On January 4, Beijing time, the Lakers, Knicks and Cavaliers officially completed the tripartite transaction! In the trade dominated by Rondo and Valentine, there is also a familiar name for Chinese fans, that is, Wang Zhelin! In this deal, the Lakers packaged and sent Rondo, Wang Zhelin and Brad Newley to sign in exchange for Luis Rabel's signing rights. The name Wang Zhelin has once again entered the field of vision of fans!
Wang Zhelin was picked by the Grizzlies with the 57th overall pick in the second round in the 2016 draft. According to Wang Zhelin himself, when the Grizzlies selected him, he was still sleeping in the bed. At that time, the NBA's interest in Chinese players was still strong, and Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin had grown into the main internal liners of the Chinese men's basketball team. Zhou Qi was full of confidence in participating in the draft and went to the United States early for trial training. Wang Zhelin did not take the initiative to register, but automatically ran for election.
Of course, after being selected by the Grizzlies, Wang Zhelin did not go to the United States, and the Grizzlies never officially signed him, and both sides maintained a tacit understanding. Until 2021, the Lakers traded Gasol Jr. to the Grizzlies in order to make room for Jordan Jr. and Howard. In this deal, Wang Zhelin's signing rights were sent to the Lakers. And now, in order to make room for the lake to send Rondo away, the Lakers have given Wang Zhelin's signing rights to the Knicks.
Having never appeared in the NBA, Wang Zhelin's NBA resume has been enriched. However, the 28-year-old Wang Zhelin should have a hard time landing in the NBA. 1 second did not play, he has changed 3 teams, Wang Zhelin also left his mark in the NBA. Of course, in the future, Wang Zhelin's draft pick may still be traded.
Today, Wang Zhelin is playing for Shanghai in the CBA. This season in the Shanghai men's basketball team, Wang Zhelin averaged 19.2 points, 9.9 boards and 2 assists per game, still showing a good level. Under the tutelage of Li Chunjiang, the Shanghai men's basketball team is currently 14 wins and 3 losses, and it is very likely that it will hit the top 8 or even the top 4 this season. The NBA is far away from Wang Zhelin, but in the CBA he still has dreams to chase.