The Shandong men’s basketball team has officially finished its season, with players now on break. However, the coaching staff and management remain busy, as they must finalize the import lineup for next season. This year’s early playoff exit was partly blamed on poor import decisions, and head coach Qiu Biao is expected to use the offseason to address roster weaknesses. Among the team’s imports, the biggest disappointment in the postseason was big man Chris, who failed to deliver the dominant performance expected of a top-tier import during the two-game series against the Shanghai Sharks. His lackadaisical attitude on the court further frustrated fans, and it appears the Shandong management has lost patience, likely opting not to give him another chance next season.
Chris stayed with Shandong this season mainly because he agreed to a pay cut during the offseason and promised to follow the coaching staff’s instructions. With no suitable alternative available, the club decided to renew his contract. During the regular season, Chris performed like a top import, averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on 47.6% shooting (25% from three) in 25.8 minutes. However, in the crucial playoffs, he once again faltered, mirroring last season’s struggles. In the postseason, he managed only 11 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in 22.6 minutes, failing to provide expected impact on either end of the floor.
In the two playoff games against Shanghai, Chris shot 10-of-23 for 18 points and 8 rebounds in Game 1, but after a strong first half, he became overconfident and was benched in the fourth quarter by Qiu Biao. In the critical Game 2, he reverted to poor form under Shanghai’s defensive pressure, making just 4-of-16 shots for 9 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. His interior scoring, his strongest asset, was neutralized, and his overall efficiency was too weak to compete with Shanghai’s import, Lofton. Observant fans noted Chris’s lazy attitude and lack of desire to win, proving once again he cannot perform under pressure. This pattern of disappearing in tough games has likely convinced Shandong to cut him.
Chris has now failed to prove himself in the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, and his easily irritable personality makes him a risky signing for other CBA teams. He has effectively lost his market in the league and will need to seek opportunities overseas. For Shandong, the priority is finding two top-tier big imports—one strong defensively and another with versatile scoring ability—to help Qiu Biao mount a comeback next season.