Pioneers vs. Wizards Preview: Cui Yongxi Deserves More Opportunities; No. 2 Pick Sall Set to Play as Pioneers Aim for a Winning Streak

On the morning of July 17, the NBA Summer League continues with a match between the Pioneers and the Wizards. This game is highly anticipated by Chinese fans due to the presence of Chinese player Cui Yongxi on the Pioneers and No. 2 pick Sall in the Wizards’ lineup, making it a highlight of the tournament.

The Pioneers have already played two games in the Summer League, losing 77-83 to the Spurs and narrowly defeating the 76ers 97-95. Prior to this, the Pioneers had a warm-up teaching game against the Chinese national team, which they won easily 61-42. Cui Yongxi scored 9 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and made one steal, including three out of four three-pointers. In the highlights released by the Pioneers’ official channel, two of Cui Yongxi’s three-point shots are prominently featured.

However, in the first game against the Spurs, Cui Yongxi did not get the chance to play. According to Korean media, the Pioneers had informed Cui Yongxi before the game that he would not be given playing time. Facing the Spurs led by the No. 4 pick Castle, the Pioneers struggled, although they outscored the Spurs by 12 points in the final quarter, it was too little, too late. In the starting lineup, Luper went 6-for-11 for 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, Minaya added 12 points and 3 assists, and only three players reached double digits in scoring, with the team’s overall performance lacking.

In today’s match against the 76ers, the Pioneers withstood the pressure and eventually won by a margin of 2 points. Notably, Cui Yongxi got 7 minutes and 36 seconds of playing time in this game, and he did not disappoint, going 2-for-3 from the field, 2-for-3 from beyond the arc, contributing 6 points and 1 assist. In his limited playing time, Cui Yongxi hit back-to-back three-pointers to prove himself. Unfortunately, his outstanding performance did not win him more playing time from the Pioneers’ head coach, and after being sidelined, he was brought back onto the court in the closing moments of the fourth quarter. It must be said that the temporary head coach of the Pioneers lacks judgment.

A total of five players on the Pioneers scored in double figures. Starter Murray had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, Kling contributed 8 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, Minaya had 12 points and 5 rebounds, and Chandler added 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Looking at the Pioneers’ overall performance, Cui Yongxi deserves more playing time. After the game, Cui Yongxi stated that he got the opportunity because a player at his position was sick, but he seized this chance. Below are Cui Yongxi’s exact words:

“I was ready from the moment I woke up this morning, preparing even before taking the court. My style of play is about giving my teammates opportunities, and here I’ve learned about offensive efficiency and much more. I don’t think the gap between me and them is that big; on the court, I do what I can, and I guess that’s why the coach put me in.” He also mentioned: “Coach Guo Shiqiang told me to always be prepared, predicting that I would play. A player at my position fell ill, so the opportunity came, and I seized it. There were still some pick-and-roll defense and other defensive reads left to make; looking forward to the next game!”

The Wizards have a record of one win and one loss in their first two Summer League games. In their opening game against the Hawks, they won 94-88, with the direct showdown between the No. 1 pick and No. 2 pick ending in Sall’s favor. Champagne had an efficient game with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, while No. 2 pick Sall had 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Carlington contributed 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, with their overall form being decent.

However, in their second game against the Rockets, who have Whitmore and No. 3 pick Shepherd, the Wizards found themselves stretched thin. They were outrebounded throughout the game, especially in the direct matchup between Sall and Shepherd, which ended with Shepherd’s complete victory. Sall shot 4-for-14, 0-for-5 from three-point range, for just 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Champagne had 19 points and 7 rebounds, and Carlington contributed 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. However, in the face of absolute strength, Sall needs to improve his core competitiveness.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s focus game, we hope that Cui Yongxi will receive more playing time. He needs the opportunity to prove himself, and we believe that Cui Yongxi can earn an NBA contract based on his performance and ability. We hope that the Pioneers’ head coach can open his eyes and give Cui Yongxi more opportunities.

Below are the specific rosters for both teams in the Summer League: Pioneers: 10 Chris Murray, 21 Luper, 23 Kling, 24 Minaya, 52 Davis, 53 Ellis, 54 Chandler, 56 Smith, 59 Cui Yongxi, 60 Jones, 61 Johnson, 62 Lee Hyun-jong, 64 Reese, 68 Kamho

Wizards: No. 1 Johnny Davis, No. 4 Jared Butler, No. 7 Baldwin, No. 9 Champagne, No. 12 Sall, No. 14 Bernard, No. 17 Carlington, No. 18 Keshawn George, No. 19 John Butler, No. 21 Fink, No. 26 Robertson, No. 36 Stevenson, No. 97 Omoruyi, No. 99 Nowell, No. 00 Vukcevic

>>”>For more predictions on this game, please click >>>