Yi Jianlian unsure about future in Washington
Yi Jianlian isn’t sure he’ll return to the Wizards, but he isn’t worried about what his future may hold. At the least opportune time -- his contract year -- Yi had the worst statistical season of his career, averaging just 5.6 points and 4.0 rebounds in 63 games.
But as he left Verizon Center last week for possibly the final time, Yi wasn’t dwelling on the right knee that cost him 19 games, the midseason trade for Rashard Lewis or even the late-season development of Trevor Booker that pushed him out of the rotation for a few weeks.
“Things happen. I can do nothing about injury. For me, it’s not like it’s the last year I play in my career,” Yi said with a laugh.
Yi will be a restricted free agent this offseason, and if the collective bargaining agreement doesn’t change too much, you can guarantee that the Wizards won’t tender the $5.4 million qualifying offer required to have first right of refusal on any offer sheet he may sign elsewhere. It’s never a good sign when several months after his arrival, the team sounded more excited that it virtually rented his services for free than with his production on the court. Yi made $4.1 million this season, but the New Jersey Nets dealt him, along with $3 million, and took back Quinton Ross’s $1.1 million salary. That doesn’t mean that Yi isn’t coming back, just certainly not at that price. When asked about Yi’s prospects for returning, Coach Flip Saunders said, “I think we do like him and he likes it here in DC.”
“DC is cool. Very nice city, international. A lot of people,” Yi said. “I would like to play here, but it’s a few things they have to figure out. Who knows?”
Yi was most competent while playing with John Wall, one the few players who was always willing to engage Yi on the offensive end and look for him in pick-and-pop situations. “I like playing with John. I know what kind of player he is, what he want to do. For a big man and point guard, he knows how to play together and play for each other.”
“It was a tough situation for me, this year, my first year coming from the bench. Then, got hurt. Then I lost my time,” Yi said. “I finally … got some playing time at the end of the season, but I think I played pretty good at the end. I just do everything to help the team to win the games, do little things on the court.”
Though he struggled, Yi said he never doubted his abilities. “For me, I didn’t have a lot of problem with my confidence. I got to work on my game every day, stay focused for every game.”
“I know a lot of things I can do a lot better to improve myself. That’s my focus,” said Yi, adding that he has to work on “a lot. Footwork, body, in the post, hands.”
