The eighth pick in the CBA s local scoring champion is selected, and it is expected to stage an NBA Chinese derby next season!

After Yang Hansen successfully logged into the NBA, another Chinese player is about to go to the United States to pursue his dreams. In the early morning of July 9, at the NBA G League International Player Draft, Chinese player Lin Wei was selected by the Dallas Mavericks' team, Texas Legends, with the eighth pick. This not only means that Lin Wei will miss the CBA next season, but also marks that he is one step closer to his NBA dream. In the 2024-25 season, Lin Wei represented Nanjing Tongxi in 34 regular season games, averaged 21 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He also became the CBA local scoring champion. In the playoffs, although Nanjing Tongxi lost to the Xinjiang Men's Basketball Team 0-2, Lin Wei's personal performance was amazing. He averaged 30.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 11 assists and 1.5 steals in two games, almost carrying the team's offensive banner alone. In the summer of 2025, Lin Wei and Yang Hansen signed up for the NBA draft together. Yang Hansen was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 16th pick in the first round, becoming the third Chinese player to be selected in the first round after Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian. Lin Wei was unfortunately defeated. The reason why he was attracted by the Texas Legends is a very important factor due to his performance in the trial training in the Dallas Mavericks.

It is said that the Texas Legends have a deep relationship with Chinese players. Yi Jianlian was briefly delegated while playing for the Dallas Mavericks (now the Dallas Mavericks). In addition, Ding Yanyuhang represented the Mavericks in the summer of 2018 in the summer of 2018. After being laid off, he signed with the Texas Legends, but was trapped and injured in the knee, and the cooperation was helpless.

As we all know, the NBA G League (formerly the Development League) is an important springboard for many players to enter the NBA. Although its competitive level and attention are far less than that of the NBA, the game rhythm and tactical system are fully transplanted into the NBA, with the purpose of recruiting "temporary workers" to save the field and plug and play when there is a shortage of personnel in NBA teams.

Lin Wei's advantage lies in his scoring ability, but in the United States, there are many similar defenders. Lin Wei needs to further improve his defense, organization and three-point stability in order to stand out among many players. If Lin Wei can perform well in the G League, he is likely to be temporarily recruited by the Mavericks or even sign a two-way contract. At that time, he will have the opportunity to stage a "China derby" with Yang Hansen in the NBA, which is undoubtedly the long-awaited picture of all Chinese fans.

After being selected by Texas, Lin Wei also thanked the fans for their support through social media and said, "Now is just the first step in his dream journey. Even if the future is full of unknowns, he will still move forward without hesitation." It can be seen that he is very firm in his attitude towards studying abroad.

According to Lin Wei's agent team, after being selected by the Texas Legends, Lin Wei's signing still has variables, because teams in leagues including: NCAA D1, Germany, Australia and other leagues have invited him. Next, they will comprehensively evaluate various options and choose the path of "the greatest exercise value and the most comprehensive ability improvement" for him. This means that Lin Wei will continue to stay overseas regardless of whether he or she eventually joins the G League.

In recent years, from Cui Yongxi, to Yang Hansen, and then to Lin Wei, the mentality of young players has indeed changed positively. They dare to step out of the "comfort circle". This trend is of great significance to the long-term development of Chinese basketball. Only by constantly approaching the world's high-level training system and absorbing advanced basketball concepts can Chinese players truly narrow the gap with world-class teams.

"Young people are determined to be in all directions. This time, let's set sail from Texas first." For Lin Wei, the dream-chasing journey has just begun, and Chinese basketball, which is in the deep trough, needs more young players to challenge higher platforms.