Marcus Williams (left) and Charles Gaines (Shanxi Brave Dragons)

Not as famous as the NBA players who jumped to China during last year's lockout, the duo of Williams and Gaines provided reliability and efficiency for the Brave Dragons and helped the small-market team reach the semifinals for the first time last season.

Their presence transformed Shanxi's thin roster into an elite squad while also drawing unprecedented focus on the team's home city of Taiyuan, which used to be a speck on the nation's basketball map.

The club has signed the tandem for another year at double their salaries, so expect at least a repeat of last season's performance.