Thursday, 29 March, 2001, 13:11 GMT 14:11 UK Wang wings in to Dallas Wang Zhizhi will become the first Chinese player in the National Basketball Association when he joins the Dallas Mavericks. Donn Nelson, assistant coach of the Mavericks, revealed that the centre would sign a two-year contract. Wang, one of three Chinese centres known collectively as the "Walking Great Wall", described the move as "exciting". "It's a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to playing in the NBA," he said. But Nelson added a note of caution. "The people of China need to be patient as Wang is now playing at the highest level in the world. "He will be on the roster and whether he plays or not depends on how he performs on the court - he will have to earn his spot," Nelson said. Wang's performance in the next two weeks is expected to determine whether or not he makes the post-season play-off roster. The Mavericks drafted the 24-year-old, a leading member of China's national team, in 1999 but the Chinese army and league hesitated about allowing him to move. The Mavericks have paid Wang's Baya Chinese army team $350,000 to secure the player's services. His fellow "Great Wall" centres, Yao Ming and Menk Batere, are being mentioned as possible top picks in this year's draft and could soon join Wang. The 7ft 1in (2.16m) star is due to sign a standard contract for a first-year player drafted in the second round with a minimum deal worth $316,000 in his first year. ------------------ "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored."- (Aldous Huxley) [This message has been edited by BobFinn* (edited March 29, 2001).]
Exactly Juan. huh? Just because he is from China means that he sucks. That's the same thing that a lot of people said about Dirk. "Oh he's from Germany. Damn they must really be desperate to go over to Europe for players." And now look at him. Why not give Zhi-Zhi a chance to play and show his skills before you say he sucks. ------------------ When you go into court you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.
Don't listen to Big Ralph, give him a few minutes and he'll go back to posting about how the Pacers were screwed last year and the whole NBA is rigged for a Lakers v Knicks championship and that NBC is pulling the strings on the whole thing. ------------------ Founder and President of the Houston Homers Club(HHC) - Are you a homer? Join now! The Rockets will be NBA champions. Believe.
He can't be any worse than Chuck Nevitt ------------------ "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored."- (Aldous Huxley)
The NBA's level of talent is really depleted right as if it needs chinese players in the league. He flop quicker than john stockton. ------------------
Could Nelson, being a red himself, be the reason for this genial decison by China? ------------------ [This message has been edited by ROCKETBOOSTER (edited March 30, 2001).]
Remember to use #2 pencils ONLY ------------------ "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored."- (Aldous Huxley)
So Wang scored point #100 for the Mavs tonight. ESPN reports it thusly (as of right now): "In a common NBA promotions, when the home team scores 100 points, coupons for free chalupas are getting to the everyone in the stands." http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2001/0405/1168255.html I'm sure you can make up your own Zero Wing jokes by now. ------------------ ...just another Langhi fanboy
Wow, Wang's first NBA game and his first game recap. I'm happy he played as well as he did. I'll be rooting for him. An ESPN article said that since he already spoke English, the barrier won't be as big for him as it could have been. They interviewed him after the game and it turns out he speaks English as well as I speak French: you can do fine in class, but when natives start talking to you.... ------------------ RealGM Gafford Art Artisan Cakes
Yeah, I read that article and was surprised that they said he knows English. He knows a few phrases (ex. "I like the Texas steak.") but he doesn't know much. He prefers speaking Mandarin and using a translator. However, if you saw the press conference, there have already been situations were the translator misquotes him. ------------------ There are no stupid questions, only stupid people who ask questions.
Yeah, I think he ended up with 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 fouls in 8 minutes. Not bad production, except that he might have the typical foreign player problem of being a bit too physical for the NBA. He will learn. Why does it seem that they always play more physical basketball overseas? ------------------ "Any event, once it has occurred, can be made to appear inevitable by a competent historian." Lee Simonson
