Wang Shaojie, the former CBA No. 1 overall pick, was visibly emotional after the Guangdong Southern Tigers fell 1-2 to the Beijing Ducks in the playoff elimination game. Playing just 11 minutes, he went 0-for-2 from the field and 2-for-4 from the free-throw line, finishing with 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, and 4 fouls.
Unlike his performance in Game 2, Wang struggled to contain Zhou Qi in the paint. Despite playing with relentless energy and earning praise from Guangdong fans for his defensive commitment, his 2.08-meter frame and physical limitations made it unrealistic to consistently shut down Zhou. Additionally, Wang was forced to play center this season after primarily operating as a power forward last year — a role that pushed him out of his comfort zone.
Across six playoff appearances, Wang averaged 16 minutes, 6.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and an impressive 75% field goal percentage, exceeding expectations. However, he also averaged 3.2 fouls per game, ranking near the top of the team.
With the 2025-26 season officially over, Wang’s two-year loan from the Beijing Royal Fighters has also ended. Whether he returns to Beijing or remains in Guangdong is far from certain. Given that Wang had already fallen out of the rotation in his final season with the Royal Fighters, staying in Guangdong could offer more playing time. But the situation is further complicated by the coaching changes in Beijing — with Min Lulei and Zhang Qingpeng both departing — leaving the future head coach and roster direction wide open.
