Signed with the Ningbo Rockets! Haowen Guo Returns to the CBA! Twice a Trouble-Maker...

The recent news about Haowen Guo potentially signing with the Ningbo Rockets has left many fans and pundits in disbelief. This isn't just an unfounded rumor; multiple media sources have hinted at it. How could Guo, after being involved in such significant controversies, be allowed back into the CBA? Even if his actions were misunderstandings or if he managed to reach a settlement with the involved parties, Guo’s reputation in Chinese basketball has been tarnished. Any domestic professional team would logically steer clear of him. If the Ningbo Rockets truly decided to go against the grain, their boldness is commendable.

But what about Guo himself? How does he have the audacity and face to return to the CBA? The Japanese league is currently very open to Chinese players, which would seem like a more suitable destination for him. He might even find opportunities in the film industry there. Guo, once considered the leading player of the Chinese youth team and the most promising local guard of the 2000 generation, was believed to have the potential to make it to the NBA. There's no denying Guo’s talent; during the 2021-22 season with the Shanghai Sharks, he averaged 14.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in just under 22 minutes per game.

However, Guo has proven to be a ticking time bomb. There's no guarantee he won't cause trouble again. He has a history of misconduct, including multiple allegations of harming women, and has been publicly exposed at least twice. Additionally, Guo has struggled with alcohol issues and has shown a pattern of problematic behavior without remorse. The Bayi Rockets, years ago, chose to bench him for almost two years, which speaks volumes about the severity of his issues.

Despite all this, the Ningbo Rockets’ decision to sign Guo is likely based on a strategic rationale that might not be immediately apparent to outsiders. A similar situation can be seen with Fanri Zeng, who had his share of bad press and didn’t play a single game for the Guangdong Southern Tigers during the 2022-23 season. After joining the Ningbo Rockets last season, Zeng experienced a resurgence, averaging 9.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1 block per game. He even recorded a triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists against his former team. The experience of rehabilitating a player like Zeng probably gives the Ningbo Rockets confidence in their ability to manage Guo.

If Guo, now 24, can indeed settle down and focus on basketball, he could be a valuable addition to the Ningbo Rockets. Last season, the team lacked a proper small forward and often had to play Wei Lin or Antonio Blakeney in that position. Guo, standing at 2.01 meters with decent ball-handling skills, can play positions 1 through 3, both as a starter and off the bench.

The decision to sign Guo, despite the potential backlash, might also be seen as a move of necessity rather than preference. The CBA's player market is notoriously limited, with few signable players available each year. The Ningbo Rockets, lacking significant appeal and assets for trades, rely heavily on the draft (like selecting Lanxin Wang), youth development (such as Wei Lin), and taking chances on players with potential (like Fanri Zeng). They haven’t attracted any big-name players historically. The success with Zeng last year has perhaps emboldened them to take a similar gamble on Guo this year.

Of course, not every gamble pays off. The Ningbo Rockets’ failed experiment with Yanxu Ding is a case in point. Ding played only seven games for the team last season, averaging 2.6 points and 2 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game.

The big question remains: if Guo successfully revitalizes his career with the Ningbo Rockets and reaches the level required for the national team, will he ever don the Chinese national basketball team jersey again? Given his past, this seems improbable, but in the world of sports, redemption stories are not unheard of.

In summary, Haowen Guo’s return to the CBA with the Ningbo Rockets is a complex and controversial move. While his talent is undeniable, his troubled history makes him a risky acquisition. The Ningbo Rockets’ decision to sign him reflects their willingness to take bold risks in the hopes of a high reward. If Guo can stay out of trouble and focus on his game, he might just turn this opportunity into a successful comeback, not only for himself but also for the Ningbo Rockets. Only time will tell if this gamble will pay off.