He's Finally Back! 20 Points on 14 Shots in His Debut: The Closest Chinese Guard to the NBA

Guo Haowen's long-awaited return to regular-season action in the CBA couldn’t have been more impressive. Coming off the bench for the Nanjing Monkey Kings, Guo played just under 29 minutes in their 104-91 win over the Shenzhen Aviators. He put up 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 1-of-2 from beyond the arc, while also adding 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. While he did have 4 turnovers, Guo's performance overshadowed even the team’s star guard Lin Wei, who struggled with 16 points on 16 shots and 6 assists.

Standing at 6’7” (2.01 meters) with an excellent combination of athleticism and ball-handling skills, Guo Haowen is a rare talent among China’s domestic players. His ability to control the game from the perimeter and attack the rim with authority sets him apart from most other players in the CBA. Even more encouraging is his improved three-point shooting, an area that had been a major weakness in the past. In this debut, Guo’s one made three-pointer was enough to show that opposing teams can no longer afford to leave him open from deep.

Guo has always been a versatile player, known for his ability to pass and make plays for his teammates. When he first came into the professional scene, he was regarded as a well-rounded player capable of doing a bit of everything on the court. Early comparisons to Sun Yue, the former NBA guard who once played for the Los Angeles Lakers, were not unwarranted. In terms of talent, Guo was seen as the next Chinese guard with a legitimate chance to make it to the NBA. For a time, he was considered one of the most promising players in China’s 2000-born generation.

However, Guo’s journey has been far from smooth. If not for some off-court issues during his time with the now-defunct Bayi Rockets, Guo’s career could have taken a much different trajectory. His development was severely hindered when he was benched for nearly two years, at what was arguably the most crucial point in his young career. During that period, Guo had the potential to significantly improve his game, but the extended absence from competitive play slowed his growth.

Still, Guo's talent was never in question, and in 2022, the Dallas Mavericks took notice. He was invited to join their Summer League roster, where he played two games and averaged 5 points in just 9 minutes per game. While his playing time was limited, he made the most of his opportunities, shooting 60% from the field. His brief stint in the NBA Summer League highlighted his ability to contribute, even against higher-level competition. Many hoped that this would be the start of something bigger for Guo Haowen, potentially opening doors to a full-time NBA contract.

Unfortunately, Guo’s career took another hit last season when he was once again sidelined, this time due to personal issues. These problems kept him off the court for the entirety of the 2023 CBA season, and what should have been a critical year in his development turned into another missed opportunity. Had Guo been able to stay on track, he might have earned a spot on China’s national team this summer and once again represented the country in the NBA Summer League. Instead, Guo has had to rebuild his reputation from scratch, and at 24 years old, time is running out for him to achieve his dream of playing in the NBA.

Despite this, Guo Haowen still has plenty of potential, and his age means that he has room to grow. While the chances of making it to the NBA have significantly diminished, Guo still has the talent to become a major figure in Chinese basketball. His performance in the CBA debut for Nanjing is a promising start, and as long as he stays focused and avoids any further off-court distractions, he could still have a long and successful career ahead of him.

A Rare Talent in Chinese Basketball

What makes Guo Haowen such a unique player in Chinese basketball is his rare combination of size, skill, and versatility. At 6’7", Guo has the height of a forward but the skill set of a guard. His ball-handling ability allows him to create offense for himself and others, a trait not commonly seen in Chinese players of his size. Guo can operate as a primary ball-handler, initiating the offense from the perimeter, or as a secondary playmaker, creating scoring opportunities through his drives and court vision.

His athleticism is another key part of his game. Guo can slash to the basket and finish through contact, using his long strides and quick first step to blow by defenders. This combination of size and agility allows him to attack mismatches, as smaller guards struggle to contain him, while bigger forwards are often too slow to keep up. On top of that, his improved shooting makes him even more dangerous. Opponents can no longer sag off him and force him into jump shots, as Guo has worked hard to turn his once-shaky perimeter shooting into a respectable weapon.

This versatility extends to his defense as well. At 6’7", Guo can guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset on that end of the floor. His length allows him to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots effectively, while his quickness enables him to stay in front of smaller, quicker guards. This defensive versatility is another reason why Guo was seen as a potential NBA player, as modern basketball places a premium on players who can guard multiple positions.

The Road Ahead

While it may be too late for Guo to realize his NBA dream, his return to the CBA presents an opportunity for him to reestablish himself as one of China’s top players. The Nanjing Monkey Kings took a calculated risk by signing him to a two-year Class C contract, with the second year being a team option. Given Guo’s history of off-court issues, it’s understandable that the team opted for a shorter, more flexible contract. However, if Guo can stay focused and continue to improve, this signing could turn out to be one of the biggest steals in recent CBA history.

For Nanjing, Guo Haowen represents both a high-risk and high-reward player. His talent is undeniable, and his performance in the season opener proves that he still has the ability to contribute at a high level. However, the challenge for head coach Xi Relijiang will be keeping Guo focused and on the right path. Guo has already been derailed by off-court issues twice, and a third setback could be career-ending. Xi Relijiang will need to carefully manage Guo, ensuring that he remains committed to his basketball career while staying out of trouble off the court.

The first step, of course, will be maintaining his current level of play and building on his debut performance. Guo’s ability to consistently contribute will be key to Nanjing’s success this season. As the team’s new primary ball-handler and playmaker, Guo will be expected to carry much of the offensive load, alongside Lin Wei. If he can stay healthy and avoid any distractions, Guo has the potential to lead Nanjing to a deep playoff run.

On the national team front, Guo still has a chance to make an impact. Although he missed out on the chance to play in this summer’s FIBA World Cup, there are still opportunities ahead, including the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and the 2024 Paris Olympics. With his unique skill set and newfound maturity, Guo could provide a much-needed boost to a Chinese team that has struggled in recent years.

In many ways, Guo Haowen’s story is one of untapped potential. From his early years with the Bayi Rockets to his missed opportunities in the NBA Summer League, Guo has always been on the cusp of greatness but never quite able to fully capitalize on his talent. Now, as he embarks on the next chapter of his career, there is still time for him to make good on that potential. Whether or not he can reach the heights once predicted for him will depend on his ability to stay focused, work hard, and avoid the pitfalls that have plagued him in the past.

For now, Guo Haowen is back, and his first game with Nanjing has reminded everyone of the talent that once made him China’s best hope for an NBA guard. Only time will tell if he can fully realize that potential, but for Chinese basketball fans, it’s exciting to see him back on the court, doing what he does best.