Shaanxi Gives Bonzi Wells the Sack; cuts him from team

telmac126 · Feb 2, 2009

Source: Yahoo! Eurosport (UK)

BEIJING (AFP) - Chinese basketball team Shanxi Zhongyu has sacked superstar import Bonzi Wells after the former NBA bad boy failed to return from a holiday in his native United States, his club said Monday.

Wells, 32, dubbed by the local media the best player to have ever graced the Chinese Basketball Association after joining Zhongyu in December, had his contract terminated late last week, an employee at the club told AFP.

"He should have come back to the club on January 30, but he did not," said the man, who declined to be named.

According to a statement posted on Zhongyu's website over the weekend, Wells -- who was dogged by troublesome on-court behaviour and run-ins with coaches during his 10-year NBA career -- went home for a holiday last month.

He was meant to come back on January 27, but asked for a two-day extension to "attend to some personal matters," the statement said.

On January 29, he asked for another extension, which the club agreed to as long as he came back in time for a weekend match.

Wells, however, still failed to return, prompting the cancellation of his one-year contract.

"After friendly talks between the club and Wells and his agents, we unanimously agreed to terminate the contract," the statement said.

Wells admitted in earlier comments to finding it difficult in China, despite averaging 34 points in his 14 games with Zhongyu.

"It was a big cultural shock to me for the first few weeks," he said.

"Since I have been here it has been all business and I haven't had any fun yet, so I am looking for some fun."

Wells had helped lift Zhongyu, who finished last in season 2007-2008, into the top half of the CBA league.

But, in an ominous sign, they got thumped 89-110 by 10th-placed Changchun on Sunday without Wells.

Apart from playing for the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States, Wells is famous in China because he played alongside the nation's iconic centre Yao Ming with the Houston Rockets.
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¹²³ · Feb 3, 2009

Welcome to the board, telmac.

Very interesting news. It's hard for anyone this type of cultural shock, and with Bonzi things sure wouldn't be a walk in the park.

telmac126 · Feb 4, 2009

thanx, I'll try to be as active as I can

what do you think is next for Bonzi?

¹²³ · Feb 4, 2009

telmac126 said: ↑

thanx, I'll try to be as active as I can

what do you think is next for Bonzi?
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In an email to the Star Press, Wells' agents at BDA claimed, "It is Bonzi's preference to finish the season in Europe, and we are reviewing some opportunities for him."

Now, Wells did fine in China by scoring over 30 points and grabbing over 14 rebounds per game. He also inked a deal with a Chinese sneaker company as well. The fact that Wells is walking away from a strong season and a new shoe deal is very puzzling.

The message to NBA teams should be pretty clear: Wells is not fit to handle the responsibility of playing in the NBA. If he can land a deal in Europe and play well within a system, he could still have a future in the NBA. The biggest thing has to be visible effort. If teams see Wells slimming down and playing hard from whistle to whistle, than even he could have a shot at another NBA team next season.

However, missing the rest of the Chinese season is a step in the wrong direction.
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Link

Well, it seems he is going to try and find an European team. I will keep an eye open for his chances in the European market and try to keep the posters updated about this subject.

¹²³ · Feb 5, 2009

Found another interesting thing about Bonzi.

Sports Illustrated cover curse strikes Bonzi Wells

It looks like the Sports Illustrated cover curse applies to the Chinese version as well. Former NBA player Bonzi Wells was released by the CBA's Shanxi Zhongyu a couple of days ago, shortly after his mug graced the cover of SI China.

After playing 14 games and averaging 34.3 points, Wells went home to the United States for a visit. Team officials say he repeatedly delayed his return, and Wells and the team finally agreed to part ways.

According to Asia Basket, he has been replaced by Tim Pickett, who played for Florida State before a short career in Europe.
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