After being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Beijing with a 1-2 series loss, the Guangdong men’s basketball team fell short of their championship aspirations this season. Fan dissatisfaction with head coach Du Feng has reached a peak, with widespread calls for his dismissal. However, it remains difficult for Du Feng to leave, as team owner Chen Haitao continues to trust him. Moreover, after years of management, Du Feng’s influence has deeply permeated all levels of the team, making any change a complex affair.
During the upcoming offseason, Guangdong is expected to make significant roster adjustments. Based on official CBA registration information and the team’s current situation, domestic centers Wang Shaojie and Jiao Boqiao are both likely to depart.
Wang Shaojie was loaned from the Beijing Royal Fighters in the summer of 2024 with a two-year contract ending this summer. This season, he served as Guangdong’s starting domestic center, averaging 5.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in the regular season, and 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in the playoffs. Although his statistics are modest, his quick footwork and ability to execute defensive delays fit Du Feng’s system, providing help on both ends of the floor and in rim protection. At 30 years old, the Beijing Royal Fighters are unlikely to extend his loan, meaning Wang will return to his original team next season.
In addition to Wang, Jiao Boqiao is expected to request a trade this offseason. Many Guangdong fans are aware of his situation: after taking a month-long leave due to dissatisfaction with Du Feng’s harsh criticism, he returned with a lackluster attitude, showing little effort on the court. As a result, Du Feng has been hesitant to use him, with Jiao averaging only 2.8 minutes in the playoffs. Jiao’s stance is clear—he no longer wishes to play for Guangdong, despite having a contract until July 2028. This summer, he is likely to formally request a move, leaving Guangdong to decide whether to facilitate a trade.
Wang and Jiao represent Guangdong’s only domestic centers. Their departure would exacerbate the team’s interior issues. Combined with underwhelming performances from forwards Du Runwang and Zhang Haojia, as well as Cui Yongxi’s failure to meet expectations, and a backcourt lacking a reliable playmaker besides Xu Jie, all three positions face significant challenges. The team’s prospects for next season look even more difficult.
On the foreign player front, Guangdong also plans adjustments. Based on this season’s performance, Quinn and Samner have proven valuable with their strong skills and positive attitudes. However, there is no need to renew contracts for Sallinger, McCall, or Rakočević. Since the new season allows only three foreign players per team, Guangdong only needs to sign one competent big man. Given the team’s numerous issues, contending for a championship in the next two seasons seems unlikely, with the team’s ceiling likely limited to quarterfinal or semifinal appearances.