Nets Announce! Farewell, Zeng Fanbo! The Most Disliked NBA Team Emerges

Journalist Slater:The Nets have waived Zeng Fanbo.

The Nets officially confirmed this news shortly afterward.

Zeng Fanbo’s studio released a statement saying he will return to the U.S. to concentrate on restoring his body to 100% and consider his future plans.

Signed by the Nets on September 23 and waived on October 15, Zeng Fanbo’s 22-day dream pursuit ended. During this period, he played only one NBA preseason game held in Macau, China, logging about 10 minutes with no shots, points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks.

As expected by many, the Nets wasted no time; right after the China games, they immediately cut Zeng Fanbo without hesitation.

It is worth mentioning thatbecause Zeng Fanbo signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Nets, after being waived, he still has the option to play for the Nets’ G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.If Zeng Fanbo prefers not to compete in the G League, he can return to the CBA, where the Beijing team has already pre-registered him for the new season.

Beijing definitely hopes for Zeng Fanbo’s return. With him joining Zhao Rui, Chen Yingjun, and Zhou Qi, their lineup is one of the most formidable in the entire CBA, making them strong contenders for the championship next season. Ultimately, his personal choice will be respected.

If Zeng Fanbo decides to return to the CBA, the Chinese national team would naturally call him up for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers aiming for the 2027 tournament. Upcoming tough matches include two games against South Korea from November 28 to December 1 this year, a game versus Japan on February 26 next year, and a match against Chinese Taipei on March 1 next year.

Wang Junjie, who shone at this year’s Asia Cup, is unlikely to play in the qualifiers due to NCAA commitments. Although Zeng Fanbo’s offensive skills are less versatile, his defensive ability, three-point shooting, cutting, and athleticism are equally crucial and have been proven in previous games.

Born on January 11, 2003, Zeng Fanbo is 22 years old this year, standing 2.08 meters tall and playing as a versatile forward (positions 3 to 4). Once a four-star high school recruit in the U.S., before Yang Hansen, he was the hottest prospect in Chinese basketball and was also considered NBA material. Unfortunately, reality proved harsher than dreams.

If things don’t work out, returning home is a solid option. He can still realize his value and fulfill his potential in the CBA and national team. The NBA or the world’s highest basketball stage can be regarded as a dream that was hoped for but ultimately out of reach.