YeinJee's Asian Journal

Chinese basketball star Yi Jianlian made his NBA debut on October 31, playing against the Orlando Magic. The Milwaukee Bucks rookie managed 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks before fouling out. Orlando won the game 102-83.

Yi Jianlian in action against Orlando Magic (Image courtesy of Xinhuanet)

It is not a superb debut, but Yi’s performance was quite ok. The press and Chinese basketball fans are comparing him with another Chinese NBA star, Yao Ming, who failed to score a single point in his first NBA game… so Yi did make a relatively convincing start in NBA.

Despite a poor debut, Yao Ming has become an important player in the league. It is still remain to be seen if Yi Jianlian could match Yao’s performances and cultural impact, but both the US and Chinese media will be watching him closely for the NBA season.

One thing that Yi needs to address seriously is his foul trouble. He was fouled out again in his 2nd match, this time against Charlotte Bobcats on Friday… Milwaukee lost their 2nd game in a role.

Chinese basketball star Yi Jianlian (易建联) was selected with the 6th pick in the 2007 NBA draft by Milwaukee Bucks.

Yi Jianlian with David Stern, commissioner
of National Basketball Association (NBA)

The 19-year-old power forward from Guangdong, China, will become the 4th Chinese player in NBA after Wang Zhizhi, Menk Bateer and Houston Rockets star centre Yao Ming.

Yi is 6ft 11in (211cm); he previously played for Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), and has played with the Chinese national team in the 2004 Olympic Games and 2006 FIBA World Championships.

Yi is surprised with Milwaukee’s decision to pick him, as he has previously expressed his desire to play in a city with a heavy Asian influence. Milwaukee with estimated 27,500 Asian Americans certainly doesn’t fit the bill.

The Chinese international however remains positive with his NBA future. “It’s a surprise to me… I’m not really familiar with the city as well, but I’m happy to be playing with the team and happy to play in the NBA.”

Greg Oden was the 1st overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers; Kevin Durant was the 2nd pick by Seattle SuperSonics.

Personally, I haven’t watched much of Yi’s play besides some footage; he is quite agile yet powerful with his height, and has a good shooting range. He got potential, that’s for sure.