Shanghai Sharks

The Shanghai Sharks (simplified Chinese: 上海久事大鲨鱼; traditional Chinese: 上海久事大鯊魚; pinyin: Shànghǎi Jǐushì Dàshāyú) are a Chinese Basketball Association team based in Shanghai.

The Sharks, who share their colors with the New York Knicks, are best known outside China for having developed Yao Ming before he entered the National Basketball Association. Yao was the driving force behind their three consecutive appearances in the finals (1999–2000, 2000–01, and 2001–02), facing the Bayi Rockets each time. The Sharks were runners-up the first two years, but won for the first time on their third try, breaking the Rockets' streak of six CBA championships in a row.

In August 1979, the Sharks played the Washington Bullets, the first NBA team to travel to China,^: 156 with Yao Zhiyuan - father of Yao Ming - as their center.^: 156

The team faced serious financial issues in the 2008–09 season, and were in danger of not being able to compete in the following season. On July 16, 2009, Chinese media reported that Yao Ming had stepped in to purchase the team.

In the 2021–22 season, under Li Chunjiang, the Sharks experienced a high bested only by the Yao era, reinvigorating their place among China's best basketball teams. Around that time, alongside the CBA as a whole, they became an Internet meme as a future landing spot for high profile NBA stars who underperform in a game or series, particularly in the playoffs. Kyle Kuzma, Ben Simmons, and Dillon Brooks were prominent victims of such jokes.

The Shanghai Sharks are a professional basketball team based in Shanghai, China. They compete in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and are one of the most successful teams in the league. The team was established in 1996 and has since become a powerhouse in Chinese basketball.

The Shanghai Sharks are known for their fast-paced and exciting style of play, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and skillful ball movement. They have a loyal fan base that fills the stands at every home game, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

The team has produced several talented players who have gone on to have successful careers in the CBA and even in the NBA. The Shanghai Sharks have a rich history of success, with multiple CBA championships to their name.

Overall, the Shanghai Sharks are a respected and competitive team in Chinese basketball, known for their exciting style of play and passionate fan base.