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Who is Fanbo Zeng? Brooklyn Nets sign top prospect from China’s Beijing Ducks
Credit: Fred Lee/Nic Antaya via Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets have made a major addition to their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season.

Despite entering the 2025 NBA Draft with five first-round picks, not many view the Brooklyn Nets as a top team in the Eastern Conference.

In fact, anonymous executives made fun of the Nets’ first-round picks in the draft. As a result, it’s no surprise that the Nets are still looking for valuable additions to their roster.

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, the Nets have now signed Fanbo Zeng to a new deal for the 2025-26 NBA season.

Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Fanbo Zeng’s international career

Considering Zeng didn’t take the traditional route of playing in the NCAA, it wouldn’t be a surprise that many fans are unaware of who the Nets’ new signing is.

Well, the 22-year-old is one of the best prospects on the Beijing Ducks of China’s CBA. Standing at 6’11” and weighing about 199lbs, Zeng has a shot at making a name for himself on the Nets.

During his time in the CBA, Zeng has averaged an impressive 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game for the Ducks.

Stats 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
Points 12.0 PPG 10.3 PPG 14.7 PPG
Rebounds 4.6 RPG 4.1 RPG 4.7 RPG
Assists 0.8 APG 0.8 APG 1.9 APG

He also shot 46.3% from the field and 38.6% from the three-point line. Combine that with 80.0% from the free-throw line, Zeng is an efficient scorer.

Fanbo Zeng’s G League career

Zeng did try his luck in the 2022 NBA Draft, but no team trusted in the skills of the forward at the time. A key reason behind it was his lackluster performance in the G League.

Yes, before heading to CBA’s Beijing Ducks, Zeng briefly played for the G League Ignite during the 2021-22 tip-off tournament.

However, Zeng averaged just 3.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game for the team in nine appearances, including three starts.

He also shot an abysmal 36.4% from the field, but a respectable 40.0% from deep. Either way, Zeng has seemingly worked on his craft as he earns a shot at finally making his NBA debut in the 2025-26 season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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