Former NBA center Hasheem Thabeet is signing a deal in the Chinese Basketball Association with the Fujian Sturgeons, agent Jerry Dianis told Hoops Rumors.
Thabeet most recently played in Taiwan, averaging 18.3 points, 14.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game while receiving Defensive Player of the Year honors. This will be Thabeet’s first time playing in China during his professional career.
“Hasheem is the best rim protector on the planet,” Dianis said. “China has 1.4 billion people and he’s excited to play on this stage. His ultimate goal is to return to the NBA, something that could happen as soon as this year.”
Thabeet, the No. 2 overall pick of the 2009 NBA Draft, has made past NBA stops with Memphis, Houston, Portland, Oklahoma City. Known as a fierce shot-blocker at 7-foot-3, he also spent three collegiate seasons at UConn and holds international experience in Japan.
Prior to signing in Taiwan, Thabeet worked out for several teams, including the Knicks, Nuggets, Bucks, Warriors, Sixers. He carries 224 games of NBA experience and joins a team that has signed veterans such as Christian Wood and Amare Stoudemire in past years.
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