Dallas Mavericks want Ding Yanyuhang to spend time in G League

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Rick Carlisle, head coach of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks has said the team hopes to sign a one-year contract with Chinese forward Ding Yanyuhang and then have him in the G League for a while. In response, Ding's representatives said they will make the decision after the preseason games.

Carlisle revealed the Mavericks' intention at a press conference after the NBA China Game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Shenzhen on Monday. The Dallas boss said according to his understanding, the team wanted Ding to play for the Dallas Legends in the G League for a year so he could improve his skills and adapt himself to the US basketball while recovering from injury.

Rick Carlisle, head coach of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, gives instructions to his team during the NBA China Game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 8, 2018. /VCG Photo

Ding's agent told Tencent Sports that the Mavericks also wanted to help Ding recover from his knee injury at their own medical center, which is close to where the affiliate team, the Legends, are. However, Ding and his team decided not to make the final call yet.

Ding himself described playing at the NBA as his "lifetime dream".

"I've gone through injuries and other problems but I have never stopped chasing my dream. Even if there's only a tiny chance, I will do my best to realize my dream," Ding said.

Ding Yanyuhang plays for the Mavericks in the NBA China Game /VCG Photo

Currently Ding is under an 838,000-US-dollar contract with Dallas and only part of this salary is ensured. If he is not waived before October 15, Ding will make it into the team's roster for the regular season.

Even if Ding does spend the future season in the G League, it will help him at least gain a better understanding of the US basketball, not to mention that it will remain hopeful for him to be called back to the Mavericks and perhaps even make his debut in the NBA regular season.