Exclusive: How JaVale McGee steers Beijing Ducks toward CBA title run

Three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee is making his presence felt in China's capital, not just as a defensive anchor for the CBA outfit Beijing Ducks, but as a vocal leader aiming to restore the franchise to its former glory.  

Since joining the team in March, the 38-year-old center has helped propel the Ducks into the CBA Playoffs, where they are currently in the heat of a deep postseason run.  

For McGee, the move to Beijing has been as much about cultural immersion as it is about basketball. Since his arrival on March 4th, he has been seen exploring the city's landmark Shougang Park and the iconic Big Air Shougang venue with his family. The veteran center has also been impressed by the country's infrastructure, particularly during road trips.  

"Two-and-a-half-hour bullet train, very comfortable, very luxurious," McGee told Damion Jones in an exclusive interview, in reference to a recent trip. "See how fast that is. The whole city is passing by us."  

On the court, McGee's veteran experience is paying dividends. The Ducks, who won three CBA titles in four years during the Stephon Marbury era, are hungry for a fourth.

McGee believes his championship pedigree is the missing piece for a roster looking to overcome powerhouses like the Guangdong Southern Tigers. "I know what titles in the CBA mean for Chinese players and that's my only goal," McGee said. "I want to add championships to my resume. That's it."

The center has already delivered several dominant performances in the postseason, and as the Ducks navigate the high-stakes environment of the playoffs, McGee is focused on the leadership role he was brought in to fill. He praised the "amazing" atmosphere created by the Beijing fans and expressed total confidence in the team's trajectory.

"I think we are gonna have a great run in the playoffs and hopefully come out with a championship in the end of it," he concluded.