[On-site Interview] Lee Hyun-joong: "San Antonio general manager contacted me first; I felt they wanted to test me"

*This content was translated by AI.

Korean national basketball team ace Lee Hyun-joong (26) embarks on his third challenge to join the National Basketball Association (NBA). This summer, Lee Hyun-joong will wear the San Antonio Spurs uniform and participate in the Summer League. This marks his third NBA challenge. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, there are numerous positive signs. Drawing on past experiences, Lee Hyun-joong stated, "I have become stronger." Unlike previous attempts, San Antonio's interest in him appears to be substantial.

On the 6th, Lee Hyun-joong attended the NBA Final Viewing Party held at Seoul Yongsan-gu CGV Yongsan i-Park Mall and conducted an interview with reporters. At the event, Lee Hyun-joong shared his resolve ahead of the NBA Summer League participation and his changed mindset.

Above all, he learned a great deal from his previous Summer League challenge. Lee Hyun-joong said, "My mindset has changed significantly. I have learned and studied extensively how to approach things and how to present myself to survive."

He continued, "In a way, I have experienced many failures. Through those failures, I learned a lot and believe I have become mentally tougher and stronger. I have learned many ways to overcome and navigate through those processes."

According to Lee Hyun-joong's agency, Epic Sports, several NBA teams expressed interest in him, and San Antonio was ultimately selected as his final destination. This is his third Summer League challenge. Previously, Lee Hyun-joong participated in the NBA Summer League twice but did not receive sufficient playing opportunities. However, this time, San Antonio's interest in Lee Hyun-joong is significant.

Lee Hyun-joong said, "I heard that the San Antonio general manager contacted me first," and added, "I am also grateful that it is a prestigious team. This time, I felt much more like they said, 'We want to test you,' rather than just 'We'll just put you in.'"

Coincidentally, San Antonio is competing with the New York Knicks for the championship in the 2025-2026 season finals. When asked about his prediction for the champion, Lee Hyun-joong said, "From a roster perspective, I think San Antonio will win the championship." He added, "Of course, I always dream of winning, as do all players. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity."

Lee Hyun-joong had an outstanding time. As the ace of Nagasaki Velca in the Japanese B. League for the 2025-2026 season, he led the club to its first-ever unified championship. In 57 regular-season games, he averaged 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, leading the entire league in both three-point shooting percentage (47.9%) and three-pointers made (187).

He was also strong in the playoffs. In the quarterfinals' second game, Lee Hyun-joong recorded a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds. In the decisive third game of the finals, where the championship was on the line, he scored 23 points with 5 rebounds, including three three-pointers, leading his team to victory. He secured the B. League Best 5, the Asia quota Choi U-su-seon (수상), and the Championship MVP, completely making the Japanese league his own stage.

However, Lee Hyun-joong maintained a humble attitude despite his confidence. Even immediately after winning the B. League championship, he began training. He said, "I have gained confidence in how to approach games as a shooter. I also know there are still deficiencies in my defense, so I want to show good performance in those areas."

Rather than attaching great significance to participating in the Summer League itself, he viewed it as a process to prove himself again. Lee Hyun-joong stated, "Honestly, I have not achieved anything yet. Until I achieve it, nothing matters. I just see it as one process, and there is still a long way to go." He added, "I will not try too hard to show off; instead, I will be confident and be myself."

The motivation to keep challenging was clear. Lee Hyun-joong said, "It is because it is my dream," and added, "I am doing this not because someone forced me, but because it is my dream."

He also expressed his sense of responsibility toward Korean basketball. He said, "I want to show that Korean basketball has grown this much. I am extremely grateful to the fans who always support me wherever I go. The reason I can continue to challenge my dreams is thanks to the love of the fans. I will work harder in the future to become a player that Korean fans can be proud of."

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*This content was translated by AI.