Ex-NBA Center Earl Barron To Play in Chinese League

Bakersfield Jam center Earl Barron has reportedly signed a deal to play with the Chinese basketball team Shanxi Zhongyu, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports.

Barron originally signed with the Phoenix Suns at the start of the 2014-2015 season, but was waived to make room for veteran big man Shavlik Randolph shortly after training camp.

A week later he was picked up by the Bakersfield Jam as an affiliate player, and played phenomenal through 25 games, earning the NBA D-League Player of the Week with averages of 31.9 points, 12 rebounds and 1 steal on 57.1% shooting.

Once Barron completes his stint in the Chinese Basketball Association, he will be eligible to return to the NBA on March 15th or any date after.

There’s several teams in playoff contention that could use a reserve big man of Barron’s caliber, given the lack of high quality centers currently available on the open market.

Last year Barron was a hot commodity before the start of the season, garnering interest from the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers.

Believe it or not, the journeyman has spent 7 years in the NBA over his basketball career, playing with the Miami Heat (2005-2008), New York Knicks (2010, 2013), Phoenix Suns (2010), Milwaukee Bucks (2011), Portland Trailblazers (2011), Golden State Warriors (2012) and Washington Wizards (2012).