The Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai has wanted a Chinese player in the NBA for a long time. Well, it looks like his wishes might come true. Many reports out of China have the Nets close to signing Cui Yongxi. Taking one of the two available two-way contracts, the 21-year-old sharpshooter could be a valuable addition to the team. Yongxi’s arrival would end a 6-year drought of Chinese players in the league. How exciting is that!

However, Cui Yongxi isn’t the first basketball player from the Land of the Dragons. In reality, the Guangdong Loon Lions, 6’8 prodigy has had several predecessors. Over the years, several Chinese players have graced the NBA. Leaving footprints to follow, these stars turned into icons for generations to come. And as it seems, Cui might be following their path to basketball glory.

Now, let’s find out who are the Top 3, among the many Chinese NBA players who paved the way for the the new stars from their native land.

Besides Cui Yongxi, here are the three big names of the NBA who came from China

If the rumors of the Nets picking Cui Yongxi are true, he will become the eighth Chinese NBA star. The 21-year-old had impressed the Head of International Basketball Development, Chris Ebersole at the NBA Global Academy in Australia. And it is safe to say, since then, this protege has been on the radar of various teams. Cui Yongxi has the potential to become the next big name in the world of basketball. The CBA star not only holds the hopes of the Brooklyn Net’s owners but also the dreams of 1.4 billion compatriots.

After Zhou Qi’s last appearance in the NBA in 2018 for the Houston Rockets, this is the first time in 6 years that China’s American basketball dreams are on the verge of seeing the dawn of light. But before we move ahead, let’s break through the suspense and take a look at the top 3 Chinese phenomena in the NBA.

Wang Zhizhi: The first-ever Chinese hooper in the NBA

Wang Zhizhi, despite averaging just 4.4 PPG over 137 games, holds a crucial place in China’s NBA history. He became the first Chinese player drafted in 1999 by the Dallas Mavericks, shocking many. Already a star in the CBA with the Bayi Rockets, Zhizhi’s fame resembled that of current star Cui Yongxi. The Bayi Rockets didn’t want to lose him, as he had led them to six CBA titles after rising to prominence in the 1995-96 season. In 2001, Zhizhi joined the NBA, playing for the Mavericks, Clippers, and Heat. After his NBA stint, he returned to the Bayi Rockets, completing his journey. Interestingly, Yao Ming soon emerged as both the end of the Bayi dynasty and Zhizhi’s NBA successor.

Yao Ming: The greatest Chinese hooper the NBA has ever seen

Yao Ming, an eight-time NBA All-Star and China’s 7’6 giant left a lasting legacy. When thinking of Chinese basketball players, he’s the first name that comes to mind. Yao debuted for the Shanghai Sharks in 1997 and quickly dominated the court. Under his leadership, the Sharks ended the Bayi Rockets’ CBA reign, making him a sensation. Although pressured to enter the NBA draft in 1999, Yao waited until 2002, when the Houston Rockets selected him. He spent nine years with the team, reaching the playoffs four times and securing a 2009 series win. With a career average of 19.9 PPG, Yao’s influence earned him a place in the NBA Hall of Fame.

Mengke Bateer: The first Chinese to win the NBA Championship

Yao Ming might be the best Chinese player ever, but he hasn’t won a championship. Surprising, isn’t it? Well, that’s the truth, however, one of his compatriots has achieved this feat. It is none other than Mengke Bateer. The Chinese center came from the Beijing Ducks to the Denver Nuggets. Debuting with the Nuggets in 2002, he found a place with the Toronto Raptors for the 2003-04 season. That season was a golden period for the Dinosaurs. With this team, Mengke Bateer won the championship, thus becoming the first Chinese to do so. With a total of 47 game points in his three seasons at the NBA, Bateer became an icon of the sport in his homeland.

And, the way Cui Yongxi is already hitting the headlines, it won’t be surprising if the sharp-shooter finds himself in the NBA’s GOAT list.

Cui Yongxi is the upcoming NBA sensation, so watch out!

Yongxi’s Exhibit 10 deal with the Portland Trail Blazers has been pretty beneficial. The prodigy, caught the eyes of many teams, turning into a valuable asset. His impressive average of 15.6 PPG in the ’23-24 season for his CBA team, speaks for his worth in the sport. With a 6’9 wingspan and 34″ max vertical, Cui Yongxi has the ideal build and shot for the NBA. Moreover, Cui Yongxi’s near-perfect shots had some head-turning during the Global Academy stint in Australia. Also, did you know Yongxi had an opportunity to play in the NCAA? Well, he declined the offer to continue at the Chinese Basketball Association. His dedication to his country’s team is also pretty impressive.

Meanwhile, the Chinese audience has their eyes fixed on every development associated with Cui Yongxi’s NBA draft. A huge contingent of Chinese media is following every detail just like they did for Yi Jianlian. It is safe to say, Cui Yongxi is carrying the hopes of his countrymen. And why shouldn’t it be? After all, a star of his caliber is meant for glory.

Now, it’s just a matter of days when the Brooklyn Nets admit their signing. Cui Yongxi is indeed the upcoming star of basketball. Even if he doesn’t get picked (just saying!) for the NBA, his impact in the CBA will continue to shine.