5 Players We'd Love to See Return to NBA Amid Chinese Basketball Association Shutdown

The Chinese Basketball Association has suspended its season amid the coronavirus outbreak, and that has left several former NBA players in limbo. There are rumors of players trying to void their contracts and make a return to the U.S.

With Chasson Randle already having gone through that process and signed with the Golden State Warriors, it's possible other players follow in his footsteps.

A list of former NBA players in the CBA features both talent and former fan favorites. Five guys in particular stand out as interesting options to join teams before the postseason begins.

5. Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin could return to the NBA after one season in China. / Fred Lee/Getty Images

Jeremy Lin won a title with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and proceeded to head to China to join the Beijing Ducks. Lin became more of a reserve player during the latter half of the past decade after the initial "Linsanity" wore off. He could join a contending team to add both experience and depth for a postseason run.

4. Ty Lawson

Ty Lawson has had several stints in China. / Fred Lee/Getty Images

Ty Lawson is currently a member of the Fujian Sturgeons. Before that he spent the 2018 postseason with the Washington Wizards and has had stints with four other NBA teams. Lawson is a well-traveled veteran who has a career average of nearly 13 points per game in the NBA. He is a former first-round pick and could reprise his 2018 role as a playoff specialist for a team with an open guard spot.

3. Tyler Hansbrough

Tyler Hansbrough last played in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets. / Rocky W. Widner/Getty Images

Tyler Hansbrough has been out of the NBA since 2016. Since then he has been carving out a career for himself in the CBA with three different teams. He is a 20-10 guy in the CBA and could provide energy and experience off the bench for NBA teams in any situation. The former North Carolina Tar Heel could also join a non-contender and become a starter to restart his domestic career at the age of 34.

2. Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass has been in the CBA since 2017. / Fred Lee/Getty Images

Brandon Bass' best NBA stint came in Boston where he played in nearly every game from the 2011-12 season through 2014-15. He averaged around 10 points per game and his success landed him jobs with both Los Angeles teams before he headed to China in 2017. There Bass has been with the Liaoning Flying Leopards. He has plenty of experience on successful teams to be a top target heading into the postseason.

1. Lance Stephenson

Lance Stephenson could end up with one of his former teams. / Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Rumors have already surfaced of the Indiana Pacers being interested in Lance Stephenson if he becomes available. He is still only 29 years old and his past success speaks for itself. He is a hard-nosed player could be beginning his third stint in Indiana soon. Stephenson has had injury concerns, but did play in 68 games for the Lakers last season and averaged 16.5 minutes per game.