Fan Ziming is a player that's hard to understand; despite being on top salary, he often sits on the bench in a daze during games, yet trains fiercely. However, his performance during matches seems like a different person entirely, causing significant issues for the Beijing team.
Recently, Beijing's basketball matches have been disappointing, with Fan Ziming, a top-paid player, not playing a single minute against Liaoning – a rare occurrence for someone earning the highest wage on the team.
The game against Zhejiang was even more frustrating; after finally getting a chance to play, Fan Ziming was substituted after only nine minutes. His statistics of 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists from 5 shots weren't bad, but they were far from matching his high value.
Zhou Qi can score 18 points and grab 4 rebounds in just 19 minutes on court, a stark contrast to Fan Ziming's efficiency. Xu Limin initially wanted Fan Ziming to play longer to give Zhou Qi some rest, but the score was quickly caught up by the opponents once Fan Ziming entered the game.
During garbage time, Fan Ziming celebrated wildly after scoring a basket, behaving as if he had won the championship. This spectacle left fans unsure whether to laugh or cry, as it was embarrassing for a top-paid player to act this way.
This season, Fan Ziming averages only 19 minutes per game, with 7.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. His shooting accuracy of 56.3% isn't bad, but these stats don't justify his top salary contract.
If an average player on a B or C class contract performed similarly, no one would complain. But Fan Ziming is a top-paid player, and such performance doesn't satisfy fans and the club.
On the training ground, Fan Ziming trains hard, often practicing late into the night. However, this effort doesn't seem to translate into match performance, with familiar issues persisting each time he plays.
Xu Limin must now carefully consider his lineup, fearing that Fan Ziming might undo the advantages painstakingly built by the team. This situation poses a significant challenge for the coaching staff.
As a state-owned enterprise team, Beijing is in a difficult position. They can't keep a top-paid player benched indefinitely, but using him risks hindering the team.
Zhou Qi and Chen Yingjun's injury problems are already concerning enough. If Fan Ziming underperforms further, Beijing's prospects for the season look uncertain.
The team management is considering whether to terminate Fan Ziming's contract early through a buyout, but this decision isn't easy due to the many issues involved.
Now, it all depends on whether Fan Ziming can adjust himself. If he continues like this, it's not just about performing at a top-paid level; even staying on the team could be in question.
Initially, many people thought Beijing could reach the finals, but now this goal seems challenging, especially with concerns over the frontline.
If Fan Ziming can regain his form, it would be great news for the team. However, given his current state, achieving self-redemption seems unlikely.
The team cannot rely solely on Zhou Qi, who has ongoing injury issues. If Fan Ziming continues to underperform, the frontline rotation will become problematic.
In this situation, how Beijing plays in upcoming matches and how to use Fan Ziming are critical considerations for Xu Limin, as every game is crucial for the team.