From Chinese Import to Chalupa Boy (cont'd)
by Brad J. Reid, Staff Writer

But Can He Play?
When asked to explain his height at a press conference, Wang ZhiZhi responded, ""My father is 6-7 and my mother is 6-4.''

At just over seven feet tall, Wang has the height to compete at the center position, where players can be as large as 7-foot-7, but Mavericks' coaches worry more about his build and conditioning. He currently lacks the muscle to play a physical inside game under the basket, against stronger NBA players. It may also take time to adjust to the faster-paced game played in the NBA, than Wang was used to in China.

After a practice with his new team, Wang admitted, through a translator, "I have to be ready because the NBA is a very physical game… [I'm] not in great shape now, a little tired," and described the style of play as, "cruel."

When asked what current NBA player he most resembles, the name often mentioned is Toni Kukoc, currently with the Atlanta Hawks and formerly of the Jordan-era Bulls. Like Kukoc, he possesses a smooth left-handed jumper, can handle the ball, and passes well. He likes to use the backboard, from a variety of angles, to bank in his shots. Wang has good outside touch on his shots, and uncommon for such a tall player has three-point range ability, but he still has to get used to the NBA three-point line, which is farther out.

Despite having played center in China, considering his current abilities, the Mavericks will instead play him in the power forward position. He'll still be able to use his size there but won't be forced to muscle around with other players as much under the basket, and will have extra room to move around, use his shooting ability, and play to his strengths. There's still concern over the possibility of being out-muscled, or out-hustled by opposing players, but with training, Wang's upside is large.

When speaking of Wang's potential, assistant coach Donnie Nelson explained, "He's been the best player in Asia for the last three years. He dominates."

As Dallas special assistant Morlon Wiley put it, ""We were kind of telling Wang that he basically can write his own ticket if he's willing to work and compete. It's very physical, and a fast game. He's got to learn as fast as he can."

The Secret To Acceptance - Chalupas
"I'm very excited," Wang said, through an interpreter, upon his arrival. "I also feel very calm because finally I can play in the NBA."

Or can he?

With the delays caused by negotiations with Beijing officials, it wasn't until early this past April that Wang ZhiZhi was finally signed to a two-year contract at a league rookie minimum of $316,969 per season. Unfortunately, that placed Wang on a playoff bound team, fighting for postseason positioning, with only eight games to play. Not the best of situations for a rookie hoping for playing time on a deep team. s

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