Chinese giant center Wang Zhizhi will become the first Asian and
first army officer to join Dallas Mavericks, his military-owned
club Bayi Rockets and Chinese Basketball Management Center (CBMC)
announced Thursday.
"This is more than just a basketball player going into the NBA,"
Mavericks' assistant coach Donnie Nelson said in the press
conference of the day. "In my opinion, Wang Zhizhi is a synonymous
representative of the spirit of China."
Nelson said Wang, 2.13 meters, who was picked by Mavericks at 36th
in the second round in 1999, would have a universal contract as any
second-round picked player has. According to the collective bargain
agreement, Wang will have the lowest-salary two-year contract with
US$300,000 in the first year, and more than US$420,000 in the next
year.
The 23-year-old Wang might play as No.16 in his first NBA game as
early as on April 5 when the Mavericks face Atlanta Hawks at home,
Nelson said. He is likely to play a backup to forward Dirk
Nowitzki.
After two years of long and hard negotiation with Bayi and the
People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, Mavericks finally ironed
things straight for Wang, whose military rank is Fu Tuan, or
Lieutenant in the US army.
"I
remember two years ago when we sat down at our first meeting with
the army, I think the (PLA's) perception was NBA body was coming
over here to stick some claims onto their players. I know it's very
uncomfortable to everyone," said Nelson when he contributed his
thanks to Bayi and the Chinese Army releasing Wang to America.
"We educated each other. They educated Dallas Mavericks and Don
Nelson on the Chinese way and we educated them on the NBA way.
"I
hope this is a model for the future of the way that our countries
can work toghter," Nelson claimed.
Mavericks waited patiently for one year and a half for the
historical moment, said Nelson, and he warned the Chinese people to
be patient for Wang's blossom in the NBA.
"The challenge to international players are largely mental -
getting used to the enviroment, processing all that informations ..
. the language and culture differences will be more
significant.
"Chinese people must be patient. He is playing against the best
athletes," Nelson added.
Wang, who won the crown of the Best Center in Asia last year, said,
"It is my dream to play against the best players, like Tim Duncan
(Spurs) and Kevin Garnett (Timberwolves). I can learn a lot from
them. I am very happy that my dream comes true."
Wang also said he is glad to play a role of a basketball ambassador
for the Chinese and American people.
"The Great Wall and pandas are the best-known Chinese things for
most of the Americans, but there are a lot of other things in China
that American people are not familiar with. I'll tell them the
Chinese people are very nice and friendly. There are many young
players, like me, who want to be the best in the world," Wang
added. "I'll be happier if I have the chance to carry our national
flag at the 2008 Olympics opening ceremony in Beijing."
Nelson said the Beijing bidding committee, known as BOBICO, will
have the full support of Dallas, who is bidding the 2012 Olympics.
He gave Wang Wei, general secretary of BOBICO, Mavericks jersey
with "Beijing 2008" characters printed on.
"It would be my dream to come here in 2008 and participate (the
Olympics) in Beijing," Nelson said.
(People's Daily 03/29/2001)