Yi Jianlian might be seen by some as the new Yao Ming, but Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard warns that the Chinese player faces huge challenges to be successful in the NBA.
The 20-year-old 2.12m power forward will enter this year's draft with high expectations and Howard recognizes that he has talent, but says it will not be easy.
"Yi is definitely a great player. He is talented and quick and he is one of the best hopefuls coming out in the draft this year. But a first round pick doesn't guarantee you anything in your career," Howard told the China Daily.
PHOTO: AP
"For me, the rookie year is extremely tough," he said. "It's so long and the size of the players you face every night is incredible."
Howard, who is in China to promote games in Shanghai and Macau in October between the Chinese national team, the Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers, said Yi needs to stay focused.
"Some rookies don't realize how hard playing in the NBA really is. They might think it's a cake-walk, but it really is tough with a long 82-game season, practising every day and getting up every morning and lifting weights," he said.
"The biggest thing about the NBA is mental toughness," he said.
Yi is currently in Orlando for a pre-draft training camp and appears to be adapting well, conducting his interviews in English and even finding time to hit the red carpet at the movie premieres of Spider-Man 3 and Shrek 3.
Along with Yi, who is seen as the best player to come out of China since Houston Rockets center Yao, Chinese point guard Sun Yue has also announced he will enter the draft.
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