Clippers Offering Choi Yongxi a 2-Year Contract? The Story That Defies Belief

Social media is full of surprises, from captivating entertainment clips to sports rumors that leave fans scratching their heads. Recently, a video went viral claiming that Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer was prepared to offer a two-year, $3 million contract to Choi Yongxi, a Chinese basketball player. The post, amassing 27,000 likes and nearly 5,000 shares, has sparked widespread discussion. However, upon closer examination, it’s clear that this story is nothing but a complete fabrication.

Choi Yongxi’s Recent Struggles

Choi Yongxi’s current situation makes this rumor entirely implausible. Just weeks ago, he was waived by the Brooklyn Nets after suffering a severe left ACL tear—a devastating injury for any professional athlete. Moreover, his on-court performances have been far from convincing.

• NBA Stats: In his brief stint with the Nets, Choi averaged just 0.6 points and 0.4 rebounds per game in regular-season appearances.
• G League Stats: During his time in the NBA’s developmental league, he managed 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, numbers that don’t exactly scream “NBA-ready.”

Given these circumstances, it’s no wonder that the claim of a lucrative two-year deal with the Clippers is being met with skepticism. While fans would love to see Choi achieve such success, the reality of his current standing in professional basketball paints a very different picture.

The Road to Recovery

Choi’s immediate priority is recovery. He is scheduled to undergo surgery for his ACL injury this week, with the Brooklyn Nets still covering the medical expenses. According to his agent, Li Qun, the injury, if treated successfully, is expected to reduce his explosiveness by only 1-2%. This minimal impact bodes well for Choi’s long-term career prospects.

Modern sports medicine has advanced to the point where players often return stronger after surgery. Many NBA athletes have bounced back from ACL injuries to achieve great success, and Choi could well join their ranks. However, the journey will not be easy, and his path back to the NBA likely involves several significant steps.

The Realistic Path Forward

Choi’s best chance of returning to the NBA lies in following a more traditional route. Once he has fully recovered, he’ll need to attend team tryouts or showcase his talents in the Summer League, where undrafted or unsigned players vie for roster spots. If he performs well, he could earn an Exhibit-10 contract (a deal that allows players to attend training camp and potentially join a team’s G League affiliate) or even a two-way contract, which splits time between the NBA and the G League.

A great example of this pathway is Isaiah Wang, a potential Chinese naturalized player who signed an Exhibit-10 deal with the Utah Jazz this summer. Wang excelled in the G League, averaging over 20 points per game, and later secured a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. His consistent performance has earned him a spot in the Hornets’ rotation, averaging 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2 assists over four games. If Wang can continue this trajectory, he’s likely to secure a full NBA contract in the near future.

Choi will need to replicate a similar formula: excel in the developmental league, attract attention, and gradually work his way back to the NBA.

The Challenges of NBA Dreams

For now, any talk of Choi signing a guaranteed NBA contract remains speculative at best. His recent injury, combined with his unimpressive stats, makes it unlikely for an NBA team to take a chance on him without seeing substantial improvement. Yet, fans remain hopeful. Choi’s journey represents the dream of countless aspiring basketball players, and his determination to overcome obstacles resonates with many.

As Choi begins his recovery process, all eyes will be on his progress. His agent’s optimism and the advanced medical treatments available in the U.S. provide some hope for his future. If he can regain his form, there’s no reason why Choi can’t work his way back into the NBA, albeit through a more realistic and challenging path.

For now, however, the viral rumor of a two-year Clippers deal should be treated as what it is—pure entertainment. It’s a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age and the importance of distinguishing fact from fiction.

Choi’s supporters, both in China and abroad, will undoubtedly continue to cheer for him as he embarks on this difficult but potentially rewarding journey. Whether he returns to the NBA or finds success in another professional league, his resilience and determination will undoubtedly inspire many.