense, showing good positioning and awareness. He was often tasked with guarding the Clippers’ primary scorers and didn’t shy away from the challenge. His ability to switch onto multiple positions and provide help defense was notable, and he even managed to fight for an offensive rebound in a crowded paint, showing his hustle and determination.

For a player whose projected role on the Nets is that of a 3-and-D specialist, it was encouraging to see him bring the "D" part of that equation, even if his shooting—particularly from three-point range—has yet to emerge. Defensive versatility is an asset that can earn players consistent minutes in the NBA, and Cui demonstrated he has the potential to contribute in that area.

Room for Growth

While his first game may not have been the explosive debut some fans hoped for, it's important to remember that Cui Yongxi is still adjusting to the NBA style of play. The speed, physicality, and intensity of the league are unlike anything he has faced before, and it will take time for him to fully acclimate. As a 3-and-D player, his development on the offensive side, particularly his shooting, will be crucial. In time, his three-point shooting will need to improve, as it’s a key component of his role on the team.

There is also hope that his offensive opportunities will increase once he plays without ball-dominant teammates like Bailey. As a dual-contract player, Cui is expected to spend some time in the G League this season, where he will have more opportunities to handle the ball, take shots, and refine his offensive game. The hope is that playing in the G League will give Cui the freedom to develop his offensive skill set away from the pressure and constraints of NBA rotations, and away from teammates like Bailey, whose lack of team play was, at times, frustrating to watch.

Comparing Cui to Yuki Kawamura

Interestingly, on the same night that Cui struggled to find his rhythm, Japanese point guard Yuki Kawamura, also on an Exhibit 10 contract with the Dallas Mavericks, put on an impressive performance. Kawamura only played nine minutes but managed to contribute 5 points and 3 assists, earning praise from Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. Kidd highlighted Kawamura’s versatility, saying, "He can do it all," a testament to the 5'8" guard’s ability to impact the game despite his small stature.

The contrast between Kawamura’s immediate impact and Cui’s quieter performance is notable. Both players are fighting to carve out roles for themselves in the NBA, but Kawamura’s ability to shine in limited minutes reflects the different expectations placed on players in their respective positions. For Cui, a forward, it's harder to stand out without consistent touches or scoring opportunities. Guards like Kawamura have the ball in their hands more often and can make a quicker impact by facilitating the offense.

Nevertheless, the comparison adds a layer of intrigue to Cui’s journey. As two of the most prominent Asian players trying to make it in the NBA, their progress will undoubtedly be closely followed, and each game will serve as another chapter in their respective careers.

Ben Simmons: A Shadow of His Former Self

On a related note, Ben Simmons’ long-awaited return to the court after nearly eight months away was another story worth mentioning from this preseason game. Much had been made of Simmons’ offseason training, with reports suggesting he had worked hard on his shooting and was ready to return as a "deadly" shooter. However, in this game, Simmons shot just 1-5 from the field, didn’t attempt any three-pointers or free throws, and finished with a stat line of 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.

This game served as a reminder of the steep hill Simmons still has to climb if he hopes to regain his All-Star form. The 2024-2025 season is a contract year for Simmons, who is owed a hefty $38.6 million. At 28 years old, he should be entering the prime of his career, but injuries and a loss of confidence in his shooting have severely diminished his once-bright prospects.

If Simmons hopes to remain in the NBA long-term, he will need to not only stay healthy but also prove that he can consistently contribute on both ends of the floor. His shooting remains a glaring weakness, and despite his talents as a passer and defender, the lack of offensive versatility limits his overall impact. For Simmons, the clock is ticking, and the upcoming season could be his last chance to prove he belongs in the league.

Looking Ahead

After the loss to the Clippers, the Brooklyn Nets will continue their preseason schedule with games against the Washington Wizards on the 15th, the Philadelphia 76ers on the 17th, and the Toronto Raptors on the 19th. These games will provide further opportunities for players like Cui Yongxi to prove themselves and earn a spot in the regular season rotation.

As a two-way contract player, Cui’s future this season will likely involve significant time in the G League, where he can develop his game further. There, he will be free from the constraints of the NBA’s star-dominated rotations and will have a chance to showcase his offensive talents more freely. Hopefully, in that environment, Cui can refine his shooting and gain the confidence needed to make a real impact when called upon by the Nets.

In the meantime, fans will have to temper their expectations and remain patient as Cui adjusts to the rigors of NBA basketball. His defense shows promise, but his offense, particularly his shooting, remains a work in progress. For now, the hope is that he can continue to develop and eventually become a valuable 3-and-D player for the Nets, both in the NBA and in the G League.