NBA star Kyle Anderson to make China national team debut ahead of Fiba World Cup

Minnesota Timberwolves player likely to feature in game against Cape Verde in mini-tournament in Italy on Friday

Head coach Aleksandar Dordevic believes addition of Anderson ‘necessary’ for team’s success in Philippines next month

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Kyle Anderson (left) posing with guard Cui Yongxi in Slovenia. Photo: Cui Yongxi Weibo

Published: 5:30pm, 31 Jul 2023

Newly naturalised Chinese citizen Kyle Anderson is expected to make his debut with the national team when they face Cape Verde at a mini-tournament in Italy on Friday.

Since obtaining his citizenship last week, the 29-year-old, who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA, has joined the rest of the team for training in Slovenia.

And despite some questions being raised over Anderson’s heritage, head coach Aleksandar Dordevic said the recruitment was “necessary” for the 16-time Asian champions to challenge the world’s best.

“Anderson is of Chinese descent – this is a necessary step if you want to get results,” he said. “We are all aware of the Fiba rules, and everyone wants to use it to their advantage.

“Slovenia had their naturalised player [Anthony Randolph] long ago, so every team are free to naturalise a player.”

Anderson, whose Chinese name is Li Kai’er, averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists last season, and Dordevic said he had waited a long time to have the nine-year league veteran at his disposal.