http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2995836
QUOTE
Bucks officials travel to Hong Kong, sign Yi
After months of uncertainty, the Bucks finally signed Yi Jianlian on Wednesday.
Yi, the sixth overall selection in the NBA draft in June, signed a multiyear contract with the Bucks in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
"There has been a genuine excitement throughout our city and state, as well as internationally, following our selection of Yi in the NBA Draft," Bucks owner and team president Herb Kohl said. "We all anticipate Yi's arrival and welcome him and his family to Milwaukee. We look forward to a successful relationship for many years to come."
The 6-foot-11 forward had been reluctant to sign with Milwaukee. His agent, Dan Fegan, had pushed for a trade to a city with a large Asian influence, or at least a larger city.
Last season, Yi posted career-high averages with 24.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 30.7 minutes for the Guangdong Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Yi played five games this summer with Team China Basketball in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He averaged 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots. He had a team-high 23 points against Memphis, and 20, including the game-winner against Cleveland.
"We are happy that Yi will be playing with the Bucks to further develop his skill and his contribution to both the Chinese National Team and the NBA," NBA commissioner David Stern said.
The Bucks called a teleconference for 10 a.m ET to discuss the signing.
Yi is expected to join the team for training camp on Oct. 1.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
After months of uncertainty, the Bucks finally signed Yi Jianlian on Wednesday.
Yi, the sixth overall selection in the NBA draft in June, signed a multiyear contract with the Bucks in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
"There has been a genuine excitement throughout our city and state, as well as internationally, following our selection of Yi in the NBA Draft," Bucks owner and team president Herb Kohl said. "We all anticipate Yi's arrival and welcome him and his family to Milwaukee. We look forward to a successful relationship for many years to come."
The 6-foot-11 forward had been reluctant to sign with Milwaukee. His agent, Dan Fegan, had pushed for a trade to a city with a large Asian influence, or at least a larger city.
Last season, Yi posted career-high averages with 24.9 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 30.7 minutes for the Guangdong Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Yi played five games this summer with Team China Basketball in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He averaged 12.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocked shots. He had a team-high 23 points against Memphis, and 20, including the game-winner against Cleveland.
"We are happy that Yi will be playing with the Bucks to further develop his skill and his contribution to both the Chinese National Team and the NBA," NBA commissioner David Stern said.
The Bucks called a teleconference for 10 a.m ET to discuss the signing.
Yi is expected to join the team for training camp on Oct. 1.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press