Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson is on track to play for China in the 2023 FIBA World Cup as a naturalized player.
According to a report from the South China Morning Post, Anderson is expected to fly to China after the Timberwolves’ playoff campaign. The report added that Anderson’s naturalization process began last year.
Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) president and NBA legend Yao Ming has set up strict rules for naturalization. Under China’s rule, candidates for naturalization must have blood relations in their country.
Luckily for Anderson, his maternal grandmother was born to a Chinese father and a Jamaican mother.
In 2018, he and his mom went to China to search for their distant relatives. They were able to find their Chinese relatives in Longgang, Shenzhen.
The 29-year-old forward was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. He is averaging 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists this season for the Timberwolves. (MJD)
