Nets Make It Official! Goodbye, Cui Yongxi—A Temporary Farewell to NBA Action

The Brooklyn Nets have officially assigned their rising prospect Cui Yongxi to the G-League’s Long Island Nets, ending his initial stint with the NBA team, at least temporarily. This decision sheds light on why Cui was unexpectedly subbed in during the final moments of the Nets’ 104-114 loss to the New York Knicks—an opportunity for him to get one last taste of NBA action before heading to the developmental league for valuable playing time.

Cui Yongxi now joins fellow high-profile rookies Bronny James and Yuki Kawamura in the G-League, where the trio of rising stars will look to make their mark. Bronny made his debut with a modest 6 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and a block on 2-of-9 shooting, while Kawamura logged 7 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, and a steal on 3-of-12 shooting. With Cui yet to make his official G-League debut, all eyes are now on him as he gears up to step into the spotlight.

Reports indicate that Cui has already begun training with the Long Island Nets and is likely to play his first G-League game on November 23 against the Toronto Raptors’ affiliate team. As a two-way player, Cui is expected to assume a lead role with the Long Island Nets, similar to the central role Kawamura enjoys with his G-League team. However, his ultimate impact will depend on his performance and the team’s game plan.

Nets’ Turbulent Season and Cui’s Role

The Brooklyn Nets are navigating a challenging season, currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 5-9 record. While still ahead of struggling teams like the Milwaukee Bucks (5-9) and the Philadelphia 76ers (2-11), the Nets have slipped out of the play-in tournament zone. The team’s inconsistent play and frequent roster adjustments have made it difficult to establish any rhythm.

Cui Yongxi’s move to the G-League is seen as a strategic decision to provide him with more game time and development opportunities rather than leaving him on the fringes of the NBA rotation. Given his potential and the Nets’ current struggles, Cui’s progress in the G-League will likely be closely monitored by the Brooklyn coaching staff, who remain hopeful about his long-term prospects.

Ben Simmons Under Fire

Meanwhile, Nets forward Ben Simmons has become a lightning rod for criticism amid the team’s struggles. A recent play against the Knicks encapsulated the frustration surrounding Simmons: faced with a prime scoring opportunity, Simmons hesitated, pulled up, and passed instead of attacking the basket, resulting in a turnover and a Knicks fast-break score.

This lack of aggression has led to relentless criticism from fans and analysts alike. Media outlet BricksCenter didn’t hold back, blasting Simmons and even suggesting he retire. Simmons, once heralded as an All-Star and a cornerstone player, is now averaging career lows in points (5.3) and shot attempts (4.5) during what should be his prime at age 28.

His rapid decline—marked by injuries, reduced confidence, and apparent mental health struggles—has been one of the starkest in recent NBA history. While physical injuries often dominate discussions about a player’s decline, Simmons’ struggles underscore the critical yet often overlooked role of mental health in professional sports.

Cui Yongxi’s Bright Future

Cui Yongxi’s assignment to the G-League, while disappointing for fans eager to see him shine on the NBA stage, could be a blessing in disguise. The young talent now has the chance to develop his skills in a more prominent role, build confidence, and refine his game without the immense pressure of performing at the NBA level.

With a strong showing in the G-League, Cui could force his way back into the Nets’ rotation and prove that he belongs on basketball’s biggest stage. For now, his journey serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and development in nurturing young talent in the high-stakes world of professional basketball.