Opening Night 13-Man Roster! Choi Yong-Hee, Let's Go! Finally Taking the Lead Role for His Team

Choi Yong-Hee is about to embark on a new chapter of his basketball journey. After a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA, he has now been assigned to the Long Island Nets, the G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, where he will continue to wear his signature No. 8 jersey. The upcoming season's opener against the Maine Celtics, last season's G League runners-up, will mark the start of a crucial phase in his career.

Choi's brief experience in the NBA so far has been limited to just two games—one against the Milwaukee Bucks and another against the Memphis Grizzlies. During these appearances, he didn't score a field goal, earning his first-ever regular-season point through free throws. His role on the NBA roster has largely been relegated to the bench, with little opportunity for substantial playing time. However, the G League presents a completely different opportunity. As a two-way player, Choi is expected to take on a more prominent role in Long Island, potentially even as a core player for the team.

During the preseason and early G League games, Choi has shown glimpses of his potential. With more freedom to handle the ball, create his own shots, and showcase his skills, he has demonstrated an ability to score in a variety of ways, including isolation plays and mid-range jump shots from the post. This is a far cry from the limited minutes he saw on the NBA stage, and it marks a significant step forward in his development.

The G League provides players like Choi with an invaluable chance to prove themselves and refine their game, often making it the perfect platform for young talent looking to gain experience and confidence. Although Choi will likely spend the majority of his time in the G League, he will still have the opportunity to return to the NBA if his performance warrants it. Whether through an impressive showing in the G League or a need for additional roster depth in Brooklyn, Choi could be called back up to the NBA at any time.

While Choi is preparing to make an impact in the G League, he is not the only high-profile player making the jump to development league action. LeBron James’ son, Bronny James, has also been assigned to the South Bay Lakers, the Lakers’ G League affiliate. Bronny is expected to make his G League debut this weekend in a matchup against the Utah Jazz’s affiliate team. Interestingly, Choi and Bronny have yet to face each other in the NBA, as the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers have not yet played each other this season. However, with both players now in the G League, there is a chance that we could see a battle between the two in the near future. Whether it's a competition to see who can throw the most dramatic towel toss from the bench or a late-game, garbage-time showdown, basketball fans are eager to see these two young stars in action.

Choi, on the other hand, already has experience going head-to-head with another rising star: Keita Bates-Diop. Known for his flashy play, Bates-Diop, who currently plays for the San Antonio Spurs, has shared the court with Choi on multiple occasions during NBA regular-season games. The two players, both from Asia, have made a habit of taking pictures together after these games, celebrating their shared experience of chasing their dreams in the NBA. In contrast, Bronny and Bates-Diop have been locked in fierce competition on the court, where both have showcased their talent in a more direct and intense manner.

Although Choi, Bronny, and Bates-Diop have all found themselves relegated to the fringes of the NBA so far in their careers, the G League offers a different story. For players like Choi, the G League represents an opportunity to return to center stage, where they can be the focal point of the offense and demonstrate their ability to lead a team. As a two-way player, Choi is not only expected to develop his individual game but also help drive his team’s success in the G League, where he can truly shine.

Choi’s transition to the G League is not without significance. The G League has become a critical platform for players to develop, refine their skills, and prepare for a potential return to the NBA. Players who excel in the G League are often given second chances to prove themselves at the highest level, and for Choi, this could be a pivotal moment in his career. If he performs well, he could earn a call-up to the Brooklyn Nets, where he would have the opportunity to compete for a more prominent role on the NBA roster.

In addition to the chance for a call-up to the NBA, Choi’s time in the G League will also allow him to build his confidence and develop his game in ways that simply weren't possible when he was sitting on the NBA bench. He will have the freedom to be more aggressive on offense, taking on a greater share of the scoring load and showcasing his skills as a playmaker. With ample playing time and a chance to develop a rhythm, Choi could become one of the G League’s breakout stars this season.

Fans of the Brooklyn Nets are excited to see how Choi will perform in the G League, as his progression could be crucial for the team’s future. While the Nets’ NBA roster is packed with star players like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, having strong depth and promising young talent is just as important for the team’s long-term success. If Choi can continue to develop in the G League, he could become a valuable asset for the Nets, both as a future contributor to their NBA roster and as a potential trade piece.

For Choi, this is a critical opportunity to prove that he belongs in the NBA. After spending time as a bench player with the Nets, he now has the chance to show what he can do when given more responsibility. Whether or not this leads to an NBA call-up remains to be seen, but for now, Choi’s journey is far from over.

As the season kicks off for the Long Island Nets, all eyes will be on Choi Yong-Hee. With a chance to be the focal point of his team’s offense, he has the opportunity to make a name for himself in the G League and perhaps earn his way back to the NBA. The opening game against the Maine Celtics will be the first step in what promises to be an exciting season for Choi. It’s time for him to step up, take on a leadership role, and show everyone that he’s ready for the challenge.