It's Official! Zhang Zhenlin to Miss CBA Games — China's Best Forward Temporarily Sidelined

The start of the new Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season will be marked by the absence of some of its brightest stars. According to multiple reports, prominent players such as Zhang Zhenlin and Guo Ailun have missed the pre-season fitness test, meaning both will be sidelined for at least the first five rounds of the regular season. While Zhang Zhenlin's absence is attributed to a lingering hip injury, the exact reason for Guo Ailun’s prolonged absence remains unclear. Guo has not played since January 3 of this year, and he is still in the process of recovering. In light of this, his new team, the Guangzhou Loong Lions, has brought in a Canadian national team physiotherapist and Los Angeles Lakers trainer Josh Wright to aid in his rehabilitation.

The news of Zhang Zhenlin's temporary withdrawal comes as a blow to the league and to his team, the Liaoning Flying Leopards. As one of China’s most promising young forwards, Zhang’s absence will undoubtedly be felt. His dynamic playstyle, athleticism, and ability to impact both ends of the floor make him one of the top talents in Chinese basketball today. But what exactly does this mean for the upcoming CBA season, and how will Zhang’s absence affect the future of both his club and the national team?

Zhang Zhenlin: China's Premier Forward

Zhang Zhenlin has earned his reputation as the best forward in Chinese basketball. After returning to China from the U.S., where he played college basketball at Tulane University, Zhang quickly made a name for himself in the CBA. His versatility, size, and athleticism allow him to play multiple positions on the floor. At 6'9" (2.06 meters), Zhang has the size to play in the paint, but his speed and shooting ability also make him a threat on the perimeter.

Last season, Zhang was instrumental in helping the Liaoning Flying Leopards clinch a CBA title. He averaged 14.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, showcasing his ability to contribute across the board. His impressive play earned him a call-up to the Chinese national team, where he has become a key player in their recent campaigns, including the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Asian Games.

Zhang’s skill set makes him a perfect fit for the modern game. He can stretch the floor with his shooting, put the ball on the floor to attack the rim, and use his size to defend multiple positions. His ability to impact both ends of the court has drawn comparisons to some of the best forwards in Asia, and many believe he has the potential to make the jump to the NBA.

Injury Concerns

However, despite all his talent, Zhang Zhenlin’s recent injuries have cast a shadow over his otherwise promising career. His hip injury, which has kept him out of action, is just the latest in a series of setbacks. The pre-season fitness test is a requirement for all players to participate in the CBA season, and Zhang’s inability to pass it due to his injury means he will miss at least the first five games of the season.

While missing a few games might not seem like a significant issue, Zhang’s absence could have a major impact on Liaoning’s early-season performance. The team relies heavily on his ability to score, rebound, and defend, and without him, they will have to adjust their game plan. Furthermore, with Zhang’s injury history becoming a growing concern, there are questions about his long-term durability. Hip injuries, in particular, can be tricky, especially for athletes who rely on their speed and agility as much as Zhang does.

The recovery process is expected to be cautious. Zhang is too valuable to both his club and the national team to be rushed back into action. He is scheduled for another chance to pass the fitness test after the first five games, but there is no guarantee that he will be ready by then. If his recovery is not managed properly, this injury could linger, potentially affecting his performance for the rest of the season and even beyond.

Guo Ailun's Ongoing Recovery

The situation surrounding Guo Ailun, Zhang Zhenlin’s national team counterpart and one of China’s top guards, adds to the narrative of star players missing the start of the CBA season. Guo has been out of action since January due to unspecified injuries and has yet to fully recover. The Loong Lions, eager to get their prized offseason acquisition back on the court, have invested heavily in his rehabilitation by bringing in top-tier medical professionals.

Guo Ailun, once the face of Chinese basketball, has seen his career trajectory slowed by injuries in recent years. Much like Zhang, his absence from the court is significant, especially for a Guangzhou team that is looking to rebuild and compete in the highly competitive CBA. At 28 years old, Guo is entering what should be the prime of his career, but his physical setbacks have prevented him from consistently performing at the level expected of him.

There are growing concerns that Guo, much like former CBA star Zhou Qi, may be at a crossroads in his career. Zhou’s injuries eventually led to his early exit from top-level competition, and some worry that Guo could face a similar fate. The hope is that with the help of the team’s medical staff, he can return to his former self and reclaim his status as one of the top guards in the league.

Zhao Rui and the Burden of Injuries

Meanwhile, another key player in Chinese basketball, Zhao Rui, is also dealing with injury issues. Zhao took part in the pre-season fitness test but failed to complete it due to an injury during the shuttle run portion of the exam. This means Zhao will also miss the first five games of the season, adding yet another name to the growing list of stars who will not be available when the CBA tips off.

Zhao Rui’s injury troubles have been ongoing since last year, following his participation in the FIBA World Cup and Asian Games. He has been plagued by a series of injuries, including a leg strain, dislocated finger, minor fibula fracture, and multiple thigh strains. Last season alone, Zhao Rui suffered four significant injuries, limiting his ability to contribute to the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. With his body still far from fully recovered, it’s unclear when he will be able to return to peak form.

At 28 years old, Zhao Rui finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. While he signed a lucrative three-year max contract with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers last summer, his body has not cooperated with his ambitions. Much like Guo Ailun, Zhao’s injury history raises concerns about his long-term viability as one of China’s premier guards. When healthy, Zhao Rui is one of the most dynamic players in the league. He was second only to naturalized player Kyle Anderson (Li Kaier) in scoring for China at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, averaging 12.6 points and 2.8 assists per game.

Zhao’s combination of scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive prowess makes him one of the most complete guards in the CBA. However, with his body continuing to break down, many fear that he could follow in the footsteps of Guo Ailun, who began to fade from the spotlight due to similar injury struggles. The prospect of losing yet another top-tier Chinese guard to injury is a reality that fans and analysts alike are reluctant to accept.

The Future of Chinese Basketball

Zhang Zhenlin, Guo Ailun, and Zhao Rui represent the present and future of Chinese basketball. Their ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level is crucial not just for their respective clubs but for the Chinese national team as well. The success of the national team in international competitions hinges on the availability and performance of these key players, and their prolonged absences due to injuries could have ripple effects across the entire basketball landscape in China.

Zhang Zhenlin’s absence, in particular, will be felt deeply. As the top forward in Chinese basketball, Zhang is seen as a key figure in the national team’s plans moving forward. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and score at a high level makes him an irreplaceable asset. However, with injuries continuing to slow his progress, there are legitimate concerns about how his career will unfold.

Similarly, the continued health struggles of Guo Ailun and Zhao Rui cast a shadow over the future of Chinese basketball’s backcourt. Both players, when healthy, are among the best guards in Asia, but their bodies have been unable to withstand the rigors of professional basketball. The hope is that with time and proper rehabilitation, all three players can return to form and help lead their teams to success in both domestic and international competition.

For now, however, the start of the CBA season will be without some of its brightest stars. Fans can only hope that when Zhang Zhenlin, Guo Ailun, and Zhao Rui do return, they will be healthy, ready, and able to perform at the level expected of them. Until then, their teams will have to find ways to cope without their most talented players.