Since the introduction of top-tier contracts in the CBA league, it signifies that players who can secure such contracts are exceptional talents, considered big-name players within their teams and even across the CBA. Indeed, obtaining a top-tier CBA contract is a goal pursued by every CBA player, as it not only confirms their status at the pinnacle of the league but also brings them superior income and fame compared to others.
However, the Beijing Royal Fighters have often shown poor judgment in selecting top-tier contracted players. Previously, they offered Sun Tonglin a multi-year top-tier CBA contract, resulting in Sun spending extended periods on the bench, earning high wages without contributing to the team. Undoubtedly, the long-term top-tier contract given to Sun by the Beijing Royal Fighters was a misjudgment.
Regrettably, it seems the Beijing Royal Fighters' vision remains clouded, as they may have made another misjudgment this season. Both Zou Yuchen and Shen Zijie are top-tier contracted players for the team, yet their performances have not met the expectations of fans. In particular, Shen Zijie, regarded as a top center in the CBA, has seen a sharp decline in form since joining the Beijing Royal Fighters, failing to demonstrate the impact expected of a top-tier CBA player.
Taking the game between the Beijing Royal Fighters and the Shanghai Sharks as an example, neither Shen Zijie nor Zou Yuchen were effective defensively against the 1.98-meter-tall Lofton. They were completely outplayed, allowing the opponent to score 31 points, grab 14 rebounds, and provide 7 assists, highlighting the fragility of the interior defense provided by Shen Zijie and Zou Yuchen. It was akin to a gaping hole, enabling the opponent to score at will.
More disappointingly, Shen Zijie and Zou Yuchen were ineffective not only defensively but also offensively. Zou Yuchen started the game, playing for 18 minutes and 17 seconds, shooting 1 out of 4 attempts to score only 2 points. Shen Zijie played for 29 minutes and 25 seconds, also shooting 1 out of 4 attempts to score 2 points. As top-tier players, Shen Zijie and Zou Yuchen managed only 2 points each, totaling just 4 points between them. Honestly, this is quite shocking, as their salaries seem entirely disproportionate to their performance.
It's safe to say that if Shen Zijie and Zou Yuchen had performed slightly better offensively, scoring ten or more points each, the Beijing Royal Fighters would not have been so passive in the game and might even have defeated the Shanghai Sharks (the Beijing Royal Fighters lost by 12 points in this match). Conversely, with both top-tier CBA players performing so poorly, it's understandable why the team lost.
Naturally, seeing such underwhelming performances from Shen Zijie and Zou Yuchen, some fans have expressed, "The combination of Shen Zijie and Zou Yuchen might just be the worst top-tier player duo in the CBA, scoring a combined total of only 4 points, not even matching the substitutes, which is truly disappointing."
Observing the performances of Shen Zijie and Zou Yuchen, perhaps the Beijing Royal Fighters should be more discerning in their future player contracts, avoiding offering top-tier contracts to just any player. After all, the team's money doesn't come from thin air. So, esteemed readers, do you think Shen Zijie and Zou Yuchen's performances justify their CBA top-tier contract worth 6 million RMB?