Team World’s roster, in addition to NBA Players’ Association president Chris Paul, includes Bradley Beal (Washington Wizards; U.S.), Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets; U.S.), Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies; Spain) and his brother Pau Gasol (Chicago Bulls), Jeff Green (Grizzlies; U.S.), Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics; U.S.), Evan Turner (Celtics; U.S.), and Nikola Vucevic (Orlando Magic; Montenegro). And it’s also to test the response here. The team will be captained by Luol Deng of the Miami Heat, who commented on the historic nature of the game earlier this week.
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Names such as Giannis “the Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo of Milwaukee Bucks, Bismarck “the Business” Biyombo from the Toronto Raptors and championship victor with Golden State Warriors Festus Ezeli just roll off the tongue.
This game’s the next step in the league’s links to Africa that began with the first-round draft of Hakeem Olajuwon by the Houston Rockets in 1984, Silver said.
The NBA’s presence in Africa, and particularly southern Africa, is still comparatively small. But it’s sold out and it’s a start, Silver told a small group of reporters at his hotel.
The team features a few of the best young players in basketball, regardless of descent. “The players are bringing their talents direct to Johannesburg as opposed to people getting it off media”.
Chris Paul dribbles during the Basketball Without Borders Africa training in Johannesburg, South Africa. His first trip to Africa was for another Basketball Without Borders event in 2012.
Adam Silver has big plans to expand the NBA’s reach.
A glittering array of basketball players, coaches, former players and administrators made their first public appearance yesterday ahead of the Team World versus Team Africa exhibition game.
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“It’s premature to talk about that specific negotiation (collective bargaining)”, Silver said.
