Can He Make a CBA Comeback? Guangdong’s Former Star Left Sidelined After Major Injury Despite Last Season’s 32+14 Explosion

With three months to go before the new CBA season tips off, teams are still busy strengthening their rosters. However, the league’s policy of not offering guaranteed contracts to foreign players has pushed many top-tier imports to pursue opportunities overseas. Among them is former Shanghai Sharks guard Tremont Waters, who suffered a devastating Achilles tendon rupture earlier this year. Currently in the midst of rehabilitation, Waters even missed the Americas Cup due to the injury. What’s concerning is that there have been no reports linking him to CBA tryouts this offseason. Combined with his size disadvantage, the odds of Waters making a CBA comeback look increasingly slim.

Strong Debut with Guangdong

Waters first caught the attention of Guangdong thanks to his standout performance at the Basketball World Cup. He officially joined the CBA in the 2023–24 season, and in his debut year, he quickly proved himself as a dynamic guard. In 51 regular-season appearances, he averaged 20.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.9 steals in just 22.3 minutes per game, shooting an impressive 36.6% from beyond the arc with 2.6 three-pointers made per night. Despite these strong numbers, his role diminished in the playoffs under coach Du Feng, where his averages dipped to 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.

Short Stint in Shanghai

The following season, Waters moved to the Shanghai Sharks but played only 10 games. Even so, he delivered solid production with 18.5 points, 7.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. His most memorable performance came against Qingdao, where he erupted for 32 points, 14 assists, and 4 rebounds, drilling 9-of-18 from three-point range. Yet, due to stylistic clashes with the team’s system, Shanghai opted to part ways with him early.

Technically, Waters remains a highly skilled floor general. He boasts sharp ball-handling, lightning-quick drives, elite foul-drawing ability, and excellent court vision. His mid- and long-range shooting is consistent, and he has proven he can deliver in clutch moments. However, when tasked as a primary ball-dominant option for a playoff contender, he often becomes a defensive target. Waters seems better suited to complement a strong roster as a secondary foreign import, where his strengths can shine without overexposure.

Future Prospects

With the CBA raising the bar for foreign talent, even those who secure contracts face the risk of mid-season cuts if they don’t meet performance expectations. For the 27-year-old Waters, the chances of returning to China appear slim. Instead, Europe looks like a more likely destination once he completes his recovery. Should he regain his peak form, Waters still has the talent to attract significant interest from competitive clubs abroad.