NBA player Kyle Anderson, born in New York, obtains Chinese citizenship; will play for China in World Cup

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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson obtained Chinese citizenship and will compete in the upcoming FIBA World Cup for China, the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) announced Monday.

Anderson was born in New York City and played high school basketball at St. Anthony’s in Jersey City, New Jersey. Chinese media said Anderson’s maternal grandmother was born in Jamaica to a Chinese father and a Jamaican mother, allowing Anderson to gain citizenship, according to Reuters.

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Kyle Anderson of the Timberwolves handles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans at Target Center on April 9, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

He was dubbed Li Kai’er in a news release.

"With the promotion and support of all parties, Li Kai'er obtained Chinese nationality this morning," the CBA said on its Weibo account, according to the Agence French-Presse. 

"We thank all parties for their support and help, Li's family for their support, and the fans and media for their long-term attention to the Chinese men's basketball team."

Anderson was seen in a photo next to Yao Ming, the former Houston Rockets star and current president of the CBA. 

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Kyle Anderson of the Minnesota Timberwolves smiles against the Lakers during the Play-In Tournament on April 11, 2023, at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

It’s unclear if Anderson renounced his American nationality. China’s strict rules usually prevent dual nationality for its citizens, according to Reuters.

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