The Beijing Ducks are set to face the Guangdong Southern Tigers in Game 3 of their CBA playoff series on May 12, with the winner advancing to the semifinals. Before the game, the team adjusted its 12-man roster, bringing back Fang Shuo and Qiu Tian, while leaving out Zhang Cairen and, notably, max-contract player Fan Ziming.
Fan Ziming has now missed three consecutive playoff games, sparking widespread discussion. Compared to fellow max-contract center Zhou Qi, who played heavy minutes in Game 2—especially in the fourth quarter and overtime, where he struggled against Guangdong’s relentless pressure—Fan’s absence is stark.
Fans have joked that Fan Ziming is the first max-contract player in Beijing’s history to sit out a do-or-die playoff game since the CBA’s salary cap was introduced. Some have even suggested he should consider transferring to Guangdong, which lacks depth in the frontcourt.
Why has Fan Ziming, as a max-contract player, failed to make the 12-man roster for such a crucial game? According to head coach Xu Limin, Fan is not yet a fully mature player and must compete for his minutes within the team. Additionally, his technical skills remain relatively raw. With Zhou Qi, McGee, and Qiu Tian as backup centers, Beijing already has sufficient interior depth, making it logical to add more perimeter playmakers.
As the series reaches its decisive moment, both teams have no room for error. The winner will secure a spot in the CBA semifinals.
