Wang Zhizhi Signs Two-Year Contract with Dallas Mavericks

Wang Zhizhi Signs Two-Year Contract with Dallas Mavericks

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Chinese national team center Wang Zhizhi signed a two-year contract with the Dallas Mavericks Wednesday, becoming the first Asian cager to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

"I'm very excited, and I also feel very calm because finally I can play in the NBA," said the 2.16-meter center who spearheaded his Bayi club to win its sixth straight league title in China last month.

Under the contract, Wang, a second-round draft pick in 1999, will return to China this summer to compete in the East Asian Games, the Asian Championship and the World University Games.

"He will miss training camp and the first month of next season. This is very important to them," said Don Nelson, coach of the Mavericks.

However, Wang Zhizhi is not expected to play a major role in the remaining matches of the season as the franchise booked its first playoff ticket in 11 seasons on Tuesday.

"He's probably a bit nervous and scared, we need to make him feel at home," said Nelson, "We don't expect he's going to play a lot, but he needs experience to be comfortable."

After a news conference at the team's training facility, Wang practiced with the team for the first time, and is expected to make his NBA debut tonight when Mavericks play hosts to Atlanta Hawks.