Zeng Fanbo was listed as DNP! The Nets were criticized for lacking social tact: Chinese players not allowed to play in China games

On October 12th Beijing time, in the second NBA China game, the Nets narrowly defeated the Suns 111-109. Zeng Fanbo was shockingly marked as DNP and did not get any playing time, sparking widespread controversy. Several domestic media figures slammed the Nets for being insensitive and not letting the Chinese player take the court during the China game.

By the fourth quarter, with the game nearly over, Zeng Fanbo still hadn’t appeared on the court. Fans at the sidelines began chanting “Put Fanbo in,” but Nets head coach Jordy remained unmoved. Young Zeng stayed seated on the bench without warming up.

Media personality Mai Suifeng wrote: “Who cares about preseason results? So many people come just to see their own kid play. Just let Zeng Fanbo handle the ball for a couple of plays, fans happy, media happy, sponsors happy, everyone wins, and next time they keep making big money. The NBA is full of social etiquette everywhere, why is it that in China they fail to understand this?”

Media commentator Jiangnan Decheng said: “The Nets really don’t understand social tact. No wonder their performance these years has been mediocre, just a second-tier team. In the future, our domestic players must avoid the Nets when chasing their dreams. Coming to China for exhibition games but not letting Chinese players play, what kind of logic is that?”

Media figure Biepao Gangbeizhu wrote: “I’ll say just one thing: Zeng Fanbo should keep training hard and show them what he’s got at the next World Cup. If they won’t give him a chance now, later they’ll have to sign him with a guaranteed contract.”

Zeng Fanbo is expected to return to Beijing first to handle visa procedures, then head back to the U.S. to continue training with the team. He only played 10 minutes in the first China game. Will he still have a chance to secure a two-way contract? Let’s wait and see.