Three Years Ago Today: Yi Jianlian Announced Retirement, Ending a 21-Year Basketball Career

Three years ago today, Yi Jianlian announced his retirement on his personal social media account, officially ending his 21-year basketball career.

A Farewell Letter Looking Back on a 21-Year Journey

In his retirement statement, he wrote that basketball had been with him for 21 years and, after careful consideration, he decided to officially say goodbye to his professional basketball career. He thanked his family, mentors who recognized his talent, coaches, teammates, opponents, sponsors, partners, and his agency team. Yi Jianlian specifically mentioned the Chinese national basketball team, calling it “a sacred name to me.” He said that every time he wore the national team jersey, he could feel the pride brought by his powerful motherland. He also thanked Guangdong Basketball Club for years of development and support, which gave him the opportunity to represent his hometown, earn honors, and step onto a bigger stage.

From a Rookie in the League to a Team Leader

Yi Jianlian recalled in the article that from a rookie in the league to a team leader, fans stayed with him through both his highs and lows without regret, giving him tremendous energy and moving him deeply as they accompanied him through glorious moments and the darkest times. He wrote: “You taught me to smile when receiving applause and to calmly face doubts. Everything you have given me has actually far exceeded what I have contributed.” In the end, he also thanked that “No. 9 rookie,” saying that after 21 years of persistence, he never forgot his original aspiration and his dream remained.

A Career Spanning the NBA and CBA

Born on October 27, 1987, in Heshan, Jiangmen, Guangdong Province, Yi Jianlian played for NBA teams including the Bucks, Nets, Wizards, and Mavericks, as well as the CBA's Guangdong team. On December 29, 2023, his jersey retirement ceremony was held at Dongguan Basketball Center.