Ian Clark returns to action for the CBA's Xinjiang Flying Tigers

Ian Clark of Xinjiang Flying Tigers before the CBA game against Zhejiang Lions in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, November 7, 2020.

Former New Orleans Pelicans guard Ian Clark is replacing Kay Felder as an international player for the Xinjiang Flying Tigers, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced on Monday night.

The 29-year-old, known for his terrific long-range shooting, averaged 6.7 points in 16.2 minutes per game last season for the Pelicans before moving to the CBA giant, Xinjiang.

However, he was sidelined more than four months ago by a right-hand finger injury during training last summer.

Clark, who will make his debut in the CBA on Tuesday, is believed to be a strong addition to the injury plagued Flying Tigers, who need a leader help them bounce back and chase the bellwether Guangdong Southeast Tigers who rank top in the CBA standing.

Xinjiang Flying Tigers currently rank second in CBA standing, with 20 wins and five losses.

Kay Felder of Xinjiang Flying Tigers (R) in action during a CBA game against Qingdao Eagles in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China, December 29, 2019.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kay Felder replaced Darius Adams as a foreign player for the 2018-2019 CBA playoffs in late March, 2019, and was able to contribute an average of 23.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game throughout the playoffs.

In the 2019-2020 CBA regular season up until now, Felder contributed 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.9 steals.

(With input from Xinhua News Agency)