The Trade is Confirmed! China's Bench Star is Moving! More Focus on the NBA for Cui Yongxi…

In a surprising turn of events, Cui Yongxi made his NBA Summer League debut but didn’t get any playing time. While it's disappointing, there’s hope he might get his chance in the next game. Notably, to support his protégé, China’s national team coach Guo Shiqiang led the entire Chinese team to watch the game. Unfortunately, the Trail Blazers' coaching staff didn’t give him any playing time.

Amid this, the Chinese national team quietly wrapped up an internal scrimmage, losing 71-84 to the Nuggets. Three players scored in double figures: Liao Sanning had 10 points and 6 assists, Du Runwang hit four three-pointers contributing 14 points and 3 assists, and He Xining scored 17 points. Meanwhile, some Chinese players overseas are keeping a close eye on developments back home. For instance, Zhu Mingzhen has reportedly been traded to the Beijing Royal Fighters. This move comes after the team recently acquired Shen Zijie and Jared Sullinger, further bolstering their forward position.

The Path of Zhu Mingzhen

Zhu Mingzhen has been a consistent performer in the CBA, averaging double figures in points for three consecutive seasons, with his best season averaging 14.3 points per game. Now, under Guo Shiqiang’s leadership in the national team, he has become one of the key rotation players. In the previously held three Summer League games, although Zhu came off the bench in all of them, his playing time was steady: 16 minutes against the Kings, 19 minutes against the Hornets, and 19 minutes against the Spurs, totaling only 8 points.

Given Zhu's performance in the CBA and his role in the national team, it’s not surprising that the Royal Fighters were interested in him. Guangzhou's willingness to trade him is also understandable. There have been persistent rumors about the team being in financial trouble, which explains their recent transactions, including sending Li Yanzhe to the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.

Guangzhou's Financial Woes

Due to the special regulations on full-time national team coaches, Guo Shiqiang is unlikely to continue as the head coach of the Guangzhou team. Even if Cui Yongxi doesn’t secure a two-way or official contract with an NBA team, he’s expected to stay in the G League next season. Under these circumstances, it makes sense for the team to consider rebuilding. The looming financial pressure has driven Guangzhou to offload valuable players for cash. After selling Li Yanzhe to Xinjiang and trading Zhu Mingzhen to the Royal Fighters, it’s highly likely that they will continue this trend by putting Jiao Boqiao on the trading block next.

The National Team's Quiet Progress

The Chinese national team’s quiet but steady progress, despite the internal and external challenges, is noteworthy. While they’ve been focused on their scrimmages and training, the dynamics within the team and the impact of these trades on the players’ performances and morale are critical. Guo Shiqiang’s role and the upcoming plans for the national team are of significant interest. His decision to lead the entire team to watch Cui Yongxi’s Summer League game shows his commitment to his players, even if the result was not what they hoped for.

The Future for Cui Yongxi and Others

For Cui Yongxi, the next steps are crucial. His potential and talent are evident, and whether he secures an NBA contract or continues to develop in the G League, his journey will be closely watched. The support from Guo Shiqiang and the national team is a testament to their belief in his abilities.

Meanwhile, Zhu Mingzhen’s move to the Royal Fighters could be a fresh start for him, offering new opportunities to showcase his skills and contribute significantly to his new team. The financial constraints and subsequent trades by Guangzhou reflect a broader trend within the league, where teams must balance performance with financial viability.

Conclusion

The Chinese basketball scene is undergoing significant changes, with trades and financial pressures reshaping teams. The commitment of players like Cui Yongxi and Zhu Mingzhen, coupled with the strategic decisions by coaches and management, will play a crucial role in the future of the CBA and the national team. As fans and analysts watch these developments, the hope remains that these players will overcome challenges and continue to excel, both domestically and internationally.