When players from the National Basketball Association are no longer needed by the 30 teams and have depreciated market value, one of the top choices they consider is playing ball in China. However, unlike what many thinks of an easy life in China is actually a day-to-day survival for foreign players.
NBA stars like Tracy McGrady, Kenyon Martin and Gilbert Arenas made noise in China as fans crave for the arrival of players they only see on their television. But instead of making their marks in Chinese basketball, their stints are cut short by injuries, having a hard time adjusting to the Chinese culture and the language barrier, ESPN reported.
The only foreign player who may have left an indelible mark on Chinese basketball is former New York Knicks star Stephon Marbury. Marbury was signed by the Shanxi Zhongyu Brave Dragons in 2010 and has played for the Beijing Ducks since 2011. Unlike his playing years in the NBA that was marred by controversies, 'Starbury' experienced the opposite in China with him being revered by fans, especially after leading the Ducks to three Chinese Basketball Association titles.
Now, another guard in Jimmer Fredette is trying to make a name for himself in China. After an atrocious NBA career that saw him jump from teams year after year, the former BYU standout is averaging more than 38 points and eight boards per game to tow the Shanghai Sharks at the top of the standings even in his first year in the CBA.
Fredette's emergence as China's biggest basketball star has earned him a shoe deal with Chinese sneaker company, 361 degreees, The Big Lead reported. He has also won the CBA All-Star three-point contest.
There is still doubt whether Fredette would continue his NBA career as scouts are skeptical of his athleticism but there are certain players who made the jump in China and had their NBA careers resurrected.
Michael Beasley and J.R. Smith both played in the CBA and they are back in the NBA with Beasley anchoring the bench of the Milwaukee Bucks and Smith being part of the 2015 champion team of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Foreign basketball players see China as a place to make money but for some, it is where they showcase their wares and for the like of Marbury, it is where he found home.
Watch the video below for the backcourt battle of Marbury and Fredette: