Stats & stars

Who's in charge of the chinese basketball association

Standings (after 33 rounds)

W L

Guangdong S. Tigers 26 5

Beijing Ducks 21 10

Dongguan Leopards 19 12

Shanxi B. Dragons 19 12

Xinjiang Flying Tigers 18 13

Shanghai Sharks 17 14

Fujian SBS 17 14

Zhejiang Lions 17 14

Qingdao Eagles 16 15

Zhejiang Golden Bulls 15 16

Liaoning Jiebao 14 17

Jilin Northeast Tigers 14 17

Shandong G. Lions 14 18

Tianjin Gold Lions 10 21

Bayi Rockets 10 21

Foshan Longlions 9 22

Jiangsu Dragons 8 23

Top scorers

1. J.R. Smith

guard, Zhejiang Golden Bulls

34.5 ppg

2. Lester Hudson

guard, Qingdao Eagles

33.6 ppg

3. Marcus Williams

guard, Shanxi Brave Dragons

31.9 ppg

Top rebounders

1. Zaid Abbaas

forward, Fujian SBS

14.8 rpg

2. Donnell Harvey

forward, Tianjin Gold Lions

14.5 rpg

3. P.J. Ramos

center, Zhejiang Lions

13.7 rpg

Leading in assists

1. Osama Daghles

guard, Jilin Northeast Tigers

7.3 apg

2. Stephon Marbury

guard, Beijing Ducks

6.5 apg

3. Yang Ming

guard, Liaoning Jiebao

6.5 apg

Notes

You won't see J.R. at the All-Star Game

Although being voted as a starter and posing for a photo shoot in an All-Star uniform, J.R. Smith won't appear at the CBA All-Star Game this weekend in Guangzhou as the former Denver Nugget will return to the US on Wednesday.

After losing the Zhejiang derby to the Lions last Friday, Smith's Golden Bulls were officially eliminated from the playoffs and the league's top scorer will be allowed to opt out his contract when the CBA regular season ends on Wednesday.

Smith announced his return to the US via Twitter last Saturday, saying, "Ladies (and) Gentleman, I am happy to tell you my return to the US is (official). I will be home on (Feb) 15, 2012! Hyped!"

After inking a one-year contract with the Golden Bulls last September, during the NBA lockout, Smith performed well in the CBA, averaging 34.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.6 steals in 30 games.

Despite failing to lead his team to an expected playoff berth, Smith's explosive scoring was cheered by boisterous Chinese fans but several incidents involving his sister and girlfriend having altercations with fans on the road made international headlines.

Unlike fellow countrymen Wilson Chandler and Aaron Brooks, who will continue their China sojourns in the postseason, Smith will be able to receive a FIBA clearance letter as soon as his team's season ends this week.

A group of NBA teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers and New York Knicks have shown interests in landing the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year.

Injured Ducks guard Lee returns

The Beijing Ducks received more exciting news after clinching second in the CBA standings after Sunday's home win over the Shanghai Sharks.

Their former starting point guard, Lee Hsueh-lin, who has been sidelined with a back injury since last December, returned to the court and played 29 minutes in his first game in more than two months.

Delivering two points, four rebounds and three assists, Lee remained guarded about the injury.

"I feel happy with my recovery over the past month, but I still need time to get back my rhythm and regain my strength," Lee said after the 93-78 victory.

"I still have to be careful with it and test my body over the coming week. Hopefully, I will be able to get fully ready for the playoffs."

Lee's return should release some of the pressure on team leader Stephon Marbury, who has carried the brunt of the side's offense during his teammate's absence.

"I am so happy to have my backcourt mate back. He makes the game so much easier," Marbury, 35, said on his micro blog on Monday.

China Daily

(China Daily 02/14/2012 page24)