The NBA is a funny place sometimes, as players will stay within the league or may choose to play in a different country. That is the beauty of it: some players lose their chances in the league and have to rediscover themselves.
For D’Angelo Russell, it is about finding his footing again after a slide in the NBA over the past couple of seasons. That is why the former Los Angeles Laker signed with the Shanghai Sharks in the CBA.
“D'Angelo Russell has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association. DLoading, 30, was a free agent after being released by the Grizzlies," Bleacher Report posted.
With him going over there for a year, it could open up something for him next season as he works to get another NBA contract. Russell has played with some amazing players in his career, like Steph Curry and LeBron James. In China, it appears he will be teaming up with three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee.
“JaVale McGee will reportedly join D'Angelo Russell after agreeing to a deal with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association. New superteam forming in China,” Bleacher Report posted.
This was the most unlikely of pairings that was thought to come. The two will now be on a championship team in the CBA, as the Sharks won it over the summer. Dwight Howard has already poked fun at the pairing, calling them the Shaq and Kobe of China.
“D Lo and Javale boutta be Kobe & Shaq in China,” Howard wrote.
It will be good for both players, as they just want to play basketball at the end of the day. McGee played out of the country last year as well, but for Russell, this will be an entirely new experience.
McGee will bring championship experience to an already reigning champion. Their NBA experience will be valuable in the CBA. McGee and Russell will now get to team up with each other after playing for the same team in different stints in the NBA.
