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The Brooklyn Nets won’t be seeing Yongxi Cui again until next season, as the rookie tore his left ACL on Dec. 11 while on assignment with the Long Island Nets, their G League affiliate (h/t Brian Lewis of the New York Post).
#Nets two-way Cui Yongxi has a torn ACL of the left knee, per the team. The injury occurred while playing for G League Long Island on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Cui, who will miss the rest of the season, is expected to make a full recovery. #NBA
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) December 13, 2024
Cui, who signed a two-way contract with Brooklyn in September, is expected to make a full recovery. Nonetheless, it’s a tough blow for a player who was the top Chinese prospect in the 2024 draft cycle. In fact, Cui is the only Chinese player in the NBA.
Nets’ Yongxi Cui Sustains Devastating ACL Injury
Cui was more than a ceremonial signing, as the 21-year-old wing has demonstrated an ability to attack off-the-dribble and make defensive plays. In his time with both Brooklyn and Long Island, his averages were modest. However, he recently had his best game of the season, stuffing the stat sheet against the G League’s College Park Skyhawks.
The Yulin native finished the night with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks.
With his physical tools and play in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), he already appeared capable of being a rotation-caliber NBA player. However, most young players don’t hit the ground running, no matter where they’re from. That being said, it’s still relatively early in his developmental trajectory. Still, that type of performance could’ve marked a new checkpoint for Cui.
Unfortunately for him and his fans, the wait for him to round to corner will take a little longer.
祝你好運
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