Pioneers vs. Spurs Preview: Choi Yong-hui Makes NBA Debut, Top-10 Draft Pick Klingner Faces off Against Castle

On July 14, the NBA Summer League will feature a match between the Pioneers and the Spurs.

The Pioneers have just concluded an internal teaching game against the Chinese national men’s basketball team, ultimately winning 61-42. With the addition of Choi Yong-hui, the Pioneers have become one of the most watched teams in the Summer League. In this teaching game, Choi Yong-hui hit three three-point shots for a total of nine points, two rebounds, and one steal. The upcoming game against the Spurs will also be Choi Yong-hui’s first official game representing the Pioneers. Whether he gets enough playing time and performs well is attracting the attention of many domestic fans.

In addition to Choi Yong-hui, the Pioneers selected seventh pick Klingner in the draft, whose performance is also worth watching. As a center standing at 2.18 meters tall with a wingspan of 2.31 meters, Klingner was once a top pick candidate. Last season at the University of Connecticut, he averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. Klingner has a body strength that defies his age, with a shooting percentage exceeding 63%, and excellent defense and rim protection. However, his mobility and offensive skills are lacking, and his health is also a concern.

The Spurs have already played three games in the Summer League, winning only against the Chinese national team and losing the other two, scoring less than 65 points in each loss. The most noteworthy player on the Spurs’ roster is fourth pick Castle. In the game against China, Castle scored 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists, but missed all six of his three-point attempts. Aside from Castle, Ward and Ingram should be the main offensive threats for the Spurs, and their performances are crucial for the Spurs.

Pioneers Roster: 54 Kennedy Chandler, 23 Donovan Klingner, 59 Choi Yong-hui, 52 Kendrick Davis, 53 Quinn Ellis, 61 Jawan Johnson, 60 Spencer Jones, 62 Lee Hyeon-jong, 24 Justin Minaya, 19 Chris Murray, 68 Olivier Kambo, 64 Alex Reese, 21 Ryan Lepere, 56 Tequavion Smith

Spurs Roster: 5 Castle, 7 David Duke, 15 Bouye, 17 Nelson, 18 Horn, 19 Yauhen Massalski, 25 Sissoko, 27 Avdalogic, 29 Darell Green, 31 Mensa, 34 Minix, 35 Tyson Ward, 36 Milner, 37 Radford, 41 Gray, 55 Harrison Ingram

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