Zhou Qi and Fanbo Zeng Team Up? Goodbye, 19 Teams! Guangdong Stays Unchanged

This summer has brought plenty of speculation and excitement in the world of Chinese basketball, particularly surrounding the movements of key players like Zhou Qi and Xu Xin. Recently, Zhou Qi was rumored to be joining the Beijing Ducks to form a powerful partnership with Fanbo Zeng, but this has been refuted by Beijing media. The Guangdong Tigers, on the other hand, seem to be solidifying their roster without any significant upheavals, much to the relief of their fans.

Xu Xin, a young and promising player from the Guangdong Tigers, has been making headlines as well. His agent, Dong Hao, confirmed that an NBA Eastern Conference team invited Xu Xin for a tryout. The Guangdong team had sent Xu Xin to the United States for specialized training during the offseason, not anticipating that he would catch the eye of an NBA team. However, this could be a great opportunity for both Xu Xin and Guangdong. If an NBA team truly wants Xu Xin, Guangdong would likely be supportive of his development abroad. As a youth training player, Xu Xin would still be bound to return and play for Guangdong if he came back to the CBA, so there’s no risk of him being poached permanently.

Zhou Qi’s situation has also been under close scrutiny. Despite rumors that he was about to join the Beijing Ducks and team up with Fanbo Zeng, Beijing media have clarified that there has been no substantial contact between the Beijing team and Zhou Qi. It’s also worth noting that Guangdong’s main sponsor, an automotive brand, is set to host a car delivery ceremony soon. Zhou Qi’s presence at this event could be a strong indicator that he is staying with Guangdong. If he does attend, it would almost certainly confirm his re-signing with the team. It would be highly unlikely for Zhou Qi to accept a new car from the sponsor and then immediately join another team, as such a move would be seen as highly controversial.

Zhou Qi remains one of the best domestic players in the CBA, despite having been away from the league for some time. Last season, he averaged 17.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in under 28 minutes of play during the regular season, with a shooting percentage of 63.1%. In the playoffs, he continued to dominate, averaging 16.2 points, 12 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in just 26 minutes per game. These stats, impressive as they are, don’t fully capture Zhou Qi’s impact on the court. With Zhou Qi, the Guangdong Tigers are top contenders for the CBA championship. Without him, they are merely a playoff-caliber team. Recognizing his immense value, Guangdong has been fully committed to re-signing Zhou Qi since before the end of last season.

Furthermore, Guangdong made significant sacrifices to acquire Zhou Qi from the Xinjiang Flying Tigers last year, trading away Zhao Rui, who was considered a cornerstone of the team. Such a high price would be unjustifiable if Zhou Qi were only to stay for a single season. Rumors suggest that Zhou Qi might have a special clause exempting him from the maximum salary lock-in rule, making him a completely free agent. Even if this were the case, there would still be little reason for Zhou Qi to leave Guangdong. In terms of salary, championship pedigree, and overall environment, Guangdong ranks among the best in the league, with few teams able to offer a comparable package.

Given the circumstances, it’s clear that Zhou Qi is unlikely to leave Guangdong. The team’s management, led by the astute Zhu Fangyu, has no intention of letting their star player go after just one season. The organization has built a strong foundation and a winning culture, making it an ideal environment for top-tier talent.

As for Xu Xin, his potential NBA tryout could be a tremendous opportunity for growth. While it’s exciting to imagine a young player from the CBA making it to the NBA, it’s equally reassuring for Guangdong fans to know that he remains tied to their team. This setup allows Xu Xin to gain valuable experience and exposure while ensuring he brings his skills back to Guangdong.

In conclusion, the Guangdong Tigers appear to be maintaining their strong roster without significant changes, despite the swirling rumors and speculation. Zhou Qi’s continued presence is a cornerstone for their championship aspirations, and Xu Xin’s potential NBA experience could only add to the team’s strength in the future. While other teams in the CBA may experience more dramatic shifts, Guangdong’s stability and strategic planning keep them firmly in the hunt for future titles.