The NBA players, including Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, Jeremy Sochan, and others, discussed the potential NBA expansion to Europe, unanimously supporting the idea.
NBA arrived for another edition in Europe, as the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers are set to meet each other in a double-header in Paris.
Jeremy Sochan
| Team: |
San Antonio Spurs |
| Position: | PF |
| Age: | 21 |
| Height: | 203 cm |
| Weight: | 104 kg |
| Birth place: | Oklahoma, United States of America |
However, unlike the previous editions in London and Paris, this one feels different because of the ongoing talks about a potential NBA expansion to Europe.
It seems that no one knows in which shape or form it will happen, but many are convinced that it will become a reality sooner or later.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, FIBA Secretary Director Andreas Zagklis, and other basketball executives like ASVEL's Tony Parker and Paris Basketball's David Kahn talked about it.
The hope is that Silver will clarify the current situation in an upcoming press conference.
Nevertheless, as we wait for the crucial decisions, several NBA players shared their thoughts on the possibility of playing against European teams. Surprisingly or not, all of them unanimously supported such an idea.
BasketNews asked a few players from the Spurs and Pacers an identical question: Would they be open to playing against the European teams if the NBA expansion leads to regular season games?
"I love it [the whole idea]. I think it would be dope," Myles Turner admitted. "I think there's such a big debate on where the best basketball is played, and I think that there's different styles here in Europe than there is in America."
"I'll definitely be open to it. It's more competition. It's good for the brand. It's more viewership, and who knows what potential partnerships come out of that," he added.
Meanwhile, Harrison Barnes showed great knowledge of the EuroLeague.
"Yeah, I have no issue with that [playing against European teams]. I have a lot of friends who play in the EuroLeague. So, I definitely keep up with those games, watch my friends all the time," Barnes revealed. "So, you know, playing against them in the season, and give them a few buckets… I have no issue with that."
"Obviously, I'm happy to see Sasha and Olympiacos
