Yi Jianlian

Yi Jianlian (October 27, 1987 -), a native of Heshan, Guangdong, is a former professional basketball player in China. He has played for CBA Guangdong Hongyuan, NBA Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and NBA Development League team Texas Legends, serving as a power forward or center. Yi Jianlian was selected to Guangdong Hongyuan of the Chinese Men's Basketball Professional League and the Chinese National Basketball Youth Team in 2002, and was selected to the Chinese National Men's Basketball Team in 2004. From 2004 to 2006, he helped the Guangdong team win three consecutive championships. In 2005, he became the youngest MVP in CBA history and was regarded as China's most promising newcomer. He was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. He has played for the Bucks, Nets, Guangzhou B United, Wizards, Mavericks, Catson Club and other teams. In 2012, he returned to Guangdong Hongyuan and helped the Guangdong Dongguan Bank team win another CBA championship. He also served as the flag bearer for the Chinese delegation at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in the same year. At 11:56 pm on August 29, 2023, Yi Jianlian announced his retirement on his personal Weibo. On December 29, his jersey retirement ceremony was held at the Dongguan Basketball Center.