Chinese basketball standout Lin Wei is emerging as one of the most intriguing international prospects ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft—and he’s already drawing serious interest from NBL heavyweights. The Sydney Kings and Melbourne United are currently leading the race to sign the dynamic guard should he not land on an NBA roster this offseason.
Wei, a 191 cm, 85 kg combo guard, recently declared for the 2025 NBA Draft and is viewed as a borderline second-round candidate. While he’s intent on chasing his NBA dream, sources say he’s also preparing to lock in a deal to play in the NBL for the 2025-26 season if an NBA opportunity doesn’t materialize.
The 21-year-old is coming off a breakout season with the Nanjing Tongxi Monkey Kings in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), where he averaged 20.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Wei shot 41.4% from the field, 35.1% from three, and a stellar 88.2% at the free-throw line, becoming the only local player in the CBA to average over 20 points per game this season.
Wei’s scoring ability and quick first step make him a dangerous offensive weapon, but scouts note he’ll need to round out his game, particularly on the defensive end and in physical matchups, to thrive at the next level.
In his last four games of the CBA season, he continued to turn heads with high-level production:
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Mar 21 vs. Fujian – 24 PTS, 3 REB, 7 AST
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Mar 27 @ Sichuan – 36 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST
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Mar 31 @ Shanxi – 19 PTS, 1 REB, 3 AST
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Apr 4 @ Xinjiang – 37 PTS, 5 REB, 11 AST
In his last game, Lin Wei played 41 minutes and delivered a standout performance with 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists, teaming up with New Zealand big man Tacko Fall (10 points, 4 rebounds in 14 minutes). Despite their efforts, the Nanjing Tongxi Monkey Kings fell to Xinjiang Guanghui, 118–111, in a game that also featured Montrezl Harrell (16 points).
What makes Lin Wei even more valuable to NBL teams is his eligibility under the league’s Special Restricted Player rule, which allows Asian players to compete in the NBL without occupying an import spot and without counting against the team’s salary cap. This provides teams with significant roster flexibility. In other words, Wei is a high-upside, low-risk addition would be a huge addition to any NBL team’s roster.
Wei is part of a growing trend of Chinese prospects turning to the NBL as a springboard to the NBA. Players like Fanbo Zhang are reportedly considering similar paths, following in the footsteps of Zhou Qi, who played with the South East Melbourne Phoenix during the 2021-22 NBL season after facing contract restrictions in the CBA.
Those same restrictions—such as a one-year mandatory sit-out if a player changes teams—are prompting more young stars to look abroad, with the NBL becoming a proven launching pad for global talent.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Lin Wei’s next move will be closely watched. Whether it’s landing on an NBA roster or showcasing his skills in Australia, his trajectory is trending sharply upward. With proven scoring chops, international experience, and high market value, Wei could be one of the most impactful NBL signings in recent memory.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
