Positives: The next great Chinese import to the NBA after Yao Ming. Yi Jianlian has enormous potential. Only 16 and is still growing. Predicted to grow to a height of 7’2”. Dominated the World Junior Championships matching up against 18-19 year olds. Has incredible coordination and athletic ability for a seven footer. Yi is a natural athlete; his parents were both professional handball players. Very smooth and is a fluid athlete. Can do 360 degree dunks with ease and has a good vertical leap. He can leap and touch a spot almost 12 feet high. Like Chinese NBA players Wang Zhi Zhi and Yao Ming, Yi has a very good shooting touch. Great foul shooter. Very good rebounder and shot-blocker. Yi is a good ball handler for his size. With Yi’s combination of size, youth, and skills it is hard to imagine him not being the top pick in the 2006 draft.

Negatives: Has only played organized basketball since age 13. Yi is still raw and does not have much of an inside game. He needs to develop low post skills. Still too inexperienced and thin. Needs to get stronger and gain weight in order to become a great post player. Still at only 16, it is to be expected.