Yi Jianlian is going to play for the Milwaukee Bucks after all. Yi, the sixth overall selection in the NBA draft in June, signed a multiyear contract with the Bucks in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
"There has been a genuine excitement throughout our city and state, as well as internationally, following our selection of Yi in the NBA Draft," Bucks owner and team president Herb Kohl said. "We all anticipate Yi's arrival and welcome him and his family to Milwaukee. We look forward to a successful relationship for many years to come."
The 6-foot-11 forward had been reluctant to sign with Milwaukee. His agent, Dan Fegan, had pushed for a trade to a city with a large Asian influence – or at least a larger city.
Last season, Yi posted career-high averages with 24.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 30.7 minutes for the Guangdong Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.
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