Yi Jianlian reacts during the 2nd round Group A match between China and Poland of FIBA World Cup at the Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China, September 2, 2019. /CFP
Yi Jianlian, a remarkable athlete who has graced the realm of Chinese basketball with his unwavering commitment to excellence, has announced his retirement at the age of 35 after 21 years in which he defined consistent greatness and played an instrumental role in propelling his country and his club to the pinnacle of success.
"Time flies; in the blink of an eye, basketball has been by my side for 21 years," said Yi in a post on social media site Weibo late Tuesday. "After much contemplation, I have made the decision to officially bring my basketball career to a close.
"Reflecting upon this journey, I am filled with deep gratitude for my cherished family, esteemed mentors, each and every coach, teammate, adversary, sponsor, as well as my collaborators and management team.
Yi Jianlian celebrates during China's FIBA Asia Cup game against the Philippines in Changsha, China, October 3, 2015. /CFP
"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese men's basketball team, a name that holds immense significance to me. Every time I wore the national team jersey and represented my country, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride bestowed upon me by our mighty nation.
"I am also deeply grateful to the Guangdong men's basketball team for their years of nurturing and support, providing me with the opportunity to bring honor to my hometown and paving the way for me to step onto larger stages.
"Farewell is not the end, but rather a new beginning. I will cherish the memories of the past while continuing to move forward, embracing new chapters in my life. Goodbye, my beloved basketball."
Guangdong Southern Tigers star Yi Jianlian during a CBA game in Guangdong Province, China, April, 15, 2019. /CFP
From the CBA to the NBA
Throughout numerous seasons donning the esteemed Guangdong Southern Tigers jersey, Yi's ascent from a wide-eyed rookie to a seasoned veteran has been nothing short of extraordinary.
His remarkable journey was punctuated by a staggering array of accolades, including a noteworthy 12-time selection to the CBA All-Star team, three-time recognition as the CBA Final MVP, and a remarkable six-time conquest of the CBA championship.
In the footsteps of the Chinese pioneer Yao Ming, Yi embarked on his NBA journey by signing with the Milwaukee Bucks as the sixth overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft.
Then NBA Commissioner David Stern (L) poses for a photo with Yi Jianlian after he was drafted sixth by the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2007 NBA Draft at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City, U.S., June 28, 2007. /CFP
In his inaugural home game, Yi demonstrated his prowess by amassing an impressive 16 points and securing eight rebounds, guiding the Bucks to a triumphant victory over the Chicago Bulls. Alas, his promising start was curtailed by a knee injury, which hindered his ability to build upon this initial momentum within the NBA sphere.
Over the subsequent five years, Yi's tenure in the NBA comprised stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, the New Jersey Nets, the Washington Wizards, and the Dallas Mavericks. However, in 2012, he decided to return to the familiar territory of the CBA, thereby continuing his storied basketball journey on home soil.
As a true luminary of the sport, Yi's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication served as a wellspring of inspiration for his teammates and competitors alike. With an admirable winning mentality, he refused to settle for anything less than the absolute best, etching an indelible mark on Chinese basketball.
Yi Jianlian (L) and Yao Ming during a pregame ceremony in Guangdong Province, China, February, 23, 2018. /CFP
The end of an era
Similar to the narrative often seen with aging stars, Yi's final CBA season failed to mirror the heights of his illustrious career. Displaying the unmistakable characteristics of a seasoned 35-year-old forward, he navigated through a regular season and playoff campaign that regrettably fell short of his previous levels of productivity.
While it is undeniable that this campaign may not have showcased his customary brilliance, his countless achievements and contributions to the sport remain a beacon for the next generation.
Yi Jianlian of China dunks during the men's preliminary basketball game against the USA at the Beijing Olympic Games at the Beijing Olympic Basketball gymnasium in Beijing, China, August 10, 2008. /CFP
With Yi's departure, the entire roster of the "Golden Generation" of the Chinese men's basketball team from the 2008 Beijing Olympics has now retired.
The unparalleled side, boasting star players like Yao, Yi, Wang Zhizhi, Zhu Fangyu, and Wang Shipeng, made a memorable run to the quarterfinals of the Olympics, leaving fans with an abundance of treasured moments.
The indelible image of Yi soaring over NBA superstar Carmelo Anthony in a thunderous dunk during China's showdown with the USA continues to be hailed as a timeless classic.