Zhao Tailong
Key Career Moment of Zhao Tailong
Zhao Tailong made history in 2019 when he became the first Chinese guard to sign a two-way contract with an NBA team, joining the Memphis Grizzlies. His defining moment came during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup, where he led China with 28 points and 9 assists against Australia, proving his ability to compete at an elite level.
Zhao Tailong (Chinese: 赵泰隆, born January 4, [1]) is a Chinese former basketball player of the Chinese Basketball Association.
Zhao plays with a fearless mentality-he belongs on the big stage, said former NBA scout David Thorpe.This performance cemented his reputation as a rising star in international basketball.
Unique Skill of Zhao Tailong
Zhao Tailong's signature skill is his elite court vision and playmaking under pressure.
Unlike traditional Chinese guards known for outside shooting, Zhao thrives as a pick-and-roll maestro, using hesitation dribbles and no-look passes to dismantle defenses.
His ability to read double-teams and deliver pinpoint assists has drawn comparisons to NBA floor generals like Steve Nash.
Zhao Tailong's Stats
- 12.4 points, 6.8 assists per game in 2023 CBA season
- 47.3% three-point shooting in FIBA qualifiers (2022)
- Youngest player to record a 20-point, 10-assist game in CBA history (age 19)
Zhao Tailong's Legacy in the NBA
Though his NBA career was brief, Zhao Tailong inspired a generation of Asian guards to pursue professional basketball.
His 2021 Grizzlies training camp invite broke barriers, proving that playmaking guards from China could earn NBA opportunities.
Get the latest news, stats and more about Tailong Zhao on Eurobasket.
A unique fact: Zhao once practiced left-handed dribbling for six months after breaking his right wrist-now ambidextrous, he finishes equally well with either hand. Today, he mentors young players in Guangzhou while dominating the CBA, leaving a legacy as China's most creative modern point guard.