Yi Jianlian to Join the Milwaukee Bucks

Getting Yi Jianlian to Milwaukee was no slam dunk. (AP Images)

Yi Jianlian is expected to arrive in Milwaukee late Wednesday.

The Bucks' 6-foot 11-inch first-round draft pick recently finished up with the Chinese national basketball team and after a long holdout with Milwaukee management looks ready to begin his career in the NBA.

"I know he's really excited about getting here," Bucks general manager Larry Harris said. "Probably his most relaxing time will be on that flight."

Yi will start practice immediately and take part in the Bucks' scrimmage at the Bradley Center on Saturday.

Chinese fans from the Milwaukee area are planning on meeting Yi when he arrives at O'Hare international airport on Wednesday and are tasked with trying to convince him that Wisconsin will be a great place for him to live and play.

The Bucks’ off season was highlighted by the difficulties of convincing the Chinese star to sign with the club, however, this was not its only road bump. Guard Charlie Bell had hoped to join the Miami Heat as a free agent but much to his displeasure the Bucks matched the offer sheet and he will remain in Milwaukee.

"Right now it's tough, it's going to take a while," Bell said of the $18.5 million contract. "A lot of people just say take the money and be happy, but at the same time, you got to have dignity and you got to have a heart. Where I come from, you take care of people that do the job and at the same time, it's a business. I hope fans just understand it's not about the money."

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