Dallas Mavericks: Ding Yanyuhang to play for China in 2018 Asian Games

Recent Dallas Mavericks signee Ding Yanyuhang is scheduled to be one of three current NBA players taking part in the 2018 Asian Games.

The Dallas Mavericks signed a Chinese superstar in July.  Ding Yanyuhang agreed to join the Mavs on a non-guaranteed deal.  He will report to training camp next month to battle for a spot on their regular season roster.

First, Yanyuhang will be one of only three NBA players to take part in the 2018 Asian Games.  The tournament could be a fantastic way for Mavs fans to see a little more of Yanyuhang’s on-court game first hand.

China plays the Philippines on Aug. 21.  Yanyuhang is joined by fellow NBA player Zhou Qi on team China and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson stars for team Philippines.

The Chinese team also plays Kazakhstan on Aug. 23.

Those are their two group stage games before the knockout portion of the Asian Games begin.  China figures to be one of the favorites to win the championship, so expect them to see more action following the group stage.

Impact on Mavs

The championship game of the 2018 Asian Games is on Sept. 1, so it will not impact Ding Yanyuhang’s time with Dallas in the slightest.  The Mavs report to training camp on Sept. 21 for media day.

Watching Yanyuhang during training camp will be interesting.  No decisions are final yet, but the Mavericks have a need a wing player that is capable of playing solid defense and stretching the floor.  Yanyuhang has not shown to be lights out shooter or defender during his stint in China, but perhaps he impresses during training camp in other ways.  Stay tuned.

Final thoughts

Dallas Mavericks signing Ding Yanyuhang is representing China at the 2018 Asian Games over the next few weeks.  It is an exceptional opportunity for Yanyuhang to play his country and he figures to be a significant part of their team in the upcoming 2020 Olympics.

You can read more about the Asian Games here.  Stay tuned for updates on Yanyuhang as the tournament progresses.

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