Chinese basketball player Cui Yongxi, after signing a two-year two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets, is focusing on becoming a reliable "3-and-D" player while aiming to inspire other Chinese players through his NBA journey.
by sportswriters Cao Yibo and Wang Jingyu
BEIJING, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- After signing a two-year two-way contract with the NBA's Brooklyn Nets, Chinese basketball player Cui Yongxi is keeping a grounded mindset, focusing on becoming a reliable "3-and-D" player - who can bring defense and 3-pointer shootings to the team.
Cui's agency announced the signing on Friday night, revealing that the contract guarantees half of the league's minimum salary, amounting to approximately $578,600 for the upcoming 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.
In an online interview with media on Saturday, the 21-year-old expressed that financial considerations were not his priority when deciding to join the NBA.
MONEY NOT THE MAIN DRIVE, NBA IS
"Since the salary is about the same as in the CBA, but I get the opportunity to play on such a prestigious platform, it's a great deal," said Cui, adding, "I'm not at the age where I think much about money."
Cui admitted he was uncertain about his future in the NBA but emphasized that his current focus is maintaining a proper attitude.
"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," said Cui.
The 21-year-old shared that he received advice from former NBA player Jeremy Lin during his summer workouts in the United States. Lin told him that as an Asian player in the NBA, it's important to stay mentally tough and assertive, especially during practices.
START FROM DEFENSE AND SHOOTINGS
Averaging 15.7 points, six rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals, Cui was the domestic ace of the Guangzhou Loong Lions in last season's CBA, but now with the Nets, he needs to find his new position in the team of Dennis Schroder and Cam Thomas.
"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." Cui stated that his priority task on the court is defense.
"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." Cui explained, "It's all about focus and execution."
Cui also noted that mental toughness, language skills, and lifestyle integration will be crucial to his success in the NBA.
"Everything is a learning experience against the best players in the world, keeping head up when opponents talk trash, and adapting to the team culture."
During his summer tryouts and games in the NBA Summer League (with the Portland Trail Blazers), Cui gained valuable insights into modern basketball.
"This is the era of 'small ball,' where positions are no longer fixed. A player needs to be versatile and able to handle multiple roles." Cui explained, "The trend now is five smaller-sized players on the court, playing fast-paced basketball. My foundation in the NBA will be as a '3-and-D' player. If I can excel at that, more opportunities will open up."
BE A YOUNG CHINESE BASKETBALL ROLE MODEL
Cui hopes that his journey to the NBA can inspire other Chinese players with similar talent.
"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 noted.
The 201cm-tall forward expressed his desire for more Chinese players at his age to step up and compete in high-level professional leagues, believing this would enrich the diversity of the national team and improve Chinese basketball as a whole.
As his national teammates recently wrapped up their summer training and warm-up games, Cui emphasized the need for patience and support from fans during this transitional period for Team Dragon.
"This is a time for growth, and improvement takes time. I hope the team gets better and fans will continue to support and encourage us."
At the end of the interview, Cui thanked the media for their support and added with a smile, "If I play well, don't praise me too much, and if I don't, please don't criticize me too quickly." ■