NBA: Yi joins New Jersey Nets

Yi Jianlian was introduced as the newest member of the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday during a press conference at the team's practice facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Yi Jianlian of China poses with his New Jersey Nets basketball jersey after a news conference in East Rutherford, New Jersey July 9, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

Yi, along with Bobby Simmons, was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks for Richard Jefferson right before the NBA Draft on June 26th. While Yi is concentrating on the upcoming Beijing Olympics, the 7-footer, who averaged 8.6 points in 66 games in his rookie season with Milwaukee, will surely be an enormous draw to the large population of Chinese fans in the New Jersey and New York area.

Yi Jianlian said "It's a fresh start for me. The team is very young and their game is very fast. I think I will fit in the team very soon. And, I have a high expectation for the new season. But, now I will concentrate on the Beijing Olympics first."

Yi Jianlian of China(R) with teammate  Simmons pose with their New Jersey Nets basketball jersey after a news conference in East Rutherford, New Jersey July 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Yi Jianlian of China poses with his New Jersey Nets basketball jersey after a news conference in East Rutherford, New Jersey July 9, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)