Kyle Anderson's maternal grandmother was born to a Chinese man and a Jamaican woman, making Anderson one-eight Chinese. The naturalization process started last year and is expected to finalized soon.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson is probably going to play in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The team he's going to represent, however, will be different from where he was born.
According to Mike Chain from South China Morning Post, Anderson is undergoing procedures to become a Chinese citizen. With the Timberwolves falling to the Denver Nuggets, the player is expected to fly to China and finish the naturalization process.
Even though the rules are stricter than in most other countries, the Wolves forward fits the bill to be a Chinese citizen. His maternal grandmother was born to a Chinese father and Jamaican mother, making Anderson one-eight Chinese.
Back in 2018, Anderson's family tracked down their relatives in China after his mother found out that her grandfather is from Xinmu New Village in Longgang, Shenzhen.
Anderson was given a Chinese name back then - Li Kaier. He averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game for the Timberwolves during the regular season. In four playoff games, his numbers were similar - 8.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.
Denver Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves