Double News for Guangdong Men's Basketball: The Emergence of a New Trio and the Return of an NBA Top Forward to Guangdong Men's Basketball
Guangdong Men's Basketball First News: A New Trio Emerges on the Team
A combination of an under-1.8-meter "shorty," a 36-year-old semi-retired veteran, and a proud man discarded by Liaoning has surprisingly transformed into a trio of giants. In the face of injuries to Hu Mingxuan and Wang Shaojie, as well as Du Runwang's suspension, this unusual group has astounded fans with their remarkable performances, challenging conventional perceptions.
Xu Jie, a 179cm player from Huizhou, Guangdong, initially defended against small foreign players under Du Feng's guidance. Despite contributing to three championships, Xu's star power was somewhat dimmed without significant ball possession. In 2023, the ball was primarily in the hands of Marshon and Zhao Rui, and in 2024, it was shared with Walters and Hu Mingxuan. Without the ball, there were no dazzling displays. However, Xu remained undeterred, focusing on his organizational role and diligently practicing three-pointers. He finally proved himself after Hu Mingxuan's injury, showcasing his abilities akin to a small foreign player with impressive statistics.
Against Sichuan, he scored 32 points with 7 rebounds and 8 assists, hit a buzzer-beater against Shanxi, and tallied 22 points with 13 assists against Tongxi, demonstrating immense potential within his small frame. It's uncertain just how brilliant his future will be.
When King Gigi first joined Shandong, he displayed scoring prowess, often netting 30-40 points. Yet, he couldn't lead the team to victory, especially during the semifinals against Guangdong, where he was held to only one successful shot out of twelve attempts, earning him the nickname "stat padder."
When Guangdong signed the 36-year-old Jilunwater, fans thought he was there to coast into retirement. Instead, he averaged 27.2 points, ranking third in the CBA league, transforming from a freeloader to a team pillar. Despite defensive shortcomings and a lack of rebounds, these issues were mitigated by the presence of rebounding beast Morand beside him.
Morand, a dynasty-level foreign center, is renowned for his abilities except in scoring and temperament. His rim protection, defensive support, and rebounding are top-tier in the league. Since joining Guangdong, he has not only improved his scoring but also his assist capabilities, once even recording a triple-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and 15 assists.
Under the relentless efforts of the trio averaging over 40 points each, Guangdong survived their toughest five games. With Du Runwang's return, can they achieve further glory amidst a grueling schedule?
Guangdong Men's Basketball Second News: An NBA Top Forward Rejoins Guangdong Men's Basketball
A foreign player averaging less than 14 points was released, yet fans angrily criticized team manager Zhu Fangyu for this decision. What charm does Bazley possess that makes him so favored by fans?
Bazley's offensive prowess isn't particularly strong; he can easily score 30+ against weak teams but might only manage single digits against strong defenses. However, he boasts excellent defensive skills, capable of blocking opponents' shots. Wearing the number 11 jersey, much like Zhou Peng, he single-handedly established Guangdong's frontline defensive system. This passionate post-00s player frequently delivers awe-inspiring dunks in matches, eliciting cheers from countless fans.
Unfortunately, Bazley's salary demands were exorbitant. To stay within the $4.25 million salary cap, Guangdong cut him and General Patton after the first phase. He then joined the 76ers' developmental league affiliate, where he dominated weak teams but faltered against strong ones, eventually being cut by the 76ers. With no other options, he chose to return to Guangdong.
Guangdong has now registered Bazley, and upon CBA approval, he will don the number 11 jersey again, returning to play for Guangdong. Fans can look forward to his passionate dunks on the court, and Guangdong will become a formidable defensive force, making life difficult for other teams.