World Events

Stars

China

Basketball

Soccer

Tennis

N.America

Olympics

Nets pick up option on China's Yi Jianlian

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-01 14:07

The New Jersey Nets picked up their option for the 2009-2010 season on Yi Jianlian, pictured on October 20, 2008, on Thursday, a day after the Chinese forward made a strong debut for his new National Basketball Association club.  [Agencies]

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey  – The New Jersey Nets picked up their option for the 2009-2010 season on Yi Jianlian on Thursday, a day after the Chinese forward made a strong debut for his new National Basketball Association club.

Yi, 21, scored 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbed six rebounds to help the Nets to a 95-85 victory over Washington in their NBA season-opener.

NBA veteran Vince Carter praised Yi's performance against the Wizards on Wednesday.

"He has a lot of energy and that's what we need," Carter said. "He was able to get up and down the court well, rebound well and played defense. We showed a lot of poise."

Yi will get $3.19 million in the final year of his contract.

The 7-footer from Shenzhen was traded in June from Milwaukee, who had made him the sixth overall selection in the NBA draft a year earlier.  In 66 games with Milwaukee, Yi averaged 8.6 points and 5.2 rebounds.

The Nets also picked up the contract options for the 2009-10 season on center Josh Boone and forward Sean Williams on Thursday. Boone's option is worth $2.25 million, and Williams will receive $1.63 million.