The Case for Chen Guohao: A Trade Opportunity for North Control

In a stunning display of athleticism and skill, DiAngelo, the 2019 NBA Dunk Contest champion, put on a show for the fans in his latest outing with Shanxi. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, the 26-year-old, who has previously suited up for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards, showcased his explosive abilities by executing a spectacular one-handed dunk that left spectators in awe. It’s a shame that such talent is now making waves in the CBA, but that’s the nature of the game.

During his 26 minutes off the bench, DiAngelo scored an impressive 24 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists, leading Shanxi to a commanding 125-105 victory over Beikong. With this win, Shanxi maintained its position at the top of the league standings, showcasing its credentials as one of the biggest surprises of the season. Prior to their matchup against Beikong, Shanxi had already taken down powerhouses like Guangdong, Zhejiang, and the reigning champions, Liaoning. With a record of 6 wins and 1 loss, Shanxi has firmly established itself as a formidable contender in the league.

On the other side of the court, the focus shifts to Beikong’s Chen Guohao, who has found himself in a difficult situation. In just 24 minutes of play, Chen put up respectable numbers, shooting 5-for-7 from the field, including 2-for-2 from three-point range, and hitting 8 of 10 free throws for a total of 20 points and 3 rebounds. Yet, despite his strong performance, it’s essential to look at the bigger picture regarding his season thus far.

In the previous six games before this outing, Chen faced significant challenges, including two games where he didn’t see any minutes on the court. His lack of playing time has resulted in a statistical black hole, with zeros across the board for those games. With an average of just 12 minutes of playing time this season, Chen’s situation is in stark contrast to his rookie season, where he averaged over 21 minutes a game. This decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a coaching staff that has shown a lack of trust in him and the recent acquisitions of new big men, Shen Zijie and Salinger, who have effectively crowded the lineup.

North Control’s coaching decisions have raised eyebrows, particularly when considering Chen's proven abilities. It was only when Beikong fell behind by 14 points in the first half that the coaching staff finally opted to put him on the court. If the game had been more competitive, it’s likely that Chen would have remained on the bench, further stunting his growth as a player.

To address Chen’s stagnation, North Control should seriously consider trading him to a team that would utilize his skills more effectively. A potential trade could provide a win-win situation, allowing Chen to thrive elsewhere while relieving the logjam in North Control’s frontcourt. A comparison can be made to Wang Shaojie, who was sent to Guangdong this season. In his seven appearances, Wang has started four games, averaging 23 minutes with 9.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and a shooting percentage of 59.6%. His success serves as a reminder of what can happen when players are given the opportunity to shine in a system that fits their skills.

With Chen Guohao’s talent and potential, it would be wise for North Control to seek a trade partner that can offer him the minutes and responsibilities he deserves. It’s time to recognize the wasted opportunity that has been Chen’s season and make a move before it’s too late.

The CBA has become a competitive landscape, with teams continually reshuffling their rosters to find the right chemistry and talent. For North Control, the clock is ticking. The sooner they address Chen’s situation, the better chance they have of maximizing his potential while also strengthening their own roster.

As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see how North Control navigates this situation and whether they’ll make the right moves to support their players. With DiAngelo lighting up the league and Chen Guohao potentially being the next star in waiting, the narrative in North Control’s story is far from over. It’s a season of opportunity, but only if the team is willing to seize it.

The stage is set for dramatic moves, and with each passing game, the pressure mounts. Fans are left wondering: will Chen Guohao find a new home where his skills can flourish, or will he continue to be stifled on the sidelines? In a league as unpredictable as the CBA, anything is possible, and the next chapter in Chen’s career could be just around the corner.

The upcoming games will be crucial for North Control. Each matchup presents a chance for the team to reevaluate its roster and performance. With the spotlight on players like DiAngelo leading the way, Chen’s future remains uncertain yet hopeful. The buzz surrounding trades and player movements will only intensify as teams seek to solidify their playoff aspirations.

In the end, the focus should remain on what is best for the players, especially young talents like Chen Guohao, who deserve every opportunity to succeed. A trade could open new doors for him, providing the chance to thrive in a more supportive environment. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on North Control to see how they respond to this pivotal moment in their season and in Chen’s career.