Mavericks: China's Ding to play for Texas Legends

Dallas Mavericks have offered China's basketball player Ding Yanyuhang an Exhibit 10 contract with their G League affiliate Texas Legends, after he made his debut for the Mavericks in the NBA China games on Monday.

China's basketball player Ding plays during the Shenzhen match of NBA China games.[Photo:IC]

The game concluded with Dallas edging out 76ers 115-112 at China's Shenzhen city. Ding played the final 8:33 and scored one point. The promising young athlete previously played for Shandong in the CBA and was named MVP in the last two consecutive seasons. He averaged 26 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 45 games last season.

"We are willing to sign contract with Ding to play with Texas Legends and looking forward to seeing his performance," said Rick Carlisle, coach for the Mavericks, after the game.

The statement made by Carlisle meant a lot to 25-year-old Ding, who called it "a precious gift". His Mavericks China Games teammate JJ Barea told journalists he was proud of Ding's performance and that he was thrilled to hear the news of his contract.

Ding has been suffering from patellar tendonitis on his knees since April, a common injury that many athletes get, but that didn't make Carlisle doubt his decision. "We hope Ding can spend a year in Dallas receiving medical treatment to his knees," Carlisle added.

However, the Mavericks' G League affiliate contract offer for Ding also means he will not play in the NBA season this year.

"I appreciate that Mavericks can offer me this opportunity. It has always been a dream for me to play in the NBA and I hope I can stay in the US to improve myself," Ding said.

But Ding's decision still remains uncertain.