Confirmed! Guo Ailun returns for his first game back! A total of 13 games over two years

Yes, finally you're here.

The long-missed Guo Ailun will make his return debut on the 23rd of this month in Guangzhou's home game against Tongxi.

The former top domestic point guard versus today's best Chinese swingman Guo Haowen (averaging 21.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists), both excellent at penetrating defenses and drawing fouls, making this a highly anticipated duel.

Guo Ailun last appeared on the court on December 19 last year during the Guangzhou vs. Guangdong city derby. Since then, he has been sidelined due to a groin injury. This season, he has only played in two games, averaging 26 minutes, contributing 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 4 assists, with shooting percentages of 50%, 0%, and 50% respectively.

In terms of skill, Guo Ailun remains a top-level domestic guard, but unfortunately, his physical condition has been poor in recent years. From last season through this one, he has only played 13 games for Guangzhou. During this period, he once exploded for a spectacular 40 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists against Beijing early last year.

Clearly, his biggest issue right now is severe endurance problems, preventing him from playing consistently. He tends to be active for a while and then disappear for some time...

It is especially worth mentioning thatGuo Ailun’s D-class contract will expire this summerand Guangzhou is very unlikely to offer him a max salary renewal. As a result, the two sides may part ways, or he might sign a lower-than-max contract such as a C-class deal to stay.

In the summer of 2024, a major three-way trade took place, sending Guo Ailun to Guangzhou, Zhu Mingzhen to Tongxi, and Wang Lanqin on loan to Liaoning. The most surprising aspect of this trade was that Guo Ailun, a symbol of the Liaoning team, was let go, making people realize that, like the NBA, CBA is driven by business interests above all else.

It’s uncertain where the 32-year-old Guo Ailun’s career will end, but it’s safe to say he will never "return home" again.

There aren’t many true reunions in this world; more often, once separated, it’s separation forever.