South Korean basketball player Lee Hyun-jung, 26, started in the NBA G League season opener for the Rip City Remix but struggled offensively as he resumed his pursuit of a place in the NBA.
Lee, who plays for the Portland Trail Blazers' G League affiliate, started against the Salt Lake City Stars at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Tuesday and played 24 minutes in the opening game of the 2026-2027 season.
He finished with three points, six rebounds, two assists and one blocked shot.
However, Lee struggled to demonstrate his trademark shooting ability.
He made just one of five field goal attempts, shooting 20 percent from the field, and converted one of four 3-point attempts for 25 percent.
With Rip City trailing 9-0 early in the first quarter, Lee scored his team's first points with a clean 3-pointer off an assist from Mark Sears. However, his subsequent shots missed the mark, and he failed to add to his scoring total.
Lee nevertheless contributed in other areas, grabbing six rebounds and creating opportunities for his teammates.
The Rip City Remix dominated much of the game to defeat Salt Lake City 108-93.
After finishing the first quarter with a 30-21 lead, Rip City scored another 30 points in the fourth quarter to secure a convincing opening victory.
Lee's teammate Caleb Houstan led the team with 28 points and 10 rebounds, including eight 3-pointers.
After graduating from Davidson College in the United States in 2022, Lee gained professional experience in Australia's National Basketball League and Japan's B.League.
He has returned to the G League this season as he continues his pursuit of an NBA career.
Lee will look to rediscover his shooting touch and improve on his opening performance when Rip City faces Salt Lake City again at the same venue Wednesday.
(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)
