The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) has become a popular destination for NBA players looking to extend their careers or gain international experience. In this article, we will explore some of the NBA players who have played in the CBA and their impact on the league.
1. Stephon Marbury
Stephon Marbury is perhaps the most famous NBA player to have played in the CBA. He joined the Beijing Ducks in 2010 and led them to three CBA championships in four years. Marbury’s success in China made him a beloved figure in the country, and he even received a statue outside the Ducks’ arena.
2. Tracy McGrady
Tracy McGrady, a seven-time NBA All-Star, played for the Qingdao Eagles in the 2012-13 season. Although he only played in 29 games, McGrady was still able to showcase his scoring ability, averaging 25 points per game.
3. Gilbert Arenas
Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA All-Star, played for the Shanghai Sharks in the 2012-13 season. Arenas was able to provide a scoring punch for the Sharks, averaging 20.7 points per game.
4. Jimmer Fredette
Jimmer Fredette, a former NCAA scoring champion, has become a star in the CBA. He joined the Shanghai Sharks in 2016 and has since become one of the league’s top scorers. In the 2019-20 season, Fredette averaged 27.9 points per game and was named the CBA International MVP.
5. Ty Lawson
Ty Lawson, a former NBA point guard, has played for multiple teams in the CBA. He first joined the Shandong Golden Stars in 2017 and has since played for the Fujian Sturgeons and the Shanxi Loongs. Lawson has been a consistent scorer and playmaker in the league, averaging 25.5 points and 6.5 assists per game in the 2019-20 season.
Conclusion
The CBA has become a popular destination for NBA players looking to extend their careers or gain international experience. Players like Stephon Marbury, Tracy McGrady, Gilbert Arenas, Jimmer Fredette, and Ty Lawson have all made an impact on the league and have become fan favorites in China. As the CBA continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see more NBA players make the trip overseas to play in the league.
