Locking Out Choi Yong-Hee! Zero Points, All Zeros! The Nets Show No Mercy…

The Brooklyn Nets are set to host the defending champions, the Boston Celtics, with the team recently updating its lineup. Interestingly, Choi Yong-Hee remains with the main squad, despite not having an injury or being assigned to the G League. This signals the team's decision to keep him on the active roster for the time being. However, earlier reports suggested that following a recent three-game road trip, Choi would indeed be sent down to the G League to gain experience. But with this new update, it appears Choi is staying put with the main roster.

Some fans might wonder, “Isn’t it better for him to stay with the main team?” Yet, a deeper look shows why that's not necessarily the case. Choi has not played in six consecutive games. Instead, he's been glued to the bench, his stats remaining untouched and his involvement limited to cheering from the sidelines. His presence in the team photo and participation in training sessions aside, it’s clear the 21-year-old needs more on-court time to truly develop his game.

A Rough Patch with No Playing Time

The Nets aren’t necessarily overlooking Choi, nor have they forgotten about his potential. It’s more a matter of timing. This season, nearly every game the Nets play is highly competitive. Their last few games—106-104 against the Grizzlies, 104-108 to the Celtics, and a close 100-105 to the Cavaliers—show just how intense things are. The Nets have been engaged in nail-biting finishes, and there simply haven’t been any “garbage time” minutes to give Choi.

The team’s current competitive nature isn’t ideal for experimenting with rookie players, especially one who’s still adjusting to the NBA’s level of play. Although practice time with elite teammates and under professional-level coaching is valuable, real game experience is invaluable. Choi needs on-court opportunities to refine his skills and strengthen his competitive instincts.

Many believe the Nets would do well to assign Choi to the G League for a few games. Even a single game could provide him a boost in confidence and real gameplay experience. It would be a strategy similar to what the Lakers did with Bronny James recently. Bronny made his G League debut last week, putting in 31 minutes, though he struggled with his shooting (2 of 9 field goals and 0 of 4 from three). Nevertheless, his stat line was well-rounded with six points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. After this single game, Bronny rejoined the Lakers for a three-game road trip, which set a clear path for future rotations.

Analyzing the Nets' Approach and Recent Performance

The Nets’ competitive nature and no-tank mentality suggest a strong push to avoid a bottom-tier record. Sitting at 5-6 and sixth in the Eastern Conference, the Nets have shown no signs of conceding games to secure a higher draft pick. Leading this effort is rising star Cam Thomas, who’s emerged as a major scoring force with averages of 24.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. With a usage rate of 30.7%, Thomas ranks 12th in the league, cementing his role as the team's scoring leader and an All-Star contender.

As for Ben Simmons, the player who was supposed to be the face of the franchise, he’s recently been demoted to a bench role for the past two games. At first glance, this could seem like a setback, especially considering he’s in a contract year. Yet Simmons has handled the situation impressively, turning in two balanced performances. Across these games, Simmons recorded 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 20 assists combined. In the Pelicans game, he managed six points, five boards, and 12 assists in only 22 minutes, putting up a stat line that made him the first player since Jason Kidd in franchise history to achieve such numbers.

This shift has even won over some previously skeptical voices in the media. Ben Stinar, a noted NBA analyst, remarked that Simmons’s presence on the floor genuinely enhances his teammates' performance and suggested he might be worth a renewed contract with the Nets. If Simmons can maintain his current form and remain healthy, several teams would likely express interest in offering him a new deal. However, the days of Simmons commanding a max contract are likely over; he’s lost too much of his scoring potential, with his reluctance to attempt three-pointers being a major concern.

For the season, Simmons has averaged 6.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in about 24.5 minutes per game. His 62.2% field goal shooting is efficient, though he hasn’t taken a single three-pointer this season, marking his third consecutive season with single-digit scoring averages. The former All-Star version of Simmons, it appears, may be gone for good.

Why Development in the G League Is Crucial for Choi Yong-Hee

Choi Yong-Hee is caught in a tricky situation. Though he trains alongside elite players and is under the guidance of NBA-level coaches, the actual game minutes that are critical for development are missing. Despite his potential, he’s being restricted to a morale-boosting role on the bench. The NBA's atmosphere is intense, and players often find their roles defined sharply—either they’re in the thick of the action or they're essentially spectators. For young players like Choi, time in the G League can bridge this gap, turning talent into consistent on-court performance.

Comparisons to Bronny James’s recent experience make a compelling case. Bronny’s brief G League stint didn’t produce standout numbers but gave him a rare opportunity to get a feel for the game in a competitive setting. In the same way, the Nets could benefit from assigning Choi to the G League temporarily, allowing him to gain experience and return with greater confidence.

For Choi, G League time would allow him to sharpen his in-game instincts, work through his weaknesses, and gain practical exposure to high-level basketball. Players benefit immensely from these minutes in real games, where they make decisions under pressure. A G League stint could re-energize Choi, helping him return to the NBA with stronger fundamentals and mental preparedness.

The Nets have had a productive start this season, but they haven’t exactly been world-beaters. Every game has been a battle, with the margins too close to guarantee Choi playing time. Fans may feel frustrated seeing Choi idle on the bench, but the current roster dynamics are designed around winning. G League minutes could be a more practical solution, giving Choi the floor time he needs.

The Bigger Picture: Brooklyn’s Quest for Relevance

The Nets’ approach this season has defied some expectations, as they’ve kept themselves competitive and avoided slipping into tanking territory. Head coach Jacque Vaughn and the front office have taken an approach focused on development within the context of winning. The coaching staff’s trust in players like Thomas and a revived Simmons (in his new role) has paid off so far.

Yet, even with this commitment to competitiveness, there remains a development gap for younger players like Choi. Balancing the team’s objectives with individual player growth is challenging, particularly in such a tightly contested Eastern Conference. The need to win each game makes it difficult to offer bench players the exposure they need.

The Nets’ stance on avoiding tanking also impacts how they use Choi. Their early-season 5-6 record is good enough for sixth in the East, and there’s no sign of them switching to a rebuilding strategy. Instead, the team is focused on staying competitive, showcasing players like Thomas, and gradually restoring Simmons’s value. Every game matters in their fight for relevancy, so they’re unwilling to disrupt the balance for the sake of experimentation. Choi's minutes are thus sacrificed, and unless there are blowouts, his only way to shine is likely to be through a G League assignment.

Despite these challenges, Choi has a future in the league, and the Nets likely recognize his potential. G League time would allow him to transition from the sidelines to a contributor, using real minutes to work on his timing, confidence, and court awareness. A temporary stint with a recall option could be a win-win solution, ensuring his growth while allowing the Nets to stay competitive.

In the end, Choi’s progress will depend not just on practice and time with the Nets but on his exposure to game situations that test his abilities. If he can gain this through the G League and return with an enhanced skill set, he’ll be better prepared to make an impact when his NBA opportunity arrives. Until then, he’ll have to bide his time on the bench, waiting for the right moment to show what he can bring to Brooklyn’s lineup.