The roster adjustments of the Liaoning basketball team have left many fans with mixed feelings - they are good, but there is also a hint of concern. The team made a series of moves during the offseason with the aim of enhancing their strength, especially in the frontcourt and foreign aid, making significant investments. However, these moves unexpectedly brought considerable challenges to the team. The frontcourt reinforcement did not meet expectations, and the selection of foreign aid was somewhat perplexing.
Let's start with Aqiu'er. When he joined, everyone had high hopes. Aqiu'er had previously had a notable stint in the CBA, and it was believed that he could bring a strong interior presence to fill the gaps in Liaoning's lineup. However, his performance did not live up to expectations, leaving some disappointed. In rebounding, he couldn't even secure ordinary rebounds, let alone compete with top-tier centers like Morand. His offensive play was weak, failing to display the expected toughness. Despite his efforts, he couldn't deliver, and ultimately, he didn't stay.
Aqiu'er's departure directly reduced the team's interior support by a big body. As for Shayok, his addition showed potential on paper, but once on the court, few understood what he was doing. On offense, it was either turnovers or missed shots, especially those wide-open attempts that seemed cursed. It was evident that he had a solid track record, but he just didn't fit into Liaoning's system, akin to wearing ill-fitting shoes. The team's offensive rhythm never took off, and he appeared lost on the court. Eventually, Shayok didn't survive this period and was cut, an unsurprising outcome.
These two foreign aid adjustments were major missteps. After these two foreign players were eliminated, Liaoning's frontcourt depth collapsed, leading many fans to worry if the team's interior would become hollowed out. Currently, the team's frontcourt almost entirely relies on two veterans—Han Dejun and Li Xiaoxu. Both are over thirty years old and face severe physical and state challenges. Han Dejun is the pillar of the team's interior, but as he ages, his energy consumption increases, and fluctuations in his physical condition and form are noticeable, especially in high-intensity games where his endurance issues gradually emerge. Li Xiaoxu, despite his rich experience, also bears a heavy physical burden and suffers from fatigue.
Now, these two veterans are almost single-handedly supporting Liaoning's interior defense, which is genuinely concerning. Some netizens commented: no matter how hard these two veterans fight, they are getting older; how long can they hold on? Liaoning cannot continue to rely on them and must quickly find a reliable frontcourt player.
Indeed, not only fans but many others are pondering how Liaoning should solve this frontcourt issue, considering that Han Dejun and Li Xiaoxu's physical endurance is not invincible, and problems arise when the intensity increases. Against the backdrop of failed foreign aid adjustments, Liaoning did not sit idly by waiting for problems to resolve themselves. The team decided to supplement new frontcourt players. After Ture was released due to injury, the team immediately embarked on the path to introduce new foreign aid. Finally, the team brought in a heavyweight frontcourt player—Justin Patton.
This NBA player has excellent physical conditions and can impress with his defensive play. Defensively, his ability to contend is significantly stronger than the previous Ture. However, a problem arises: Patton's offensive end is almost zero firepower, with limited offensive means, often causing fans to worry: does his arrival make the team's offensive end even more problematic? Basketball requires offense, not just defense.
Compared to Ture, Patton is undoubtedly a shortcoming on the offensive end, and the team needs to carefully consider how to adjust. Some netizens analyzed: Patton's defense is indeed good, but can he find his place on the offensive end? After all, Liaoning now needs more than just a defensive frontcourt player; if the offense isn't strong, the team will be under immense pressure. Indeed, this question is worth contemplating. Liaoning's offensive end already has certain issues, and adding an ineffective frontcourt could affect overall operations.
On the other hand, Liaoning also made a crucial addition by signing two young players, Tan Houren and Zhao Weilun. The addition of these two young talents injected a shot of adrenaline into the team. They not only have potential in future CBA competitions but will also represent the team at the National Games, accumulating practical experience. For Liaoning, supplementing with young players is undoubtedly a wise decision, as the team urgently needs fresh blood, especially in the perimeter and point guard lineups, where the rise of young players is inevitable with Zhao Jiwei's increasing age.
Some netizens expressed: whether Tan Houren and Zhao Weilun can integrate into Liaoning's system depends on the coaching staff's scheduling. After all, their experience is insufficient, and how they can establish themselves in the high-intensity CBA league requires time and adaptation. Indeed, whether young players can adapt to this high-intensity league needs to be tested over time. At least for now, fans have high expectations for these two young players. The infusion of fresh blood is always more exciting than watching veterans exert themselves.
The problems with Liaoning's roster are not just about foreign aid and young players. The depth of the overall lineup, especially the burden on veterans, has become the most severe challenge facing the team. The current situation of Liaoning is one where veterans are fighting hard while young players wait for opportunities. Whether the coaching staff and management can promptly find solutions will directly determine the success or failure of the new season.
The roster adjustments of Liaoning are destined to be a journey filled with challenges. The failure of foreign aid recruitment, the burden on veterans, and the adaptation of young players will all be key factors in the team's future competitiveness. If the upcoming roster adjustments do not yield expected results, Liaoning's prospects will not be optimistic.