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Brooklyn Nets Sign Chinese Sharpshooter Yongxi ‘Jacky’ Cui, Following In The Footsteps Of Jeremy Lin

The Brooklyn Nets have signed Yongxi "Jacky" Cui to a two-way contract, which means he will be the first China-born NBA player in the last five years, since 7-foot big man Zhou Qi played on the Houston Rockets.

This summer the Nets worked out Cui ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft, but they had no picks this year, so after going undrafted, the 6-foot-8, 21-year-old from Nanning, China played in the Las Vegas Summer League for the Portland Trailblazers.

Cui's connection to the Nets is not by accident, as he shares an agent with former NBA player Jeremy Lin, who has stayed friends with Nets owner Joe Tsai.

Notably, Tsai has previously expressed his wishes in bringing in a Chinese player to join their roster. With this in mind, Cui now becomes the third player of Chinese heritage to join the Nets, following in the footsteps of Yi Jianlian and Lin.

In view of Cui's career in the Chinese Basketball Association, he played for the Guangzhou Loong Lions, averaging 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals last season, while shooting 46.1% from the field and 36.5% from deep (4.8 3's per game).

What stands out for scouts is Cui's ability to stretch the floor with his long-range shooting, as he went 23-of-25 in the 3-point shooting drill at the G-League's pre-draft workout camp. To point out, he also has good physical intangibles, with big hands, a long wingspan (6'9"), and 35.5 inch vertical.

In addition, Cui possesses the skills to be an elite defender at the next level as he has showcased quick feet, good length, and sneaky athleticism throughout his time in both the CBA and international competition.

Cui graduated from the NBA Global Academy in Australia, and this is where NBA head of international basketball development Chris Ebersole noticed his ability on the defensive side of the floor.

"He's got really good feet and plays super hard," Ebersole said (per Hoopshype). "Those ingredients, for both on-ball defense and off-ball positioning, serve him well."

Ultimately, the young prodigy has a high ceiling and when given the opportunity Cui has the potential to make an immediate impact for the Nets as a wing-defending shooter. Time will tell, but there is no doubt Cui will be a fan favorite and has a bright future ahead, as he looks to be a pioneer, opening the door for more up-and-coming talent out of China.

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