Dempsey's reason for signing this contract might have been very simple.
There wasn't another suitable player anyway, and Ding Yanyuhang was Chinese and Tang Tian's national team teammate.
Signing anyone was still signing someone, and it only cost $75,000.
Signing Ding Yanyuhang was like the Bucks signing Antetokounmpo's brother in Tang Tian's previous life—it was all to make the team's leader a little happier.
Besides, Ding Yanyuhang had strong mental attributes. He was a player who could have gotten a big contract in China but gave it up to chase his NBA dream.
Though his talent was limited, he worked hard enough. He was the kind of player people liked.
And among Asian players, Ding Yanyuhang was considered technically polished. He had a chance to develop into a bench player.
After his initial surprise, Tang Tian was genuinely happy.
Ding Yanyuhang had played alongside him at the Rio Olympics, and Tang Tian had a very good impression of him.
Moreover, FIBA had confirmed as early as two years ago that the second World Cup—previously known as the World Championship, renamed in Spain in 2014—would be held in China.
Compared to Rio, China Team's overall strength had improved noticeably over the past two years.
Yi Jianlian had progressed steadily and still held down the Starting Power Forward spot with the Nets;
Guo Ailun had become the top guard in China and even Asia, and was entering his prime;
Zhou Qi had joined the Rockets a year ahead of history. He had shown flashes last season, and with Cousins out for the new season, he had also been given a great opportunity;
Now Ding Yanyuhang had signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans;
After returning to the CBA following Rio, national team players like Wang Zhelin, Abudushalamu, Zhai Xiaochuan, and Keyramut had