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SCMP Sport

New Brooklyn Nets signing Cui Yongxi does not know how long he will have in the NBA, but is determined to make the most of every second.
The 21-year-old shooting guard joined the Eastern Conference outfit on Friday on a two-year two-way contract that is likely to see him spend most of this time in the developmental G-League.
Cui said he was focused on becoming a reliable three-point shooter who also offered something in defence, while improving as a player so he could help the Chinese national team.
Averaging 15.7 points, six rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals, Cui was an ever-present with the Guangzhou Loong Lions in the Chinese Basketball Association, but now with the Nets, he needs to find his new position in a team boasting the likes of Dennis Schroder and Cam Thomas.

Welcome to Brooklyn, Yongxi! pic.twitter.com/IkpnBa0SlI
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) September 20, 2024

“My mindset is in a good place. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to play here, but I believe the longer I stay, the more I can improve and help both myself and the Chinese national team,” Cui said.
“You have to excel at what you can do on the court. As a young player, you can’t expect to compete for ball control like the starters. When the core players drive and swing the ball out, you need to hit the shot. If you can’t do that, they won’t trust you with the ball in the future.”
A free agent after going unselected in the draft, Cui spent time with the Portland Trailblazers in the NBA’s Summer League, and said the modern era of small ball meant players needed to have more versatility than in the past.
“My foundation in the NBA will be as a ‘3-and-D’ player [three-point shooter and defence],” Cui said. “If I can excel at that, more opportunities will open up.”
If he does make it into the big leagues, Cui will be just the seventh player from mainland China to make it into the NBA, following in the footsteps of the likes of Wang Zhizhi, Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian, who was with the Nets for two seasons from 2008.
But Cui said while the others were special talents, he relied on hard work to make the most of his ability, and hoped other players would follow his example.
“Players like Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian come around once in a century, but players like me with some talent have to rely on hard work, climbing step by step. It’s a tough path, but if I can succeed, it could show players with similar abilities that they, too, can make it,” Cui said.
Cui’s contract guarantees half of the league’s minimum salary, amounting to about US$578,600 for the coming 2024-25 season. The first year of the contract is fully guaranteed, meaning Cui will receive his full salary even if he is waived during the season.


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NBA (National Basketball Association)

Brooklyn Nets’ new Chinese signing Cui Yongxi determined to make the most of his time in NBA

Cui Yongxi (right) with fellow Chinese international Kyle Anderson, who plays for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. Photo: Cui Yongxi Weibo

China’s rising star Cui Yongxi joins Brooklyn Nets on 2-way deal, eyes NBA shot

China’s Cui Yongxi scores during a Fiba Basketball World Cup Asia qualifier against Iran at Tseun Wan Sports Centre, in Hong Kong. Photo: Dickson Lee

China’s Sun Yue won an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009. Photo: AP

Los Angeles Clippers’ centre Wang Zhizhi (left) chats to Houston Rockets’ centre Yao Ming during a game in November 2002, in LA. Photo: AFP

NBA G League star Muoka eyes Hong Kong passport ahead of Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers

The towering 2.08-metre tall David Muoka believes he will bring a wide range of skills and experience to the Hong Kong team. Photo: Handout

David Muoka is eligible to represent Nigeria, England and Hong Kong. Photo: David Muoka

Glen Yang (left), who last played in the top Canadian league, said he would get his passport soon. Photo: Handout

Sport

Basketball

China

The former Guangzhou Loong Lions guard says he aims to become a reliable three-point shooter who also offers something in defence


The former Guangzhou Loong Lions guard says he aims to become a reliable three-point shooter who also offers something in defence.


CBA (Chinese Basketball Association)