Su Yi

Biodata

Background

A highly skilled and accurate outside shooter, Su Yi was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA draft, immediately impressing head coach Mike Brown by making 493 of 500 three-pointers—a 98.6% hit rate—during his tryout 9. He made his NBA debut with the Cavaliers, scoring his first points on a three-pointer in the second quarter off an assist from Damon Jones, and exploded for 30 points in a 123-94 victory over the Washington Wizards, a performance that earned him the nickname "God Su" from fans and media 15 17. His rapid rise continued through his rookie season; at the 2006-07 All-Star Weekend, Su Yi led the rookies to a 12-point win over the sophomores and was named Rookie Game MVP after posting 31 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks 93. By the following year, his influence extended beyond the court—as the team’s emerging superstar, he actively shaped the Cavaliers’ future by using his knowledge to guide the selection of Roy Hibbert, George Hill, DeAndre Jordan, and Goran Dragic in the 2008 NBA draft 398. Despite his growing fame, Su Yi remained connected to his roots; during a return to China, he held a pre-game press conference where he diplomatically addressed questions about joining the national team, and later surprised 1,000 fans with autographed merchandise 199. He also personally engaged with local fans at an arena in China, playing pick-up games for hours and taking photos, demonstrating both his humility and his commitment to his supporters 403.

NBA Career

• Rookie Season (2006–07)
  – After a strong preseason where playing time increased from 4 to 21 minutes (final preseason game: 17 points) 11, Su Yi made his regular‑season debut. He scored his first NBA points on a three‑pointer in the second quarter 15. In his debut game he erupted for 30 points, leading the Cavaliers to a 123‑94 win over the Wizards 17.
  – Early in the season he scored 27 points in a half and finished with 42 points in three quarters against the 76ers 67. His all‑around play earned him recognition as one of the East’s top three big men 61.
  – In the playoffs, Su Yi scored a game‑high 37 points in the Eastern Conference Semifinals opener against the Bulls 135. In the Eastern Conference Finals he posted 34 points, 5 blocks, and a team‑high plus‑minus, leading the Cavaliers to a road win 154.

• 2007–08 Season
  – Su Yi’s off‑season work on his post‑up game and fadeaway jumper was immediately evident. He opened the season by scoring the first points with a Kobe‑style fadeaway, and his improved skills surprised defenders 205.
  – By the All‑Star break his attributes had climbed: Speed 91, Explosiveness 91, Strength 91, Jumping 90, Stamina 91, Mid‑range 93, Three‑point 98, and an overall rating of A‑ 336.

• 2008–09 Season
  – In the 2008 draft, Su Yi used his inside knowledge to guide the Cavaliers in selecting Roy Hibbert, George Hill, DeAndre Jordan, and Goran Dragic 398.
  – After another intense off‑season, his attributes surged: Speed 97, Explosiveness 97, Strength 97, Jumping 96, Stamina 97, Three‑point 99, and overall rating A+ 409.
  – In the playoffs, he scored 60 points (along with 8 rebounds, 13 assists, 5 steals, and 3 blocks) in a triple‑double to win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics, becoming the first player in NBA history to score 60 points and win a playoff game 385. He followed that with three straight 50‑point games in the same series 389.

• 2009–10 Season
  – Su Yi opened the season with five consecutive 40‑point games, outscoring the starts of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant 572. He dropped 59 points on the Bobcats and 56 points on the Wizards, silencing Gilbert Arenas 571. He also defeated LeBron James and the Knicks 572.
  – On December 23, 2009, Su Yi broke Wilt Chamberlain’s 55‑year‑old record by recording his 15th straight 40‑point game (41 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 6 steals, 3 blocks) 584 586.
  – He won his 11th Player of the Month award, ranking fourth in NBA history behind only Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan 598.
  – In a game against the Nets, Su Yi scored 35 points and mentored Yi Jianlian, who set a career high of 32 points 598.
  – He declined to participate in All‑Star individual events but delivered near‑quadruple‑double performances against the Rockets (108‑83 win) and Hawks (105‑84 and 109‑91 wins) 597.

• Later Career Highlights (2010 onward)
  – In a playoff game against the Celtics, Su Yi scored a record‑breaking 64 points, surpassing Michael Jordan’s 63‑point playoff record. This was his second 60‑point playoff game, making him the only player in league history to achieve that feat twice 537.
  – He maintained an 11‑game winning streak against LeBron James 476.
  – Career totals (as of the end of his career): 10 championships, 10 Finals MVPs, 6 MVPs, 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards, 1 Rookie of the Year, 1 Most Improved Player, 11 All‑NBA First Team selections, 10 All‑Defensive First Team selections, 10 scoring titles, and 7 steals titles 675.

Skills and Abilities

Shooting

Su Yi’s shooting ability is his foundational and most celebrated skill. From his rookie season, he demonstrated extraordinary accuracy, notably making 493 of 500 three-pointers (98.6%) during a pre‑season test for head coach Mike Brown 9. His three‑point shooting percentage in his debut regular season reached 52.3%, and he led the league in total three‑pointers made 112. Over his career, his three‑point attribute rose from 96 to a perfect 100 8 24 561. He also developed a reliable mid‑range shot, which increased to 90 early on and later to 100, allowing him to score from anywhere on the floor 8 24 561. His shooting form remains consistent even after heavy exertion, and he can knock down contested shots against taller defenders, as shown by his success over 206 cm Luol Deng, thanks to his 221 cm wingspan 9 135 29.

Physical Attributes and Athleticism

Su Yi possesses elite physical tools for a shooting guard: 198 cm height, 221 cm wingspan, and a weight that increased from 96 kg to 108 kg over his early seasons 5 8 9 561. His speed, explosiveness, strength, jumping, stamina, and agility all improved dramatically over time, eventually reaching perfect 100 ratings in each category by his third season 24 196 409 561. He demonstrated extraordinary stamina early on, making over 100 consecutive three‑pointers with no drop‑off in form or breathing rhythm 9. His injury immunity is virtually perfect (99–100), allowing him to play through physical contact without missing time 5 8 24 409 561. These physical gifts enable him to finish through contact, drive past defenders, and rise up for dunks and blocks 277 360 415.

Defensive Prowess

Su Yi’s defense evolved from solid to elite. He possesses quick hands, anticipation, and the ability to read opponents’ intentions, often stripping the ball from star players like Baron Davis 360. His defensive attributes—steal, block, rebounding, defensive ability—all reached 93–98 over time 409 561. He uses his wingspan and lateral quickness to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots, even extending his coverage to the three‑point line 403. A key part of his defensive arsenal is the Death Coil skill, which reduces an opposing player’s shooting percentage by 10–15% 196 409 561. He has neutralized elite players like LeBron James by defending the drive while conceding the shot, and he consistently holds opponents below their normal efficiency 237 348. His impact on defense is often described as equal to his offensive contributions 348.

Basketball IQ and Versatility

Su Yi demonstrates a high basketball IQ, using study of game footage to anticipate opponents’ plays and positioning 348. He reads defenses and makes quick decisions, whether to shoot, pass, or drive. Over time he transformed from a pure shooter into an all‑around player, adding a post‑up fadeaway, crossover drives, stop‑and‑pop mid‑range jumpers, and off‑ball movement to his arsenal 206 247 288 277. His ball handling and passing improved to 93–98, allowing him to create for himself and others 409 561. He effectively uses screens to get open and can score in a variety of ways, making him a 360‑degree offensive threat with no blind spots 135 247. His ability to draw defensive attention also opens up opportunities for teammates, as seen in his high plus‑minus and gravitational pull on the floor 112 171.

Special Skills

Su Yi possesses several unique skills granted by a system. Catch and Shoot increases his shooting percentage by 50% when receiving a pass from a teammate 196 336 409 561. Hot Potato Master, an earlier skill, raises shooting percentage by 50% when receiving a pass within the last five seconds of the shot clock 8 24. Ignore Defense grants a 33% chance to ignore any interference while shooting, allowing him to score even when tightly guarded 390 409 561. These skills compound his already elite shooting and make him extremely difficult to defend in clutch situations.