Cui Yongxi and Li Qun in Live Stream: Had Little Contact with Joe Tsai Before Signing, NBA Makes Professional Decisions

Today, media personality Zhao Tanchang conducted a live stream with Cui Yongxi, who recently signed with the Nets, and his agent, the renowned Li Qun.

When asked about Cui Yongxi’s mood after the official announcement by the Nets,

Cui Yongxi said: “I can now train with peace of mind. There are two or three other players competing for the two-way contract within the team.”

When asked if he is adapting to life in New York,

Cui Yongxi said: “I’m adapting well. New York has three Chinatowns, which are very close to where I am. Cooking is a basic skill; I can prepare a whole table of dishes.”

When asked if he can learn to drive in the US,

Cui Yongxi said: “I’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t had the time. Transportation to and from the training facility is provided.”

When asked about his feelings after four months of training in the US,

Cui Yongxi said: “Nike has been very helpful, preparing training sessions with Morant and arranging training in Portland. They also arranged a Korean coach to help me with shooting practice and provide instruction.”

When asked about his journey so far,

Cui Yongxi said: “There were two times when I wanted to give up, feeling very anxious. But after the tryouts ended, the results were good, which restored my confidence. The two setbacks were not being drafted by the NBA and not making the joint tryout.”

When asked which team he performed best during tryouts,

Cui Yongxi said: “The Nets, Trail Blazers, and Pacers were the teams where I performed the best.”

Li Qun said that their job was to clarify these matters to ensure that Cui Yongxi has no worries.

Then Zhao Tanchang asked if the choice to sign Cui Yongxi was because the Nets’ owner is Joe Tsai.

Li Qun said: “We did not have much contact with Joe Tsai. NBA teams are very professional; they make professional decisions after observing players.”

When asked about his experience training with current teammates,

Cui Yongxi said: “I get along well with Cameron Johnson. He doesn’t seem like he’s 28; he feels like he’s the same age as me. I haven’t had the chance to get to know the others yet.”

The position on the team is relatively flexible, able to switch between positions 1 to 4. The focus is mainly on defense, but they don’t pay too much attention to it. The offensive requirements are higher, and there’s no need to hold the ball for long periods.

When asked if he’s prepared to play in the G League,

Cui Yongxi said: “Of course, you can’t expect immediate success.”

Did Ben Simmons and Schroder give any advice?

Cui Yongxi said: “Ben Simmons suggested that I should attack more. I haven’t played with Schroder yet.”

Zhao Tanchang joked that Cui Yongxi shouldn’t learn Simmons’ offense.

Cui Yongxi said he cannot insult his teammates.

Zhao Tanchang then asked a pointed question: Some people say that since he hasn’t become a top player in the CBA, how could he aim for the NBA?

Cui Yongxi said: “Ignore such voices. I will take it step by step, and I have improved.”

When did he set his goal to aim for the NBA?

Cui Yongxi said: “I’m not getting any younger, and time is running out. If I don’t go now, I won’t meet the NBA’s development standards. When else would I take the risk if not now?”

Has the number 8 jersey been decided?

Cui Yongxi said: “It’s tentatively decided, but we’ll have to wait until all the players arrive to finalize it. Number 8 is my choice, and I wore 8 with the Loong Lions, so it’s a continuation.”

When asked about Morant and Li Kair giving him a thumbs up on his signing with the Nets,

Cui Yongxi said: “Yesterday was Li Kair’s birthday, and as fellow countrymen, we shed tears of joy seeing each other.”

When asked about the weekly training schedule,

Cui Yongxi said: “Four hours of training in one day per week.”