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Yi Jianlian News & Rumors

Yi Jianlian going back to China
October 10
Washington Post
 
"Until the NBA and its players' union can come to a resolution on a new collective bargaining agreement, Yi Jianlian is returning to the place where his professional basketball career started. Jarinn Akana, one of Yi's representatives, confirmed that his client has signed a contract with the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association which will have an NBA out for whenever the labor dispute is settled. The CBA allowed its teams to sign only free agent NBA players, and Yi is an unrestricted free agent after the Wizards declined to extend his $5.4 million qualifying offer for next season. Wilson Chandler, J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin have all signed to play in China"
Yi Jianlian unsure about future in Washington
April 20
Washington Post
 
"Yi Jianlian isn't sure he'll return to the Wizards, but he isn't worried about what his future may hold. At the least opportune time -- his contract year -- Yi had the worst statistical season of his career, averaging just 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 63 games. But as he left Verizon Center last week for possibly the final time, Yi wasn't dwelling on the right knee that cost him 19 games, the midseason trade for Rashard Lewis or even the late-season development of Trevor Booker that pushed him out of the rotation for a few weeks. "Things happen. I can do nothing about injury. For me, it's not like it's the last year I play in my career," Yi said with a laugh. Yi will be a restricted"
Yi Jianlian unsure about future in Washington
April 19
Washington Post
 
"Yi Jianlian isn't sure he'll return to the Wizards, but he isn't worried about what his future may hold. At the least opportune time -- his contract year -- Yi had the worst statistical season of his career, averaging just 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 63 games. But as he left Verizon Center last week for possibly the final time, Yi wasn't dwelling on the right knee that cost him 19 games, the midseason trade for Rashard Lewis or even the late-season development of Trevor Booker that pushed him out of the rotation for a few weeks. "Things happen. I can do nothing about injury. For me, it's not like it's the last year I play in my career," Yi said with a laugh. Yi will be a restricted"
Yi Jianlian is settling in after recovering from injuries
January 19
Washington Post
 
"Yi Jianlian has been on the wrong side of two nasty collisions this season, with John Wall falling on his right knee and costing him nine games with a hyperextension and then Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom falling on the same knee, costing him another nine games. But Yi's third crash was hardly as gruesome, and he jokingly credited it for helping him have one of his better games of the season. Yi was working out with Washington Wizards assistant Gene Banks at the morning shoot-around before the team hosted Toronto on Saturday when he attempted a spin move and bumped heads with Banks. The collision created a cut just above Yi's left eye - and a little wooziness - and forced him to"
Hinrich, Yi return to practice
January 4
Washington Post
 
"Both guard Kirk Hinrich (thigh) and forward Yi Jianlian (knee) returned to practice on Monday at Verizon Center, and the two said they felt encouraged by their continued progress returning from injury. Hinrich sported a pair of athletic glasses that he said were for protective purposes, not corrective. Hinrich said he had an eye exam and was told he should wear the glasses and that they had nothing to do with the black eye he picked up against the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 22. "Today was the first day with them," Hinrich said. "Definitely not used to them yet, just trying to get adjusted to wearing them." The only player not on the practice floor was Josh Howard. Andray Blatche rolled his"
Yi Jianlian to miss next two to four weeks with sprained MCL
December 16
Washington Post
 
"Yi Jianlian may have to wait until March 20 to get his first shot against his former team, the New Jersey Nets. Yi will stay behind as the team hopes to end a 12-game road losing streak against the Nets on Thursday after an MRI revealed that he has a sprained right medial collateral ligament. Yi said he would likely miss the next two to four weeks, which puts his availability for the Wizards' next game against New Jersey on Jan. 7 in doubt. Yi was injured in the first quarter of the Wizards' 103-89 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers when Ron Artest fell on the same knee that he hyperextended on Nov. 13. Yi was forced to miss the next nine games, but he had come back to average 7.8 points and 5"
John Wall, Yi Jianlian likely out against Detroit
November 21
Washington Post
 
"John Wall said that he would "probably not" be available on Sunday when the Wizards face the Detroit Pistons at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Mich. Wall has missed the past three games and is recovering from a sprained left foot suffered on Nov. 13 in Chicago. "It's still swollen," Wall said, as he left the Wizards locker room at Verizon Center. He also had a bone bruise on the inside of the ankle that has contributed to some swelling in his foot. Wall is free from his protective walking boot, but was limited to shooting and non-contact drills on Saturday at a brief practice. He said his foot is getting better and is hoping to be possibly ready by Tuesday, when the Wizards host Philadelphia."
John Wall, Yi Jianlian to miss game against Toronto
November 16
Washington Post
 
"The Wizards will not have rookie John Wall or reserve Yi Jianlian for tonight's game against the Toronto Raptors. Coach Flip Saunders said at the morning shootaround that Wall was out with a sprained left foot, which has him moving around on crutches. Gilbert Arenas will likely make his first start of the season in place of Wall. Wall, the No. 1 overall pick, leads the Wizards and all rookies in scoring (18.1 points) and assists (9.8). He also leads the entire league in steals (3.3). He was injured defending Chicago all-star point guard Derrick Rose in the third quarter of a 103-96 loss on Saturday and later crashed into Yi after taking a coercing Luol Deng into an offensive foul. Yi"
Wizards get banged up, but Gilbert Arenas, bench steps up in loss to Chicago
November 14
Washington Post
 
"After his first game against Derrick Rose, John Wall left the United Center wearing a protective walking boot on his left foot. He strained the arch on his foot during an awkward landing after defending Rose on a jumper in the third period. While Rose and his former Chicago Bulls teammate Kirk Hinrich joked with each other in front of the Wizards' locker room after the game, Wall was in the back getting treatment and having his foot taped up. Rose eventually got tired of waiting and left the arena around the time Wall slipped his left shoe into his backpack. Wall hopes that his foot will feel better once he gets some rest, but he didn't want to leave the game on Saturday. "As much as I put"
It's Yao vs. Yi at Verizon
November 10
Washington Examiner
 
"Yi Jianlian endorses the authenticity of the cuisine in Chinatown. "It's pretty similar [to home] because the people all come from China," said Yi, who named Tony Cheng's when asked if he had any local favorites. Verizon Center's proximity to the restaurant has helped the Chinese big man adjust to Washington, but he's still finding his way with the Wizards (1-4), who hope he'll get an extra helping of motivation against his countryman, Yao Ming, and the Houston Rockets (1-5). Yao has won all four of their previous meetings. "For me, nothing special," Yi said. "Maybe a lot of people watching in China." That's an understatement, although Wednesday's game will be broadcast on regional cable"
Wizards' Yi gets the crowd excited but is struggling on the court
November 10
Washington Post
 
"Even though the Washington Wizards have played only two regular season home games, it's apparent the player who gets the crowd at Verizon Center to respond every time he touches the ball is not the electrifying rookie with the fancy dance moves or the longest-tenured player with a collection of big shots and catchy nicknames under his belt. It's the one who feels rather comfortable in Chinatown and has the easiest name to shout. If Yi Jianlian gets the ball in the post and spots up around the perimeter, fans will inevitably scream for several seconds, a long, drawn out pronunciation of his surname as Yi attempts to shoot: "Eeeeeee!" Unfortunately, Yi has not rewarded them very often for"
The Wizards' Yi Jianlian races to elevate his game
October 10
Washington Post
 
"As John Wall awaited the outlet pass from Trevor Booker, Yi Jianlian dropped his head and sprinted down the middle of the court. By the time Wall received the ball near half court, the 7-foot Yi had already outrun every player down the floor, so Wall rewarded the hard-charging big man. Yi moved so quickly that his momentum nearly carried him beyond the basket, but he gathered himself and dunked with two hands while getting fouled. Teammate Al Thornton rushed to Yi and greeted him with a celebratory forearm to the chest. The Washington Wizards' textbook fast break against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday - two passes, no dribbles and a dunk, in less than five seconds - served as evidence"
Yi Jianlian, China, ousted from FIBA world championships
September 8
Washington Post
 
"There really wasn't much doubt that Yi Jianlian would take the floor for what likely was going to be China's last game in the FIBA world championships. His left Achilles' injury had improved after a few days' rest, he felt good after a light practice on Monday, and his team -- his nation -- needed its best player when it went against Lithuania, one of just three undefeated teams remaining in the tournament. Yi scored 11 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in 35 minutes during China's 78-67 loss on Tuesday and lowered his head as he walked off the court. He was understandably disappointed, after he was held to just two field goal attempts in the second half, with Lithuania focused on shutting"
Yi Jianlian's injury not serious, source says
September 7
Washington Post
 
"Yi Jianlian's inflamed left Achilles' tendon was feeling better on Monday, but he is still expected to be a game-time decision on Tuesday, when China faces Lithuania in the knockout round of the FIBA world championships in Turkey. The Wizards' lone representative in Turkey suffered the injury late in China's loss to Puerto Rico and aggravated it the next game against Russia. He sat out the next game against Turkey, an 87-40 loss, and had an MRI on Friday that turned out negative. Yi has never had any previous problems with his Achilles' and a person close to Yi said that injury wasn't serious and was simply the result of a long summer of intense competition. The person suggested that it"
Yi Jianlian has rough outing for China
August 17
Washington Post
 
"John Wall may have been the only member of the Wizards to have a good time at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. JaVale McGee was informed that he had been cut from Team USA hours before it defeated France, 86-55. McGee didn't attend the game, caught a flight back to Los Angeles, vented about basketball reporters who can't play basketball on Twitter, then took liberty with the term "drive-thru" at a McDonald's. Yi Jianlian also had a rather forgettable outing for China, missing 12 of his 15 shot attempts and finishing with 11 points and six rebounds as his team lost, 92-76, to Puerto Rico. Wall spoke to Yi before the game, huddling with his new teammate at a tunnel near the Chinese locker"
Yi Jianlian now carries brunt of China's basketball expectations on his shoulders
August 15
Washington Post
 
"Yi Jianlian's exaggerated, oversized cartoon image towers over people as they walk down the 33rd Street side of Madison Square Garden, where China will play Puerto Rico in an exhibition on Sunday. Sporting a menacing scowl and embracing a basketball with powerful forearms that make it appear as if he is about to tear it in two, Yi is a rather imposing figure in posters and billboards promoting the World Basketball Festival this week in New York. But ask Yi about the gigantic billboard hanging on the side of the world's most famous arena - and the home of the New York Knicks - and the Washington Wizards forward can't help but flash a huge grin. "It's great to see my poster in New York"
Wizards trade for Yi Jianlian to bulk up front court
June 30
Washington Post
 
"The Washington Wizards took another step toward assembling one of the NBA's more eclectic collection of front-court players Tuesday as they made a trade with New Jersey to acquire a 7-foot small forward from China on the same day they introduced an undersized power forward from South Carolina and a shot-blocking center from Senegal. Five days after completing a draft-day trade with Minnesota to get Clemson forward Trevor Booker and Rutgers center Hamady N'Diaye, the Wizards formally welcomed them, albeit without the pageantry that accompanied the arrival of No. 1 overall pick John Wall last Friday. Two hours later, the team announced a deal for Yi Jianlian, a versatile but unpolished"
Wizards acquire Yi Jianlian from New Jersey
June 29
Washington Post
 
"The Wizards have acquired Yi Jianlian and cash considerations from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Quinton Ross. This is the second time that the 7-foot Yi has been traded since the Milwaukee Bucks drafted him sixth overall in 2007. A versatile but unpolished forward, Yi has showed only flashes of his potential in the past three seasons. He averaged 12 points and 7.2 rebounds last season for the 12-win Nets. "This trade is a good opportunity to add a skilled seven-footer with significant NBA experience who was the sixth overall pick in the draft just three years ago," said team President Ernie Grunfeld in a statement. "Yi fits in very well with our ongoing plan of building towards the"
Nets to trade Yi Jianlian to Wizards
June 29
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Nets have gotten another step closer toward their ultimate goal of hitting the $33-million mark in bankroll by dumping Yi Jianlian on the Washington Wizards, in a move that will be announced in a few hours. In return, the Wiz are sending the Nets Quinton Ross's $1.146 contract, which enables the Nets to increase their cap space to precisely $30 million – a nice round number that will get you LeBron James ($16.5M) and a stud who can start out at $13.5M. So much for the foray into the Asian continent, unless they believe a billion Chinese fans are going to follow the owner. But it's a good move all around, and best for the kid himself."
Nets can be active trade partners at NBA draft, Yi Jianlian and Devin Harris may be dealt
June 24
New York Daily News
 
"The Nets' chances of dramatically reshaping their roster through the draft likely ended on May 18, when they finished third in the draft lottery and saw their chances of landing John Wall crushed. But that doesn't mean the Nets won't undergo changes Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. In addition to holding three draft picks, including the third overall, the Nets are also likely to be one of the more active teams on the trade front. With one move already on the verge of being done - the Nets are prepared to send outspoken and underachieving forward Chris Douglas-Roberts to the Bucks - more could be on the way. And no one, aside from 7-foot center Brook Lopez, seems safe. Considering"
Yi is no sure shot when it comes to a Nets
April 8
Bergen Record
 
"Yi Jianlian said he's had more good games this season than last. But he hasn't had nearly enough to ensure he will be back with the Nets. Big changes are coming throughout the organization, and from a player standpoint the Nets want to upgrade the power forward position. But Yi said what he's going to worry about after the regular season ends next week is making sure he's ready to play basketball somewhere in the fall. "I think about my future, but I think about preparing myself," Yi said before the Nets lost to the Bucks on Wednesday, 108-89. "Nothing about the team, who's the coach, what kind of trades they're going to make- I'm just going to prepare myself." The Nets want to put a"
Brook Lopez, Yi Jianlian pairing might not be long-term plan for Nets
March 28
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"It wasn't long ago - just a few months back, in fact - that the organization's prime directive was to examine whether two 7-footers can peacefully coexist, preferably by creating a formidable fellowship of power, length, and versatility that few other teams can match. So one look at the Nets-Pistons box score Friday night might have led some persistent believers to conclude, "They could have something here after all," given that 68 combined points on 26-for-33 accuracy is the stuff of Bird-McHale or Duncan-Admiral. Or, maybe Brook Lopez and Yi Jianlian just had a fluky night. While most of the organization has abandoned the notion that this is their power tandem going"
Yi Jianlian running out of support as New Jersey Nets fall to Toronto
March 21
New York Daily News
 
"For the Nets, the final 13 games of the season are all about getting to 10 wins to avoid finishing with the worst record ever. But for Yi Jianlian, there is something much more personal to play for. Yi's future with the team could be on the line as the Nets close out their schedule, and he knows it. "These games are very important for us," he said. "And they're very important for me to finish good. Every game is important for me." Nearing the end of his second injury-plagued season in New Jersey, Yi has already worn out his welcome with many in the organization, and his biggest supporter - GM/interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe - may not be around long after the season finale on April 14 since"
Harris, Yi back for Nets tomorrow
March 20
New York Post
 
"Devin Harris will be back tomorrow. Apparently, so will Yi Jianlian as the Nets start a four-game homestand, facing the eighth place Raptors. So the 15th place Nets expect to be at full strength which, face it, hasn't mattered a lick all season when they were. Harris is back after missing two games with an upper respiratory infection. He has missed 18 games overall. "I'm just a little tired," said Harris, who admitted he watched parts of the back-to-back debacles against Atlanta (nipped by 24) and Philadelphia (an 11-point heartbreaker). What Harris saw was a mess. "Not a pretty sight," he offered. "We didn't bring it, transition wise. We got beat all night long. It's tough to win when you"
Sprained ankle causes Yi Jianlian to miss NJ Nets' four-game road trip
March 8
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Nets followed their Saturday night win over the Knicks by taking off on a four-game trip that begins Monday in Memphis and continues Wednesday in Dallas, Friday in Oklahoma City and Saturday in Houston. They will be without Yi Jianlian on the trip, as the 7-foot power forward is out with a sprained left ankle, suffered in the first quarter Saturday night. Yi was injured with 2:56 remaining in the first quarter, when he stepped on the foot of the Knicks' Wilson Chandler as he backed up to try and get defensive positioning. Yi has already missed 24 games this season because of various injuries. He is averaging 11.9 points and 7.0 rebounds per game."
Sprained ankle forces Yi Jianlian to miss Nets' four-game road trip
March 8
New York Daily News
 
"The Nets will be playing meaningful games on a four-game road trip that begins in Memphis Monday, but they won't have their starting power forward to help them. Yi Jianlian did not join the Nets on their flight to Tennessee Sunday and he will miss games against the Grizzlies, Mavericks, Thunder and Rockets this week because of the left ankle he sprained during Saturday night's win over the Knicks. Yi had three points on 1-for-4 shooting before the injury occurred, and he has already missed 24 games this season due to injury. Kris Humphries, who scored 10 points in Saturday's win, will likely take Yi's place in the lineup. After the game, Yi said he did not feel "too bad" but that he did"
Hurty Yi left behind, out indefinitely
March 8
New York Daily News
 
"The Nets left for a four-game road trip today and they left Yi Jianlian behind. The 7-footer sprained his left ankle in Saturday night's 113-93 win over the Knicks and is out indefinitely. He did not accompany the team on its flight to Memphis and will not be at any of the games this week, according to an e-mail the Nets sent out earlier."
Yi Jianlian sprains ankle, out indefinitely
March 7
Bergen Record
 
"The Nets probably will be without starting power forward Yi Jianlian for some time. Yi left the building in a walking boot after suffering a high left-ankle sprain in the first quarter when he stepped on Wilson Chandler's foot. Yi is out indefinitely. "I've got to see how it feels," Yi said. "It's hard to tell right now. I don't know how many days." X-rays were negative, but it looked bad from the start."
NJ Nets' Devin Harris, Yi Jianlian say they'll play Sunday
February 21
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Devin Harris didn't practice Saturday, but said he'll play Sunday despite a sprained left knee.Devin Harris didn't practice Saturday, and didn't talk to reporters afterward. But the Nets point guard sent word that he will play Sunday night when the Nets host the Memphis Grizzlies, despite a slightly sprained left knee suffered Friday night in the loss to Toronto. Yi Jianlian told reporters that he, too, will play Sunday, despite a balky shoulder and a sore back that his coach says have contributed to his poor production the last few weeks. GM/coach Kiki Vandeweghe said both Harris and Yi will be game time decisions, since there is no shootaround for the 6 p.m. game. Vandeweghe maintains"
Yi Jianlian: For Nets and country
February 21
Bergen Record
 
"Nets coach Kiki Vandeweghe called struggling and banged-up forward Yi Jianlian a game-time decision. Yi already has decided he will play. Those sighs of relief came from the Nets' marketing department, which decided it would celebrate Chinese culture tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies. Yi has been playing with pain in his shoulder and back. He's scored fewer than 10 points in four straight games and was 2-for-13 in Friday's loss to Toronto. But Yi vowed to bounce back. "Just an off night," Yi said after practice Saturday. "It's not going to happen again." Consider the Grizzlies warned"
Nets' Yi vows struggles will stop
February 21
New York Post
 
"It could be the shoulder, injured nine games ago on a reach-in against Detroit. It might be the aching back, which flared after he was banged around rebounding four games ago. Either way, Nets' Yi Jianlian has struggled badly lately. Suffice to say, his shooting has been downright Net-like. But not for long. Yi promises. "Not going to happen again," said Yi, who also vows to play when the Nets face Memphis at the Meadowlands tonight (6:00, YES, WFAN 660 AM), which also happens to be an the "Evening of Chinese Culture" promotion, featuring pre, postgame and halftime entertainment with artists from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The shoulder is no longer an issue, the back is sore but"
Nets' Yi Jianlian slumping as missed easy shots become issue
January 28
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The Nets have a lot more problems than Yi Jianlian's recent shooting slump, but it is a poser: After getting the entire league's attention with a superb eight-game stretch that included averages of 20.3 points (.476 shooting) and 7.0 rebounds, the starting power forward has been in a two-week slump – probably for a very good reason. "Teams now see him as part of the game plan. Having said that, he's missed a lot of very easy shots – a lot of layups, wide-open jumpers," coach Kiki Vandeweghe said. Team president Rod Thorn agreed, "Once you get on the radar, and they start game-planning for you, it gets harder. And our team hasn't played very well, so that's when you have to start making"
Yi-gads: Jianlian beaten and brutal in defeat
January 3
New York Post
 
"The Cavs aren't ranked first in shooting defense and fourth in scoring defense simply on reputation. They really do defend. Just ask Yi Jianlian. "I missed a lot of shots, man," said Yi, who bricked 11-of-13 attempts yesterday in the Nets' 94-86 loss to the Cavs — after shooting 33-of-61 (.541) in his previous four games after his return from injury. "The shots did not feel good. They did not allow me to drive to the basket, and just very good chance at making me think about it. It's different from the other teams — they always have two bigs inside. That makes it hard to get to the basket." Yi said this was the best defense he's seen since his return. Obviously, they're a pretty good"
Yi's Net worrying, just playing
December 28
New York Post
 
"A prime topic of discussion around the Nets these past few days has been Yi Jianlian. Devin Harris may have rolled all the positive talk into one sentence. "He's shooting the ball with confidence, attacking the rim with tenacity," Harris said. And that pretty much sums up Yi in his two games after sitting 24 with, first, a sprained knee and then a gash in his mouth and upper lip that required 50 stitches. On Wednesday, Yi was a perimeter force, scoring 22 points with quality shooting that included 4-of-6 on 3-pointers during the Nets' 103-99 loss to the Timberwolves. Then against Houston Saturday, Yi was in full attack mode. He even dunked three times en route to 17 points -- even picked"
Yi Starts, CD-R Still Out For Nets
December 27
New York Post
 
"No surprises. Yi Jianlian is in and Chris Douglas-Roberts still is out of the Nets' starting lineup tonight against the Rockets. Yi was a surprise Wednesday in than he scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds in his first game since Nov. 2. And because he is the designated starting power forward, interim coach Kiki Vandeweghe said it just makes sense to get him back to his intended role ASAP. "I think it's better to just make it definitive: 'Here's what we're going to do, let's get the rotations and let's understand our role,'" Vandeweghe said. "Whether it hurts somebody or it doesn't hurt somebody, I think it's the way to do it." So Josh Boone returns to the bench after averaging 6.6"
Yi bright spot for Jersey
December 27
New York Post
 
"In the span of 30 minutes Wednesday night, forward Yi Jianlian might have played his way into the starting lineup. At 2-27, the moribund Nets have little to lose -- except their ninth straight game. Yi showed little rust in his return from a seven-week absence because of knee and lip injuries, scoring 22 points in the 103-99 home loss to the (almost) equally woeful Timberwolves. He hit 4 of 6 from 3-point range and 7 of 12 shots overall, giving the Nets -- who shoot a league-worst 41.6 percent and 27.9 on threes -- a sorely needed perimeter threat. "He stretches the floor for us," point guard Devin Harris said. "He came out ready to play and it shows how hard he's been working. His stroke"
Yi returns, scores 22 in loss to Timberwolves
December 24
New York Post
 
"Twas the night before the night before Christmas . . . and the Nets still lost. They had Yi Jianlian back from a knee injury, and he made a big difference. They shot the 3-ball better than they have all season, making nine. Keyon Dooling played a season high minutes and excelled. Courtney Lee shot like Courtney Lee is supposed to shoot. Devin Harris drove and pushed the ball and scored. And the Nets still lost -- against the second worst team in the NBA. So it didn't matter if it was the night before the night before Christmas or the Fourth of July or Income Tax Filing Extension Day. They lost. The Nets failed to get the critical stops they needed, came out on the short end of a crucial"
Nets anxious to see Yi Jianlian back on the court
December 23
Bergen Record
 
"Yi Jianlian had a brace on his right knee and nothing covering his surgically repaired mouth. But it didn't cause him to shy away from contact in practice. It's been more than seven weeks since Yi played a game. That should change tonight when the Nets face the Minnesota Timberwolves in what would be classified as a winnable game for the NBA's worst team. After missing five weeks with a sprained right MCL and another two after an elbow to the mouth required 50 stitches in his upper lip, Yi practiced the past two days and by all accounts showed no signs of worrying about either issue. "You don't want to go in thinking about the knee or whether you're going to get split open again," Nets"
O come, all Yi shooters: Yi expected back tonight, CDR still out
December 23
New York Post
 
"You've heard of the gang that couldn't shoot straight. Well, so far the Nets simply have been the gang that couldn't shoot, period. So welcome back Yi Jianlian and -- eventually -- Jarvis Hayes. Yi and Hayes arguably are the Nets' best deep shooters. And with a telethon-worthy 2-26 record and a 41.5 field-goal percentage that is by far the worst in the NBA, anyone who can hit the barn, let alone its broad side, is welcome. Yi is expected to return tonight against Minnesota, the team that on opening night started the Nets on their descent to Hades. Hayes could return Saturday against Houston. Keyon Dooling, battling sore hip flexors that kept him out of five games and limited him to"
Nets forward Yi Jianlian close to returning; Chris Douglas-Roberts "pretty doubtful"
December 22
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"The last time Nets forward Yi Jianlian played, on Nov. 2, his team was 0-4 and mired in an early-season slump. In his absence, the team fired its head coach, set an NBA record for futility and lurched through an almost insurmountable patch of injuries. Yi returned to work Monday. But after putting his new team through its first full practice under his watch, Nets head coach Kiki Vandeweghe said he was still unsure whether Yi would return to the lineup Wednesday against Minnesota. Yi will work out with the team again on Tuesday. "It takes more than one or two practices to be ready," Vandeweghe said following an extended workout at Nets headquarters. "But I know he wants to play very badly."
Yi's return shakes up Kiki's Nets
December 22
New York Post
 
"For the first time since Kiki Vandeweghe took over as coach of the 2-25 Nets at the start of this month, they had a real practice yesterday with no opponent to prepare for and enough time and healthy bodies to make changes. And on a team this sorry, there are a whole lot of changes that need to be made. "I'll say it. This is the first chance we've had to have a real practice," said Vandeweghe. "I'm not a big proponent of long practices with a lot of talking, but today we needed it. We tried to do a couple things a little differently. "When you come in and the team's 0-18, you have to change some things, and we have." Aside from working on fundamentals, two glaring issues Vandeweghe"
Back from injury, Yi could start Wednesday for Nets
December 22
New York Daily News
 
"Yi Jianlian feels good enough to start and has a chance of getting his wish Wednesday when the Nets host Minnesota. When Lawrence Frank coached the Nets, starters returning from injury had to first show they could play off the bench for a game or two before starting again. No exceptions. But that iron-clad rule left with the fired Frank, who was replaced by GM Kiki Vandeweghe. With one of their top scorers, forward Chris Douglas-Roberts, out after spraining his ankle against the Lakers on Saturday, it's possible Vandeweghe starts Yi in his first game since spraining his right knee on Nov. 2. Vandeweghe wouldn't give a definitive answer after practice yesterday, but hinted that his 7-foot"
Yi Jianlian set to return to court
December 21
New York Daily News
 
"Of all the injuries the Nets have had this season, Yi Jianlian probably suffered the most gruesome one - a cut upper lip that required 50 stitches. But with his lip healed, Yi is set to return to the practice court Monday and he could play in the Nets' next game Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves . The 7-footer, whom the Nets were relying on to provide a perimeter and post presence this season, has not played since Nov.2, when he sprained his right knee. He was set to return from that injury two weeks ago but got elbowed in the face while playing 3-on-3 after a practice."
Oft-injured Yi Jianlian to return this week
December 20
Bergen Record
 
"Yi Jianlian is ready to resume his NBA career. The Nets' power forward will practice Monday and Tuesday and, barring a setback, play Wednesday against Minnesota. He hasn't played since spraining his right MCL on Nov. 2. "I'm pretty close," Yi said. "I just need a few practices with the team." Yi was set to return two weeks ago, but needed 50 stitches in his upper lip after taking an inadvertent elbow in the mouth when he tried to block Sean Williams' dunk attempt in a Dec. 5 post-practice game. Yi said it gave him extra time for his knee to heal and he feels fine."
Lip service: Yi gets 50 stitches
December 7
New York Post
 
"Sean Williams did a double take when he heard that teammate Yi Jianlian required 50 stitches for a gash in his lip. "Fifty? Is that a misprint?" Williams asked. Williams was the guy who delivered an inadvertent elbow to Yi Saturday during some 3-on-3 pickup after practice, knocking Yi out for about another week."
Nets lose Yi for another week after split lip
December 7
New York Daily News
 
"The day started with bad news and ended with a bad loss. So after just one win, it was back to normal for the Nets Sunday. A 106-97 loss to the Knicks put the Nets right back in familiar territory following Friday's win over the Bobcats, which snapped their record-setting season-opening losing streak at 18 games. The day started ominously, with news that Yi Jianlian will be out at least a week longer after splitting open his top lip on Saturday and getting 50 stitches to close the wound. Things looked bright again when the Nets rushed out to a 13-point lead in the first half, only to turn sour when the Knicks exploded for a 33-point third quarter to take control of the game. The Nets"
Nets' Yi faces 1-week setback in return
December 6
ESPN.com
 
"Yi Jianlian was elbowed in the mouth at practice by teammate Sean Williams, opening up a gash inside Yi's upper lip that required 50 stitches to repair. The injury will force Yi to miss at least an additional week after he was expected to return Sunday against the Knicks or Tuesday at Chicago after missing five weeks with a sprained right knee. Reports differed on whether the injury happened during a 3-on-3 or 2-on-2 drill, but this much was known: Yi went up to contest a dunk attempt by the 6-foot-10 Williams, and the two collided as Yi got a piece of the ball, and Williams' dunk attempt missed. Witnesses said Yi wanted to continue playing but was told to seek medical attention."
Nets forward Yi Jianlian sidelined with MCL sprain in right knee
November 3
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Nets forward Yi Jianlian will be out of action for several week with a right knee injury, an MRI revealed Tuesday. The team got the test results back Tuesday afternoon, and Yi has a Grade I sprain of the MCL in his right knee. The Nets are not giving a timetable for his return, but normal recovery time for such an injury is two to three weeks."
Yi must power up for Nets
October 1
New York Post
 
"Yi Jianlian has a one-word answer about what he wants to improve this season as the Nets' starting power forward. "Everything," he answered simply. No arguments from his coaches. Following a disappointing, injury-filled rookie year with Milwaukee, the 7-foot Yi came to the Nets before last season essentially for Richard Jefferson. He immediately provided more of the same: a disappointing, injury-filled second season. "My first two seasons, sometimes they were pretty good, but I have to work hard and show something more this season. I still have to improve a lot of stuff. But that's [in the] past. I just want to talk about the new season," Yi said. OK, talk. "Everything. Everything I want"