Ja Morant and other NBA stars found inspiration in the 'energetic' European fans as expansion talks continue, following a packed schedule of games across London.
NBA guard Ja Morant believes any player would enjoy playing in Europe's atmosphere. The Memphis Grizzlies star was part of a doubleheader at the O2 Arena, first taking on the Orlando Magic and then sitting courtside for Berlin's NBA game.
Morant described European fans as 'energetic', saying "It was great. Definitely a great experience. They were very energetic." He added that once both teams got going, the crowd fed off their energy. Morant also praised the experience of playing in London, stating it was a big thing for basketball and one he'd love to see more of.
The NBA is looking at ways to expand its presence in Europe with new talks underway. Commissioner Adam Silver believes European football fans could help grow interest in the sport. However, Orlando Magic star Moe Wagner wants to highlight that growth should be in its own right, not compared to soccer. Wagner expressed his gratitude for being part of a developing game.
The league's focus on globalisation has already led to an increase in talented international players. Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have shared five out of the last seven NBA Most Valuable Player awards between them, while Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama are at the forefront of the current year's MVP race.
NBA stars also paid tribute to Martin Luther King on MLK Day, a holiday that remembers one of the pioneers of the American Civil Rights Movement. Desmond Bane stated he thinks Dr. King's message is still pushed forward today, despite much work remaining to be done.
NBA guard Ja Morant believes any player would enjoy playing in Europe's atmosphere. The Memphis Grizzlies star was part of a doubleheader at the O2 Arena, first taking on the Orlando Magic and then sitting courtside for Berlin's NBA game.
Morant described European fans as 'energetic', saying "It was great. Definitely a great experience. They were very energetic." He added that once both teams got going, the crowd fed off their energy. Morant also praised the experience of playing in London, stating it was a big thing for basketball and one he'd love to see more of.
The NBA is looking at ways to expand its presence in Europe with new talks underway. Commissioner Adam Silver believes European football fans could help grow interest in the sport. However, Orlando Magic star Moe Wagner wants to highlight that growth should be in its own right, not compared to soccer. Wagner expressed his gratitude for being part of a developing game.
The league's focus on globalisation has already led to an increase in talented international players. Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have shared five out of the last seven NBA Most Valuable Player awards between them, while Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama are at the forefront of the current year's MVP race.
NBA stars also paid tribute to Martin Luther King on MLK Day, a holiday that remembers one of the pioneers of the American Civil Rights Movement. Desmond Bane stated he thinks Dr. King's message is still pushed forward today, despite much work remaining to be done.
and I gotta agree, it's not every day you see a crowd that hyped for hoops! 
but did you know the NBA league average attendance in the eu is around 8k per game? 
compare that to the US where the avg is over 17k... seems like europe still has some catching up to do 
btw, have you seen these stats on player movement from eu to us? 
it's crazy! 
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! Who wouldn't want to play ball in front of energetic crowds? [GIF of a crowd going wild cheering for their team]
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I guess what I'm saying is, it's a bit of both? 
But are we really looking at this as a way to grow the game, or just to cash in on European fans? 
I mean, Moe Wagner made some great points about not comparing growth to soccer or anything... 
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they're literally talking about bringing that soccer fanbase over 
it's gonna be lit 
and can you even imagine having martin luther king day as an nba holiday? 
what a way to celebrate the game and its impact on society 
️. I'm loving how talented international players are taking over the league, like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo - they're killing it on court 
. I gotta say, I was hyped seein' Ja Morant and the others rockin' out at the O2 Arena 
. And can we talk about how awesome it is to have players like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo bringin' that international flair to the league? it's like the game is gettin' a global vibe 
But for real, let's not forget about Martin Luther King and his message of equality, Desmond Bane said it all - we've got work to do but we're making progress! 
. But what's up with all the attention around Martin Luther King's message? I think its cool that NBA stars are still feeling that vibe 
. I mean, seriously though, it's nice that the NBA is trying to expand its presence in Europe, but we all know how that's gonna play out 
... just kidding, sorta. Anyway, love how Ja Morant and the gang are soaking up all that European vibes - guess they're really looking for a change of pace from Memphis traffic 
I think it's awesome that European fans are bringing that extra energy to NBA games! It's no surprise Ja Morant loved playing in London - the atmosphere was electric! 
I'm excited to see the NBA explore more European games, it could really boost interest in basketball. 
... and btw, Martin Luther King's message is still so relevant today 
, wouldn't it?!
. We've got some amazing international talent killing it on the court right now, and I think it's only going to bring more growth to the game. Plus, having players like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo making a name for themselves is proof that basketball can reach anyone, anywhere.
The whole scene reminds me of this diagram I drew last week:
i mean sure, soccer fans can be crazy but theres somethin special about basketball thats all about skill and teamwork u feel? 
what i'm really hoping is that we get to see more nba games in europe as it would be so cool for us to watch live 