Yi Jianlian

A Chinese forward with high expectations and a quietly strong second act.

Jun 06, 2025

Years Active (NBA): 2007–2012, brief return in 2012
Teams: Bucks, Nets, Wizards, Mavericks, Lakers
Drafted: 6th overall in 2007 by the Milwaukee Bucks
Career Stats: 7.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG over 272 NBA games
Notable: Five-time CBA champion; 2016 Olympic standout for China

The Pressure of Promise

When Yi Jianlian was drafted 6th overall in 2007, he was seen as the next great hope from China following Yao Ming’s trailblazing success. At 6’11” with a silky jumper, quick feet, and marketability, Yi entered the league with a blend of immense potential and intense scrutiny. But from the beginning, his path was anything but conventional.

The Milwaukee Bucks drafted him despite resistance from his camp—he’d barely worked out for NBA teams and wasn’t keen on a small-market destination. The pressure was immense, and the expectations—especially in a global spotlight—were nearly impossible to match.

Flashes of the Prototype

Despite the circumstances, Yi showed legitimate promise. He averaged 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds as a rookie, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors. His shooting touch and fluidity at his size made him an early stretch-four prototype. He had notable performances, including a career-high 31 points against the Bobcats while with the Nets and several double-doubles that showcased his rebounding and midrange skills.

But inconsistencies, injuries, and the constant weight of expectation stalled his NBA rise. His confidence seemed to ebb and flow with his minutes, and he struggled to find a long-term fit on any of his five NBA teams.

A Global Game Beyond the NBA

After returning to China full-time in 2012, Yi’s career reignited. Playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers, he became a five-time CBA champion, league MVP, and the undisputed leader of the Chinese national team. His performances in the 2016 Rio Olympics—including a 25-point, 6-rebound outing against the U.S.—reminded fans worldwide of the talent that never quite blossomed in the NBA but flourished elsewhere.

He was briefly signed by the Lakers in 2016 but was waived before the regular season. Still, his presence helped solidify the growing bridge between China’s basketball scene and the NBA.

Legacy of a Quiet Star

Yi’s NBA journey may have fallen short of superstardom, but it wasn’t a failure—it was a chapter. He went on to become one of the most decorated and consistent players in Chinese basketball history, a beacon for international players trying to navigate the demands of both performance and global attention.

Yi Jianlian’s career is a reminder that basketball success isn’t defined by one league. His game grew, evolved, and ultimately thrived—just not where people first expected. And in doing so, he showed that sometimes, the second act is where the real story unfolds.