Chinese forward He Tianju begins practicing with Pelicans summer team today

The subject of considerable attention this month from a nation of 1.3 billion people, Chinese 6-foot-9 forward He Tianju begins practicing Monday afternoon with the New Orleans Pelicans’ summer league team in Metairie. Befitting of a player with a large spotlight on him, He’s trip to the United States is being documented by a film crew from his pro team, Liaoning Jeibo.

He, who shot 42 percent from three-point range with Liaoning during the 2014-15 season, will join his Pelicans summer teammates for daily practices this week, prior to traveling to Las Vegas on Thursday afternoon.