We’re going to have a little fun with this column, which is our little antidote to the dog days of March in the NBA. The quotes are entirely fictitious. Just wanted to make that perfectly clear. [Read more…]
Chinese Basketball Association Finals Preview: Beijing Vs. Xinjiang
Half a world away from all the Phil Jackson madness, Stephon Marbury is competing for a championship … again. Game 1 of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) Finals is Wednesday night. The two best teams in the league — the Beijing Ducks and the Xinjiang Flying Tigers — will play a best-of-seven series for the CBA championship. Beijing comes into the series having just upset the top dog of the league, the Guangdong Southern Tigers. Xinjiang, on the other hand, is the undisputed
From China to America: Which Imports Could Impact Playoff Races?
Hoop dreams come in all shapes and sizes. And halfway around the world, some dreams are just beginning — the dream of making it back to the NBA. This weekend, the Chinese Basketball Association concludes its regular season as teams gear up for the playoffs. For many Americans playing in China, the dream is humble yet significant – to compete for an NBA roster spot. No matter how you look at it, getting back to the NBA is always a long shot.
Rising Dragon: The Unfinished Business of Stephon Marbury
“Ma-bu-li! Ma-bu-li! Ma-bu-li!” The chants fill the Chinese basketball stadium. It’s sweet music to the ears of the Beijing Ducks fans, many of whom are wearing Stephon Marbury’s No. 3 replica jersey. It’s March 30, 2012, and Marbury and the Ducks have just defeated the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the deciding game of the Chinese Basketball Association Finals. The stadium erupts in celebration, and a healthy dose of disbelief. For a few minutes, Marbury is overcome with emotion, unable to speak as
Americans Playing in China: Top 10 Performances
Have you ever wondered what became of Delonte West? How about Randolph Morris? Hamed Haddadi? Marcus Williams? They are all part of the growing contingent of former NBA players in the Chinese Basketball Association. The CBA is definitely a league of its own and well worth following for its American star power. Defense is not a priority in the CBA, an offensive-minded league which emphasizes transition and the 3-pointer. It is a great place for undersized guards, tweener forwards and big men not
Your 2014 Guide to the Chinese Basketball Association
The Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) is an amazing league for North American fans to follow. It features old-school, up-tempo basketball with a lot of American players. You’ll undoubtedly see some familiar faces and more than a few career revivals. The CBA is well run and very fan friendly. This is as good a time as any to start following the CBA – teams are just over the midway mark of the regular season, with the 2014 All-Star Weekend coming this month.