Deron Williams cheers for a player during a game in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, Aug 9, 2026. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

He also recalled his visit to Shanghai and the city's landmark Oriental Pearl Tower.

"I remember the tower in Shanghai too. It has the best view of the city. The whole landscape, the architecture. Shanghai is pretty international too."

Of China's many iconic tourist attractions, however, the Great Wall remains at the top of Williams' list.

"I'll give it a 10/10. It's incredible to see something like that built across the mountains, not to mention they did it a long time ago without any tractors or cranes."