HoopsHype.com Rumors

Yi Jianlian is a champion again, yet he can’t get a sniff from the NBA – even after dominating throughout the season for the Guangdong Southern Tigers, who won the CBA championship by sweeping all three playoff rounds. Could Yi, who can now safely be called an NBA washout, be a replacement piece that could help one of several injury- riddled NBA teams in the playoffs? The answer that Yi’s camp has been getting is a consistent ‘No.’ SheridanHoops

Free Agency, Yi Jianlian 

Steve Kyler: Yi Jianlian's Guangdong Tigers, Pooh Jeter's Shandong Bulls and Stephon Marbury's Beijing Ducks still in the CBA post-season. Twitter @stevekylerNBA

Yi Jianlian, Stephon Marbury, China, Pooh Jeter 

Former NBA star Yi Jianlian grabbed MVP award to lead the South edge the North 120-117 in the All-Star game on Sunday. "I should attribute the award to my teammates, who kept passing me the ball so I could get so many wide open shots opportunities," Yi said. CRI.cn

Yi Jianlian, China 

In an interview with posted this afternoon by Sina Sports, Arenas was quoted saying he is preparing to come to China to play with Guangdong. The piece also states that he is willing to undergo a try-out with the team, although Arenas is not quoted as saying such during the actual interview. Earlier today, on Gilbert Arenas’ recently opened Sina Weibo account, the former All-Star wrote: “Packed and ready to go to China! Can’t wait to meet my coaches and teammates and reunite with my buddy Yi for a Championship run.” This afternoon, he directed a Weibo at Yi Jianlian, saying: “Hey buddy, I’m coming!” NiuBBall.com

Free Agency, Gilbert Arenas, Yi Jianlian, China, Guangdong 

Gilbert Arenas: Packed and ready to go to China! Can't wait to meet my coaches and teammates and reunite with my buddy Yi for a Championship run. Weibo

Free Agency, Gilbert Arenas, Yi Jianlian, China, Guangdong 

Darren Wolfson: Told that while Amundson was the #Twolves top choice, they came close to signing Yi instead. Sean Williams was in play too. Twitter @DarrenWolfson

Minnesota Timberwolves, Free Agency, Yi Jianlian, Louis Amundson, Sean Williams 

The seven-time CBA titlist crashed out of last season's playoffs in the opening round against eventual champion the Beijing Ducks. The team has now vowed to recapture the crown with Yi's return. "It is a great help for us at this time. It has refueled the team while boosting our confidence to regain the championship," said veteran forward Zhu Fangyu. Li Yuanwei, a former CBA chief, was upbeat about Yi's return as well. "It's good news both for him and the league. He needs enough minutes to maintain his form and the CBA needs local idols to keep moving forward," he said. China Daily

Yi Jianlian, China 

After opening last season in the Chinese Basketball Association with his home club, the Guangdong Southern Tigers, during the NBA lockout, the backbone of the Chinese national team, Yi Jianlian, will return to play in the domestic league again for the entire 2012-2013 season. "Playing basketball is always the most important thing for me — anywhere on any stage," Yi said on his micro-blog after flying to Beijing from New York on Saturday. "It's been part of my life. I am really looking forward to the new season at home," he said. Guangdong’s General Manager Liu Hongjiang confirmed Yi's return to the club on its official website on Sunday, stressing it’s a whole-season commitment without an opt-out clause this time. "We talked about the possibility to return in May and he almost accepted our offer at that time," Liu said. China Daily

Yi Jianlian, China 

China's basketball star Yi Jianlian has signed a one-year contract with Guangdong Hongyuan of the China Basketball Association (CBA) for the coming season, Sina.com.cn reports. Back from the United States over the weekend, Yi told reporters that he would put on Hongyuan's Jersey for the coming season to help his team win an 8th CBA Championship. Liu Hongjiang, the general manager of Guangdong Hongyuan, said Yi will not be in the "always ready" position like last season. Yi will play the entire season this time, and if possible, he may participate in the 2013 National Games held in Liaoning for Guangdong Province. CRI.cn

Yi Jianlian, China 

According to Yi's agent team member Lu Yu, Yi Jianlian will play for Guangdong Tigers during 2012-13 season. Yi left New York for Beijing today, and he might be back in Guangdong tomorrow. NetEase

Free Agency, Yi Jianlian, China 

Yi Jianlian signed a one-year contract with the Tigers, but may consider going back to the NBA again if there's a good opportunity. Right now, he thinks consistent playing time is vital for him. When asked why he would not play in Europe, Yi said the CBA is closing the gap with the top European leagues. Yi also said there's no regrets for the last five years in NBA, he has tried his best. Weibo

Yi Jianlian, China 

Yi Jianlian: Basketball is an important part of my life! My faith in the game will never change, no matter where I am or what stage I'm on. To all family, friends and all my fans: thank you! I'm looking forward to a new day and a new season. Weibo

Free Agency, Yi Jianlian, China 

After his impressive (at times) Olympic performance, Yi Jianlian remains a free agent, but his uneven performance for China has spooked scouts who believe that he lacks a true position and isn’t physical enough to play in the paint. He averaged 14.8 points in five games in the preliminary round. Boston Globe

Free Agency, Yi Jianlian 

Yi told the media several NBA clubs have been in contact with his agent but he will have to consult with his management team in the States before making a decision. ChinaTaiwan.org

Dallas Mavericks, Free Agency, Yi Jianlian 

Yi Jianlian, who is reportedly receiving high levels of interest from top flight European teams, including Real Madrid, is committed to playing in the NBA next season. Speaking to NetEase on Sunday, Lu Yu, a member of Yi’s representative team, said that although there has been communication with European teams, Europe is at this point a secondary option. “For now, we’re not considering playing in Spain,” said Lu. “I can only say that Yi’s first choice is to return to the NBA.” NiuBBall.com

Free Agency, Yi Jianlian 

Yi Jianlian's agents have asked Real Madrid for a contract worth 2 million euros (around $2.5 million) a year. Encestando

Free Agency, Real Madrid, Yi Jianlian 

Net Daily: Chinese media says Yi Jianlian has MCL strain which will affect his chances of returning to NBA this season. Twitter

Yi Jianlian, Injuries 

Only four players averaging at least 20 points in Olympics, of course all are from NBA: Kirilenko (25.5), Scola (24.0), Ginobili (23.5) ,Yi (23) and Pau Gasol (20.5). Sulia

Pau Gasol, Yi Jianlian, Luis Scola, Andrei Kirilenko, Olympics 

Yi Jianlian has been picked to hold China's national flag at the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games on July 27, according to the Titan Sports Newspaper. The final decision from the International Olympic Committee has yet to be officially announced. CRI.cn

Yi Jianlian, China, Olympics 

Basketball players have been flag bearers for the Chinese team at every Olympics since the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. CRI.cn

Yi Jianlian, China, Olympics