Just ahead of training camp, the Brooklyn Nets are signing 2024 NBA Draft prospect Yongxi Cui (also known as Jacky Cui) to a two-way contract, per Nets Daily’s Lucas Kaplan.
Top Chinese Prospect Yongxi ‘Jacky’ Cui Inking Deal With Nets
Cui, who went undrafted, averaged 15.8 points per game on .461-.365-.783 shooting splits in 2023-24 while playing for the CBA’s Guangzhou Loong Lions. At 21 years old, Cui isn’t going to be the youngest rookie. Nonetheless, he’s a very solid 3-point threat with a real chance to have a long career.
Cui’s long-term success and ceiling likely hinges upon how he plays defensively. Calculated with quick hands, he has the potential to be a reliable team defender. Even more comforting is his mentality. In an interview with HoopsHype’s Cyro Asseo de Choch, he was asked what he believes his best skill is.
Cui’s response was perfect:
“My strongest skill is defense because, in my life, I can’t let everyone beat me. I go into a focused, mental state. So, I can’t let a player beat me every time and score on me. Defense is my job.”
Later, he was asked why he wants to be an elite defender:
“On the court, everyone’s goal is to score. It’s like you can’t do anything else. But defense is often seen as a dirty word; many players don’t want to focus on it. However, if you re able to play good defense, especially on the NBA stage, it must be something special for you.”
If the 6-foot-5 wing can convince the Nets to promote him to the 15-man roster, he’ll be the only Chinese player on a standard NBA contract. He’ll be the first since Zhou Qi, who last played in 2018-19. With that being said, Qi played just two seasons in the NBA; Cui should hope to last much longer.
(Note: Golden State Warriors forward Kyle Anderson has dual citizenship (American and Chinese) and his maternal great-grandfather was Chinese. While he was born in New York, raised in New Jersey, and is primarily of Jamaican and African-American descent, he’s technically a Chinese-American player.)
No Better Opportunity?
It’s worth mentioning that Nets owner Joe Tsai is Taiwanese. His intentions from innocuous, he’s openly stated that he wants to help Chinese players make it to the NBA. So, on a team that’s rebuilding and with an owner who’s personally invested, Cui may not have a better shot.
For the millions of fans in China, today is a special occasion. If all goes according to Cui’s plan, there’ll be an even bigger celebration down the line.
