After a lengthy 2,189-day wait, a moment long anticipated by countless Chinese basketball fans has finally come to fruition. Just a month after signing a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets, Cui Yongxi made his NBA debut against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night during their home opener.
The excitement among supporters is entirely justified, as it has been six years since a Chinese player last graced the NBA courts. With this appearance, Cui becomes the seventh Chinese player to compete in a competitive NBA game, joining the esteemed ranks of Wang Zhizhi, Mengke Bateer, Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Sun Yue, and Zhou Qi.
Cui stepped onto the court with 1 minute and 58 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Shortly after his arrival, he drew a foul during a fast break, earning a trip to the free-throw line. Although his first attempt missed, he seized the opportunity on his second try, marking his first point in the NBA. The last Chinese player to score in the league was Zhou Qi when he was with the Houston Rockets.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com