The story of how Ri Myung-hun, a North Korean man also known as "Michael Ri", almost became Asia’s first NBA player. Unfortunately, geopolitical circumstances outside of his control made it impossible. Also: the return of Freak of the Week! --- An NBA history podcast about bad teams, bad luck, and bad decisions. Hosted by Lew @L0GICMASTER Please follow the show on Twitter/TikTok @backfiredNBApod News soundbites from ABC Australia and Channel 5 Singapore | “Be Like Mike” copyright Bayer Bess Vanderwarker | North Korean national anthem “Aegukka” copyright DPRK? | Player info from Basketball Reference Sources: CNN, Grantland, GQ, History Channel, Montreal Gazette, Newport News Daily Press, National Post, New York Times, NK News, Ottawa Citizen, San Diego Union-Tribune, Shreveport Times, Sports Illustrated, St. Paul Pioneer Press, The Province, Vancouver Sun