Many players who suddenly can't find a team in the NBA but still want to play often take their talents overseas to continue their careers. A lot go to Europe, where some say the leagues are as tough as, or even tougher than, the NBA. Meanwhile, there are those who end up in the Far East, most in China.
However, while nothing is usually said about those who go on to play in Europe, NBA players who go to China are criticized, even ridiculed, for various reasons, mostly because the quality of play there is considered inferior to that of the NBA or Europe. And so when players head to the Great Wall, it is usually taken as a demotion. So comments like "The Shanghai Sharks are waving" or "Get ready to learn Chinese" are often thrown at these players.
Former NBA point guard for the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers , Quinn Cook , who won one NBA title with each franchise, wonders why the mockery exists.
"I never understood people making fun of NBA players going to China….literally getting paid the bag!!!!!" said Cook . "It's not quite top – tier or middle-tier NBA money, but it's still unbelievable money, and you still get to play the game you love!! Salute to my dawgs that's still pushing!!"
Cook went undrafted in 2015 after starring at Duke, but carved out a five-year NBA career, playing for five different teams. However, after a 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021, he had no more offers, so he decided to continue his career overseas, specifically in Russia, Puerto Rico, and China. Quinn played a total of three years in the Chinese Basketball Association, so he knows first-hand what it's like to play there.
Like Cook, Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady played in China in 2012 after signing a one-year deal with the Qingdao Eagles, averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game before returning to finish his career with the San Antonio Spurs in time for the 2013 playoffs.
"Let them hate, Lil bro.. China has a great league for boys to go play and feed their families good. I loved playing there for that 1 season. The NBA ain't for everyone!" added McGrady.
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Neither Quinn nor McGrady expounded on their comments, but recently, it was announced that former lottery pick and Los Angeles Lakers point guard D'Angelo Russell signed a deal to play for the Shanghai Sharks, and fans online made fun of the news.
Parody X account NBA Centel joked, " Rice in my veins " , which is a shot at Russell's favorite line, "Ice in my veins", which later became a colorway of his signature shoe under the D-Wade Li-Ning shoe line. Also, others made fun of D-Lo's "I'm still dangerous" comments, which he made after he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies , who later waived him.
There are unconfirmed reports that Russell will be the highest-paid player in the CBA next season, with one media outlet reporting he will be paid $3 million . Meanwhile, it's worth noting that T-Mac earned at least $1 million in 2012, per ESPN.
On the other hand, Cook's salary in China wasn't disclosed, but if he's defending his decision to play in China today, he must have made good money there as well. For a short season, that's not too bad if one has mouths to feed back home.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Oct 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
