Zeng Fanbo signs with the Nets, will he be seen at the China Games?

Although it was unfortunate that Zeng Fanbo missed the Asian Cup due to injury, good news quickly followed. This morning, it was reported that Zeng Fanbo has signed a contract with the Nets.

The details of the contract have not been disclosed, but there are subsequent reports suggesting that Zeng Fanbo signed an Exhibit-10 contract. This term should be familiar to everyone; in the past, Ding Yanyuhang signed this type of contract with the Mavericks, and last season, Cui Yongxi initially signed the same contract with the Trail Blazers. After being waived, Cui Yongxi did not join the Trail Blazers' affiliate team but was signed by the Nets with a two-way contract.

To be precise, an Exhibit-10 is not a contract but rather a clause. Players who sign this clause can receive part of the bonus if they are ultimately signed by an NBA team and stay with that team's G League affiliate for 60 days. An Exhibit-10 can also be converted directly into a two-way contract by the team.

The Nets currently have only 11 guaranteed contracts and one slot for a two-way contract, leaving ample opportunities for Zeng Fanbo to compete. Similar to last year's Cui Yongxi, Zeng Fanbo, standing at 2.08 meters, possesses excellent athleticism and defensive skills, which are highly sought after in the NBA today.

Zeng Fanbo has experience playing in the United States and has spent a season in the G League, so adapting to the environment there shouldn't be an issue. After the CBA season ended last year, Zeng Fanbo's team likely planned to make another push for the NBA this summer.

It is worth mentioning that the Nets are participants in this year's China Games held in Macau. Zeng Fanbo's contract may very well see him donning the Nets' jersey on the stage of the China Games.

In 2004, the first China Games were held in Shanghai, with the Rockets and Kings coming to China. The Kings took the opportunity to sign Liu Wei, leading to the first-ever Chinese derby between Yao Ming and Liu Wei, which is quite interesting to think about now.

Surprisingly, it's been 14 years since a Chinese player appeared in the China Games again. In the 2018 China Games, Ding Yanyuhang represented the Mavericks. At that time, Ding was already suffering from a serious knee injury, but he still played for 8 minutes despite the pain.

One statement from Ding Yanyuhang after the game touched me deeply. He said, "I hope you all can take a step closer to your dreams, even if it's just eight minutes, just one free throw, just one point. Every step from 0 to 1 is worth it."

When the Nets announced their participation in the China Games last year, Cui Yongxi was still on the roster, and everyone thought he would take the stage this year. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be Zeng Fanbo. Whether it's Cui or Zeng, both are our pride, and every child who goes out deserves praise.

Even a training camp contract is something to celebrate. After all, we are seeing more and more young domestic players choosing to go out and challenge themselves on higher stages while honing their skills.

Just yesterday, the Bilbao basketball club in Spain announced the signing of Yu Jiahao. According to Yu Jiahao's agent, his salary in Spain is only 2,000 euros a month, while he can earn a top salary of 6 million at home.

Yu Jiahao stated, "I just want to improve myself. The competitive environment and atmosphere in the Spanish league are quite good. Playing in Spain is a test for myself."

Every time a domestic player goes abroad, there are many supportive voices, but also quite a few mocking ones. I want to say that our basketball isn't that great right now, but our players aren't that bad either. Cui Yongxi secured a two-way contract last year, and Yang Hanjun was the 16th pick in this year's draft.

The recognition of our players overseas is gradually increasing, and we shouldn't undermine ourselves. Players choosing to go out to chase their dreams do so to avoid regrets, pursuing the highest stage at the best age is the best choice.

If successful, they can stay there for a few more years, improving themselves in a high-level competitive environment. If they fail, they won't lose much; they can continue to practice and improve, and recognizing their shortcomings is not a bad thing.

I wish Zeng Fanbo, who is about to embark on his journey, Yang Hanjun, who is striving to establish himself in the NBA, Yu Jiahao, who is taking a pay cut to play in Spain, and Lin Wei, who is still seeking opportunities overseas, all have a good outcome. This world needs dream chasers to light the way ahead.