New rule a bonus for Yi

BEIJING - For other NBA players, if they come to play in China, they have to play for at least a whole season. But for Yi Jianlian, he can go back to the NBA whenever he wants, thanks to a new regulation from the sport's governing body.

Two months ago, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) issued a regulation that only allowed clubs to sign players for at least one entire season in the domestic league.

According to that regulation, Yi, who signed a one-year contract with his home club, Guangdong Southern Tigers, earlier this month during the NBA lockout, would not be able to appear on an NBA court next season.