Ex-NBA Star Darius Bazley Cut by Chinese Team After Altercation

Bazley's international basketball career takes another hit after incident with teammate.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:10am

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A vibrant, energetic painting with bold brushstrokes and neon colors depicting the chaotic movement and emotion of a basketball altercation, with players' forms dissolving into abstract shapes and splashes of paint.An explosive illustration captures the raw emotion and tension of a heated on-court altercation that led to a Chinese team cutting ties with a former NBA prospect.Oklahoma City Today

Former NBA player Darius Bazley, once a promising young prospect, has been cut by his Chinese team, the Ningbo Rockets, after a wild altercation with a teammate. The 25-year-old, who spent five seasons in the NBA, was released immediately while still in uniform, with the team citing a policy of no special privileges for foreign players.

Why it matters

Bazley's downward spiral since leaving the NBA highlights the challenges some young players face transitioning to international leagues, where the rules and culture can be vastly different. His dismissal could potentially end his professional basketball career outside the United States.

The details

According to reports, the incident occurred after Bazley refused to inbound the ball following a turnover, leading to an argument with a teammate. The altercation allegedly escalated, with Bazley shoving a teammate. The Ningbo Rockets swiftly cut ties with Bazley, citing their policy of not tolerating such behavior from foreign players.

  • Bazley signed with the Ningbo Rockets on March 7, 2026.
  • The incident leading to his dismissal occurred in early April 2026.

The players

Darius Bazley

A former NBA player who was once a promising young prospect, but has struggled to find success in his professional basketball career since leaving the league.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Bazley's former teammate with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who has since become one of the best players in the NBA.

Ningbo Rockets

The Chinese basketball team that cut Darius Bazley after the altercation with a teammate.

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What they’re saying

“'No foreign players have special privileges'”

— Ningbo Rockets, Team statement

What’s next

It remains to be seen what Bazley's next move will be, as his options may be limited after this incident. The G-League or other international leagues could still be possibilities, but his reputation may have taken a significant hit.

The takeaway

Bazley's fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale for young NBA players who struggle to adapt to the demands and expectations of professional basketball, both in the United States and abroad. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining discipline and professionalism, even when facing adversity in one's career.