Tag: NBA

NBA and Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi Announce Multiyear Partnership to Host First NBA Games in the United Arab Emirates

The partnership will also include a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, November 16, 2021/ — Groundbreaking Partnership Marks First NBA Games in the Arabian Gulf; partnership Also Includes Fan Events, Jr. NBA Leagues for Boys and Girls, NBA Fit Clinics and NBA 2K League Events Beginning in 2022.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced a groundbreaking multiyear partnership to host the first NBA games in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The two NBA preseason games in Abu Dhabi in October 2022 will mark the league’s first games in the Arabian Gulf. The participating teams and host venue will be announced at a later date. Fans can register their interest in receiving more information by visiting NBA.com/abudhabi.

The partnership will see DCT Abu Dhabi, under “Visit Abu Dhabi,” the tourism promotion initiative of the UAE’s capital city, serve as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.

The partnership will also include a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, the launch of Jr. NBA Leagues for boys and girls at schools across the UAE fostering teamwork and inclusion, a series of NBA FIT Clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.

“Today’s announcement further demonstrates the emirate’s position as a top-tier home for global sports and for attracting the very best talent,” said DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. “As Abu Dhabi is committed to further developing as a dynamic global destination, adding the NBA to our impressive year-round portfolio of sports and entertainment events only reinforces the UAE capital’s standing as a centre of sporting excellence. We look forward to the NBA playing an integral role in developing young talent and healthy lifestyles at the grassroots level – the heart of the UAE’s strategy – which places great emphasis on empowering youth and building a sustainable future for the nation and future generations.”

“As we celebrate the NBA’s 75^th Anniversary Season, partnering with DCT Abu Dhabi to bring the first NBA and NBA 2K League games and events to the UAE marks an important milestone in basketball’s continued global growth,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum. “Abu Dhabi is a vibrant multicultural hub with a demonstrated track record of hosting world-class sporting events, and this partnership will not only bring the live NBA and NBA 2K League experience to fans in the Middle East, but it will also create opportunities for boys and girls to learn the fundamentals and core values of the game through a variety of grassroots programming and fan events.”

NBA games and programming reach fans in the Middle East on beIN SPORTS, The Sports Channel and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service. More than 220 male and female prospects from the region – including five players from the UAE – have participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB) or NBA Academy, the league’s elite basketball development programs for top prospects from outside the U.S. Since 2019, more than 500 boys and girls have participated in the NBA Basketball School Dubai (UAE), a year-round, tuition-based basketball development program for boys and girls ages 6-18.

Abu Dhabi has consistently demonstrated its capabilities in hosting world-class sporting events. Pioneering initiatives such as DCT Abu Dhabi’s “Go Safe Certification” highlight the city’s unwavering commitment to the community and visitors’ health and safety, while enabling it to continue to hold the best of live sporting events.

November 16, 2021
NBA: Steph Curry becomes the Greatest Of All Time for the most 3 pointers in NBA history

Steph Curry recently became the all-time three-pointer leader tonight after his stupendous display against the Chicago Bulls. Before tonight’s game, Curry had 3,350 three-pointers which are even below Ray Allen’s (3,358). The fate was with him as he surpassed the numbers of his contemporaries.

Previously, in various interviews, Steph stated his wish to surpass Allen in this specific stat. It became quite obvious that he would outshine Allen’s numbers but doing it as he entered the second youth of his career is something nobody thought of!

SportsCenter tweeted “Steph Curry has passed Ray Allen for the most three pointers made all-time (including playoffs). Curry- 3359+ Allen- 3358”

ESPN tweeted “With this three, Steph Curry passed Ray Allen for the most three pointers made all-time (including playoffs)”

You may perceive that Curry’s achievement is great, not extraordinary but when you see the number of games it took him to reach there, you may change your notion. It took Allen 1,471 games to get there(regular season and the playoffs) whereas it took Steph only 886 games to beat one of his childhood icons.

Analyzing the stats of Steph Curry and Ray Allen

When you add post-season statistics, the results may slightly vary. Ray Allen still has a bigger record than Curry, 2,973- 2,896. With his stunning performance, he will cover those 78 3s in no time. But in everyone’s thought, he has already become the greatest player in NBA.

In recent times, Michael Jordan is the only player to have made his team Chicago Bulls win six championships. Steph in his career has has three wins out of four in NBA finals with the Warriors. The pace at which Steph Curry is playing, very soon he will be breaking his record as well.

Curry’s magnificent play has enabled the Warriors to an 11-1 record, making it the best in the league. The team ranks second in offensive efficiency (112.8), and first in defensive efficiency (98.7). The net rating is 14.1.

Golden State Warriors will play its next four games on the road, starting Sunday in Charlotte.

Read more: Virat Kohli is likely to skip the entire New Zealand series

November 13, 2021

NBA Rosters Feature 109 International Players From 39 Countries

The 2021-22 season tipping off tonight marks the eighth consecutive season that opening-night rosters feature at least 100 international players

NEW YORK, United States of America, October 21, 2021/ — Landmark 75^th Anniversary Season Marks Eighth Consecutive Year With at Least 100 International Players; Toronto Raptors Feature Record-Tying 10 International Players, Followed by the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder with Seven Each; 13 African Players on Opening-Night Rosters.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that 109 international players from 39 countries are on opening-night rosters for its landmark 75^th Anniversary Season, including a record number of players from Canada (18), Germany (seven) and the Bahamas (three), and a record-tying number of players from Nigeria (five). The Toronto Raptors lead the league with a record-tying 10 international players from a record nine countries on opening-night rosters.

The 2021-22 season tipping off tonight marks the eighth consecutive season that opening-night rosters feature at least 100 international players. The number of international players in the NBA has grown from five in the league’s first season in 1946-47 to a record 113 at the start of the 2016-17 season.

For the eighth consecutive year, Canada is the most-represented country outside of the U.S., followed by Australia, France and Germany (seven players each). Nigeria, Serbia, Spain and Turkey each have five players.

The Raptors lead the league with 10 international players, followed by the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder with seven international players each. The Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets and New Orleans Pelicans each have five.

A record 35 players on opening-night rosters participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB) prior to their NBA careers, including Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011), Deandre Ayton (Phoenix Suns; Bahamas; BWB Global 2016), Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards; Japan; BWB Global 2016) and Pascal Siakam (Raptors; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012). BWB is the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program that has seen 90 former campers drafted into the NBA or signed as free agents since 2001.

In addition to the 109 international players on 2021-22 opening-night rosters, there are a record 12 international players from seven countries on “two-way” contracts, including six players who participated in BWB. There are also a number of American players with ties to other countries, including more than 30 players with at least one parent from an African country. Among the American players with ties to other countries are Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat; ties to Nigeria), Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz; ties to the Philippines), Matisse Thybulle (76ers; ties to Australia and Haiti), Juan Toscano-Anderson (Golden State Warriors; Mexico), Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves; ties to the Dominican Republic) and Kemba Walker (New York Knicks; Antigua).

The 2021-22 NBA season tips off tonight with the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks hosting the Brooklyn Nets at 1:30 a.m. CAT on ESPN and Canal+. In the second game, the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Warriors at 4 a.m. CAT on Canal+.

Below please find international player milestones and storylines for the upcoming season:

A record-tying six international players were named to the 2020-21 All-NBA Team: 2021 Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks; Greece; ties to Nigeria; All-NBA First Team); Luka Dončić (Mavericks; Slovenia; All-NBA First Team); 2020-21 Kia NBA MVP Nikola Jokić (Nuggets; Serbia; All-NBA First Team); Embiid (All-NBA Second Team); Rudy Gobert (Jazz; France; All-NBA Third Team); and Kyrie Irving (Nets; Australia; All-NBA Third Team).
As part of the NBA.com 2021-22 GM Survey, Dončić and Antetokounmpo were voted the No. 1 and No. 2 players with whom general managers would most want to start a franchise (43% and 40%, respectively), and the No. 2 and No. 3 players most likely to win the 2021-22 Kia NBA MVP Award (33% and 13% of votes, respectively).
Josh Giddey (Thunder; Australia) is poised to become the first NBA Academy graduate to play in the NBA when Oklahoma City visits Utah tomorrow, Oct. 20 at 9 p.m. ET on NBA League Pass. Giddey became the first NBA Academy graduate to be drafted into the NBA when he was selected sixth overall by the Thunder in the 2021 NBA Draft.
There are 13 international players on opening-night rosters who have been NBA All-Stars: Antetokounmpo, Dončić, Goran Dragić (Raptors; Slovenia), Embiid, Al Horford (Boston Celtics; Dominican Republic), Gobert, Irving, Jokić, Kristaps Porzingis (Mavericks; Latvia), Domantas Sabonis (Indiana Pacers; Lithuania), Siakam, Ben Simmons (76ers; Australia) and Nikola Vučević (Chicago Bulls; Montenegro).
Neemias Queta (two-way player for the Sacramento Kings) is poised to become the first player from Portugal to play in the NBA.
A record 10 former BWB campers were selected in the 2021 NBA Draft, surpassing the previous record of eight set in 2019.

Below please find the full list of international players on 2021-22 opening-night rosters (active and inactive):

Country	Name	NBA Team	Ties
Angola	Bruno Fernando	Boston Celtics
Argentina	Facundo Campazzo*	Denver Nuggets
Argentina	Gabriel Deck*	Oklahoma City Thunder
Argentina	Leandro Bolmaro*	Minnesota Timberwolves
Australia	Ben Simmons	Philadelphia 76ers
Australia	Jock Landale	San Antonio Spurs
Australia	Joe Ingles	Utah Jazz
Australia	Josh Giddey*	Oklahoma City Thunder
Australia	Josh Green*	Dallas Mavericks
Australia	Kyrie Irving	Brooklyn Nets
Australia	Patty Mills	Brooklyn Nets
Austria	Jakob Poeltl	San Antonio Spurs
Bahamas	Buddy Hield	Sacramento Kings
Bahamas	Kai Jones*	Charlotte Hornets
Bahamas	Deandre Ayton*	Phoenix Suns	Ties to Nigeria
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Jusuf Nurkić	Portland Trail Blazers
Brazil	Didi Louzada	New Orleans Pelicans
Brazil	Raul Neto	Washington Wizards
Cameroon	Joel Embiid*	Philadelphia 76ers
Cameroon	Pascal Siakam*	Toronto Raptors
Canada	Andrew Wiggins	Golden State Warriors
Canada	Brandon Clarke	Memphis Grizzlies
Canada	Cory Joseph	Detroit Pistons	Ties to Trinidad and Tobago
Canada	Dalano Banton	Toronto Raptors
Canada	Dillon Brooks	Memphis Grizzlies
Canada	Dwight Powell	Dallas Mavericks
Canada	Jamal Murray*	Denver Nuggets
Canada	Josh Primo*	San Antonio Spurs
Canada	Kelly Olynyk*	Detroit Pistons
Canada	Kevin Pangos	Cleveland Cavaliers
Canada	Khem Birch	Toronto Raptors
Canada	Luguentz Dort*	Oklahoma City Thunder
Canada	Nickeil Alexander-Walker	New Orleans Pelicans
Canada	Oshae Brissett	Indiana Pacers
Canada	RJ Barrett*	New York Knicks
Canada	Trey Lyles	Detroit Pistons
Canada	Tristan Thompson	Sacramento Kings	Ties to Jamaica
Canada	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander*	Oklahoma City Thunder
Croatia	Bojan Bogdanović	Utah Jazz
Croatia	Dario Šarić*	Phoenix Suns
Croatia	Ivica Zubac	LA Clippers
Czech Republic	Tomáš Satoranský*	New Orleans Pelicans
Czech Republic	Vít Krejčí*	Oklahoma City Thunder
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Jonathan Kuminga	Golden State Warriors
Dominican Republic	Al Horford	Boston Celtics
Dominican Republic	Chris Duarte	Indiana Pacers
Egypt	Abdel Nader	Phoenix Suns
Finland	Lauri Markkanen*	Cleveland Cavaliers
France	Evan Fournier	New York Knicks	Ties to Algeria
France	Frank Ntilikina*	Dallas Mavericks	Ties to Belgium and Rwanda
France	Killian Hayes*	Detroit Pistons
France	Nicolas Batum*	LA Clippers	Ties to Cameroon
France	Rudy Gobert	Utah Jazz
France	Théo Maledon	Oklahoma City Thunder
France	Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot	Atlanta Hawks	Ties to Democratic Republic of the Congo
Georgia	Goga Bitadze*	Indiana Pacers
Germany	Daniel Theis	Houston Rockets
Germany	Dennis Schröder	Boston Celtics	Ties to The Gambia
Germany	Isaac Bonga*	Toronto Raptors
Germany	Isaiah Hartenstein*	LA Clippers
Germany	Maxi Kleber	Dallas Mavericks
Germany	Franz Wagner	Orlando Magic
Germany	Moritz Wagner	Orlando Magic
Greece	Georgios Kalaitzakis	Milwaukee Bucks
Greece	Giannis Antetokounmpo	Milwaukee Bucks	Ties to Nigeria
Greece	Thanasis Antetokounmpo	Milwaukee Bucks	Ties to Nigeria
Israel	Deni Avdija*	Washington Wizards
Italy	Danilo Gallinari*	Atlanta Hawks
Jamaica	Nick Richards	Charlotte Hornets
Japan	Rui Hachimura*	Washington Wizards	Ties to Benin
Japan	Yuta Watanabe	Toronto Raptors
Latvia	Davis Bertans	Washington Wizards
Latvia	Kristaps Porziņģis	Dallas Mavericks
Lithuania	Domantas Sabonis	Indiana Pacers
Lithuania	Jonas Valančiūnas*	New Orleans Pelicans
Montenegro	Marko Simonović	Chicago Bulls
Montenegro	Nikola Vučević	Chicago Bulls
New Zealand	Steven Adams	Memphis Grizzlies
Nigeria	Charles Bassey*	Philadelphia 76ers
Nigeria	Josh Okogie	Minnesota Timberwolves
Nigeria	Precious Achiuwa	Toronto Raptors
Nigeria	Udoka Azubuike	Utah Jazz
Nigeria	Chimezie Metu	Sacramento Kings
Republic of the Congo	Serge Ibaka	LA Clippers	Ties to Spain
Senegal	Gorgui Dieng*	Atlanta Hawks
Serbia	Aleksej Pokuševski*	Oklahoma City Thunder
Serbia	Boban Marjanović	Dallas Mavericks
Serbia	Bogdan Bogdanović	Atlanta Hawks
Serbia	Nemanja Bjelica	Golden State Warriors
Serbia	Nikola Jokić	Denver Nuggets
Slovenia	Goran Dragić	Toronto Raptors
Slovenia	Vlatko Čančar	Denver Nuggets
Slovenia	Luka Dončić	Dallas Mavericks
Spain	Juancho Hernangómez	Boston Celtics
Spain	Ricky Rubio	Cleveland Cavaliers
Spain	Santi Aldama*	Memphis Grizzlies
Spain	Usman Garuba	Houston Rockets	Ties to Nigeria
Spain	Willy Hernangómez*	New Orleans Pelicans
St. Lucia	Chris Boucher	Toronto Raptors	Ties to Canada
Sudan	Bol Bol	Denver Nuggets
Switzerland	Clint Capela	Atlanta Hawks	Ties to Angola and Democratic Republic of the Congo
Turkey	Alperen Sengun	Houston Rockets
Turkey	Cedi Osman	Cleveland Cavaliers
Turkey	Enes Kanter*	Boston Celtics
Turkey	Furkan Korkmaz	Philadelphia 76ers
Turkey	Omer Yurtseven	Miami Heat
Ukraine	Alex Len	Sacramento Kings
Ukraine	Svi Mykhailiuk	Toronto Raptors
United Kingdom	OG Anunoby	Toronto Raptors	Ties to Nigeria

Below please find the full list of international two-way players:

Country	First Name	NBA Team	Ties
Canada	Eugene Omoruyi	Dallas Mavericks	Ties to Nigeria
Canada	Ignas Brazdeikis*	Orlando Magic	Ties to Lithuania
Croatia	Luka Šamanić*	New York Knicks
France	Petr Cornelie	Denver Nuggets
France	Sekou Doumbouya*	Los Angeles Lakers	Ties to Guinea
France	Killian Tillie	Memphis Grizzlies
France	Yves Pons	Memphis Grizzlies	Ties to Haiti
France	Joel Ayayi*	Washington Wizards	Ties to Benin
Georgia	Sandro Mamukelashvili*	Milwaukee Bucks
Lithuania	Arnoldas Kulboka*	Charlotte Hornets
Portugal	Neemias Queta	Sacramento Kings	Ties to Guinea-Bissau
Senegal	Tacko Fall	Cleveland Cavaliers

*Participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB), the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program

October 21, 2021

The NBA and Formula 1 Announce Content and Promotion Partnership to Celebrate The NBA’s 75th Anniversary Season and the United States Grand Prix

Exclusive imagery featuring F1® cars in custom liveries representing all 30 NBA teams will be dropped on NBA and F1 social channels around the world

NEW YORK, United States of America, October 21, 2021/ — Content of F1 Cars in Custom NBA Livery to Drop on NBA and F1 Social Media Platforms Starting Today; F1 Drivers to Compete in Free Throw Challenge for Charity at ESPN Studio in the Circuit of the Americas Paddock Alongside NBA Legends.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Formula 1^® (F1) today announced a first-of-its-kind content and promotion partnership to bring together the broad, global fanbases of the NBA and F1 in celebration of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary season and the return of F1 to the U.S. at the 2021 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™ on Sunday, Oct. 24 in Austin, Texas.

To commemorate the US Grand Prix and the NBA’s 75^th Anniversary season, exclusive imagery featuring F1^® cars in custom liveries representing all 30 NBA teams will be dropped on NBA and F1 social channels around the world, with the first 10 cars showcasing the Central and Pacific Divisions being unveiled today.

On Thursday, Oct. 21, ESPN will host F1 drivers as they battle it out off the track in a free throw challenge at an NBA 75^th Anniversary-themed basketball half-court within the Circuit of the Americas paddock. NBA legends will be onsite to meet the drivers and provide shooting tips as they compete to make the most free throws out of 10, with $20,000 up for grabs to be donated to the winner’s charity of choice.

The 2021 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX™, which will take place from Oct. 22-24, 2021, has been held at the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, Texas since 2012, with Formula 1^® returning to the iconic track following a two-year break due to COVID-19. The race will air on Sunday, Oct. 24 on ABC, with live coverage starting at 1:30 p.m. ET.

The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2021-22 season featured a record 121 international players from 40 countries.

The NBA’s 75^th Anniversary season tipped off on Tuesday, October 19 and continues tonight with Kia NBA Tip-Off’s doubleheader on ESPN as the New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Denver Nuggets visit the Phoenix Suns (10 p.m. ET). TNT will have a doubleheader on Thursday, Oct. 21 (Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET; Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m. ET), and ESPN will have a doubleheader on Friday, Oct. 22 (Nets at Philadelphia 76ers, 7:30 p.m. ET; Suns at Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m. ET).

October 21, 2021
Who are the young NBA stars to watch next season?

There is a saying that there is no substitute for experience; we’re not saying it isn’t true but there is plenty of space for young talents to emerge too.

Here we turn our attention to the young NBA stars to watch next season.

Number 5. LaMelo Ball

Kicking off our list of the young NBA stars to watch next season is LaMelo Ball. The Hornets man had plenty of doubters after being drafted at number three in 2020; his rookie year rammed those words back down peoples’ throats.

Entering year two, everybody is excited to find out what the young guard can do next. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award and posted 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.

In fact, his involvement was so strong that the Hornets genuinely looked like a playoff team when he was healthy. Consider that he only played 50 games last year and the year ahead could be even brighter for the team and Ball.

Number 4. Cade Cunningham

Next up is Cade Cunningham; if we’re honest, the number one overall pick in the most recent NBA draft was always going to be heavily anticipated. Cunningham, who starred for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, is going to have the eyes of the world on him. The Detroit Pistons guard or forward can do pretty much everything.

He has terrific passing and shooting ability and has the length and quickness to guard all five positions.

If Cunningham can live up to the hype that he is already receiving, he could end up becoming the type of superstar that we have seen Luka Doncic turn into. To put even more pressure on his young shoulders, he could even make the Pistons relevant again.

Number 3. Ja Morant

Ja Morant has only been in the league for a couple of seasons but his explosiveness and athleticism have made him somewhat of a human highlight reel. He had a bit of a down year to start off the 2020 season but ended it with two play-in tournament victories and took the Utah Jazz to five games.

In spite of his age, Morant shows incredible leadership and the Memphis Grizzlies have really formed around him as an organisation. Without a doubt, the Murray State grad is going to deliver some more crazy moments and could even take his scoring to a new level. For those reasons, he is definitely one of the young NBA stars to watch next season.

Number 2. Trae Young

Trae Young is a player this will attract serious attention in the year ahead. The Atlanta Hawks man had one of the wildest transformations in the league last season.

He played a huge role as the Hawks made it all the way into the Eastern Conference Finals and it is no surprise that he has been compared to Steph Curry on a number of occasions due to his craftiness with the basketball and ability to shoot from distance on a consistent basis.

His defense is still a concern moving forward but with his confidence growing quickly he is likely to be a joy to watch. He’ll never be one of the best defensive players in the NBA but if he improves on those frailties then he could blossom into a real superstar.

Number 1. Luka Doncic

The player sitting in first place on our list won’t be much of a surprise to anyone. In fact, if you don’t know to watch out for Luka Doncic then perhaps you’ve not been paying much attention to basketball lately.

He has proven to be one of the best players in the NBA right now and next season won’t be any different.

The 22-year-old guard is coming off the back of his best ever season and has been rewarded with a five-year extension with the Dallas Mavericks.

On top of his NBA displays, Doncic has just carried Slovenia to fourth place at the Olympic Games. His strength, speed and ability to put up monster stat lines make him a threat to explode on any given night.

There you have it, the best young NBA stars to watch next season. If you want to compare these players with the youngest in history, check out the list prepared by the TwinSpires Edge: edge.twinspires.com/nba/the-youngest-players-in-nba-history/

October 8, 2021
NBA to Debut Short Film “NBA Lane” Featuring Michael B. Jordan and more than 30 NBA Players and Legends Commemorating the League’s 75th Anniversary Season
The Film Includes Most Appearances by NBA Players in a Campaign Ever Including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, Julius Erving, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Chris Paul and Bill Russel

NEW YORK, United States of America, October 5, 2021/ — The NBA today announced the global premiere of “NBA Lane,” a short film celebrating the league’s storied history ahead of its 75th Anniversary Season, which will stream across all NBA social platforms and on NBA.com/75 beginning Thursday, Oct. 7 at 12 p.m. ET as part of “NBA 75” flagship campaign. The film stars actor and producer Michael B. Jordan and more than 30 NBA players and legends coming together to tell the story of the past 75 years through a comedic and fun lens.

Set in a fictional neighborhood where current NBA stars and legends reside, “NBA Lane” takes fans on a journey with the personalities – past, present and future – who have written the history of the game. In the three-minute film, Jordan serves as the neighborhood “Hoop Bus” driver taking a group of children on a tour of the NBA neighborhood that houses 75 years of basketball culture. As the bus rolls through the streets of the community, the passengers encounter these prolific figures in everyday settings. From former rivals Magic Johnson and Larry Bird becoming friendly next-door neighbors; LeBron James tending to his garden; Kareem Abdul- Jabbar teaching Dirk Nowitzki the art of the hook shot; to Zion Williamson breaking a backboard at the street court, it is just another day in the neighborhood. The tour honors both the NBA legends who have laid the foundation of the league and the current players who are shaping its future.

“‘NBA Lane’ was created as a way to honor both the history and future of the NBA,” said NBA Chief Marketing Officer Kate Jhaveri. “We are thrilled to bring together some of the league’s greatest players and legends to celebrate not just the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Season, but also the connection fans have built with our game.”

“As someone who has been a member of the NBA Family for the past 65 years, I can truly say, like I do in ‘NBA Lane’, ‘This game just keeps getting better,’” said NBA Legend Bill Russell. “Being a part of this film, alongside so many greats representing nearly eight decades of the league’s history, is a great thrill and a tremendous honor.”

A sneak peak of the film:

Created in conjunction with Translation LLC, the short film was directed by Rick Famuyiwa (“Dope” and “The Mandalorian”) and Emmett Malloy of the Malloy Brothers (“Easy Express” and “The Tribes of Palos Verdes”). “NBA Lane” will begin airing on television networks Sunday, Oct. 10. Additionally, 30- and 60-second versions of the film will air across all platforms during the fall. More adaptations will be produced around marquee events throughout the season featuring a variety of new faces.

The full cast of “NBA Lane” includes the following:
- Narrator and Bus Driver: Actor and producer Michael B. Jordan
- NBA Players: Carmelo Anthony (Los Angeles Lakers), LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers), Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz), Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns), Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics), Russell Westbrook (Los Angeles Lakers) Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) and Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks).
- NBA Legends: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ray Allen, Larry Bird, Vlade Divac, Julius Erving, Artis Gilmore, Manu Ginóbili, Richard Hamilton, Grant Hill, Robert Horry, Magic Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo, Dirk Nowitzki, Gary Payton, Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, Isiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade, Bill Walton and Jerry West.
- Mascots: Benny the Bull (Chicago Bulls), Boomer (Indiana Pacers), Burnie (Miami Heat), Chuck the Condor (LA Clippers), G-Wiz (Washington Wizards), Hugo (Charlotte Hornets) and The Raptor (Toronto Raptors).
- Puppets: Lil Penny
The NBA’s 75^th Anniversary Season tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 19 on TNT with a doubleheader featuring the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks hosting the Brooklyn Nets (7:30 p.m. ET), followed by the Golden State Warriors visiting the Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET). For the latest details on NBA 75 celebrations, including opportunities for fans to participate, visit NBA.com/75 and #NBA75 on social media throughout the 2021-22 season.

Jordan’s participation in “NBA Lane” stems from his love for the game of basketball and his shared commitment in spotlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., will feature an HBCU doubleheader on TNT and highlight HBCU life and culture.
October 5, 2021
NBA 2021-22: NBA will return to its normal timeline from Oct-June this Season

NBA will return to its normal schedule this season after a cut short season of 72 games that started in December. According to a source, the 2021-22 season of the NBA will tip-off from Tuesday, October 4, 2021, to Sunday, April 10, 2022.

This season every team will play 82 games and unlike last season the complete regular season schedule and team by team fixtures is available before the season commences. Moreover, as this is the 75th anniversary of this league, NBA has decided to celebrate the classic matchups.

“Throughout the season, the league will feature NBA 75 Classic Matchups to celebrate the teams, players, coaches and moments that have defined 75 years of NBA basketball. Below are some of the Classic Matchups that will take place during the season.”

Throughout the 2021-22 regular season, the NBA will feature #NBA75 Classic Matchups to celebrate the teams, players, coaches and moments that have defined 75 years of NBA basketball! pic.twitter.com/NYxx48KqXS
— NBA (@NBA) August 20, 2021

The opening week of this season’s NBA contains some fiery matchups that will entertain fans across the world. The season will kick off with Kevin Durant’s Brooklyn Nets taking on the defending champions Milwaukee Bucks. Later on the same day, Stephen Curry and Golden State Warriors will take on the Lebron James led LA Lakers. Below are the dates of some of the exciting matchups of the opening week that fans should keep a tab on.

Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks
Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT

Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers
Oct. 19, 10 p.m. ET | TNT

Dallas Mavericks at Atlanta Hawks
Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m. ET | TNT

Brooklyn Nets at Philadelphia 76ers
Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN.

Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers
Oct. 22, 10. p.m. ET | ESPN

Key dates for the 2021-22 NBA season and when and where to watch the Season Live?

Following, the NBA’s announcement about the schedule of the 2021-22 season, let’s take a look at the key dates for this season. Training camp for all the players will begin from September 19th with the regular season starting from 19th October.

Subsequently, the regular season ends on April 10th and the Playoffs will commence from April 16. Further according to a source game one of the Finals will begin on June 1 and the season will come to an end on June 19. However, the schedule of the playoffs can change if a problem arises.

Fans can watch the live coverage of the league on ESPN and TNT this season. Also, people can watch the live stream of the games on NBA TV. For people in India, the live stream of the games will be available after buying the subscription of NBA league pass. As of now, the information regarding the broadcasting rights for the league in India is not yet available. Last season Star Sports Select had broadcasted the playoffs and finals of NBA.

Also Read: NBA Announces Schedule for 75th Anniversary Season

September 10, 2021
NBA Announces Schedule for 75th Anniversary Season
2021-22 Regular Season to Tip Off on Oct. 19, 2021, and Conclude on April 10, 2022; NBA 75 Classic Matchups to Highlight Milestone Moments Throughout Season

NEW YORK, United States of America, August 21, 2021/ — The NBA yesterday released the complete game schedule and broadcast schedules for TNT, ESPN, ABC, NBA TV and ESPN Radio for its landmark 75^th Anniversary Season.

The complete regular-season schedule and team-by-team schedules are attached and available at NBA.com/schedule). The 2021-22 regular season, which comprises 82 games per team, will tip off on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021, and conclude on Sunday, April 10, 2022.

Throughout the season, the league will feature NBA 75 Classic Matchups to celebrate the teams, players, coaches and moments that have defined 75 years of NBA basketball. Below are some of the Classic Matchups that will be highlighted during the season:
- NBA TV will present a matchup between the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors on Monday, Nov. 1 (7:30 p.m. ET), marking the 75^th anniversary of the league’s first regular-season game, which was played between the Knicks and Toronto Huskies on Nov. 1, 1946.
- The three franchises that have played in every NBA season – the Knicks, Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors (who began as the Philadelphia Warriors) – will face each other across three nationally televised games during a five-day stretch in December: Warriors at Knicks on Tuesday, Dec. 14 (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT); Warriors at Celtics on Friday, Dec. 17 (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN); and Knicks at Celtics on Saturday, Dec. 18 (8:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV).
- On Friday, Jan. 7, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Atlanta Hawks on ESPN (10 p.m. ET). The matchup will take place 50 years to the day (Jan. 7, 1972) that the Lakers defeated Atlanta for their 33^rd straight victory, which remains the longest winning streak in NBA history.
The NBA previously announced its national television schedule for the first four days of the season and Christmas Day. Kia NBA Tip-Off 2021 will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 19 with a TNT doubleheader as the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks host the Brooklyn Nets (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Warriors visit the Lakers (10 p.m. ET). On Wednesday, Oct. 20, the Knicks will host the Celtics (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Denver Nuggets will visit the Phoenix Suns (10 p.m. ET) in an ESPN doubleheader. TNT will have a doubleheader on Thursday, Oct. 21 (Dallas Mavericks at Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET; LA Clippers at Warriors, 10 p.m. ET), and ESPN will have a doubleheader on Friday, Oct. 22 (Nets at Philadelphia 76ers, 7:30 p.m. ET; Suns at Lakers, 10 p.m. ET).

Christmas Day will feature five games across ESPN and ABC on Saturday, Dec. 25: Hawks at Knicks (12 p.m. ET, ESPN); Celtics at Bucks (2:30 p.m. ET, ABC); Warriors at Suns (5 p.m. ET, ABC); Nets at Lakers (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN); and Mavericks at Utah Jazz (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).

Below are additional highlights of the national broadcast schedule for the 75^th Anniversary Season:
- TNT will air 18 Tuesday doubleheaders and 12 Thursday doubleheaders in the 2021-22 season, while ESPN will televise 21 Wednesday doubleheaders and 13 Friday doubleheaders. Every doubleheader across both networks on those four nights will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET/10 p.m. ET.
- NBA TV will tip off its live game coverage for the 2021-22 season on Saturday, Oct. 23 with a doubleheader as the Indiana Pacers host the Miami Heat (7 p.m. ET) and the Suns visit the Portland Trail Blazers (10 p.m. ET).
- NBA TV’s Center Court franchise will make its season debut on Monday, Oct. 25 with the Washington Wizards visiting the Nets (7:30 p.m. ET) and continue the following week with the NBA 75 Classic Matchup between the Knicks and Raptors. Center Court, which includes 20 games throughout the season, incorporates enhanced viewing options such as unique camera angles, next-gen analytics and social media integrations into the originally produced telecast.
- The top two overall picks in the NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm, the Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham (No. 1) and the Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green (No. 2), are scheduled to meet in the regular season for the first time when Detroit visits Houston on Wednesday, Nov. 10 on ESPN (7:30 p.m. ET).
- A TNT doubleheader will highlight the Martin Luther King Jr. Day schedule on Monday, Jan. 17. First, the Memphis Grizzlies will host the Chicago Bulls (3:30 p.m. ET) in Memphis’ 20^th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Game. In the second game, the Bucks will face the Hawks in Atlanta (6 p.m. ET) in a rematch of the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals. The national television schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day will also include a matchup between the Jazz and Lakers in Los Angeles on NBA TV (10:30 p.m. ET).
- The seventh season of NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC will premiere on Saturday, Dec. 11 when the Warriors visit the 76ers (8:30 p.m. ET). The Primetime series will have a game each Saturday from Jan. 29 – March 12 except Feb. 19 during the All-Star break.
- Six-time NBA All-Star Kyle Lowry of Miami, who played the previous nine seasons with the Raptors and helped the franchise win the NBA championship in the 2018-19 season, leads the Heat in a road game against Toronto on Thursday, Feb. 3 on TNT (7:30 p.m. ET). The matchup is the first of the Heat’s two road games against the Raptors this season.
- The ABC Sunday Showcase series will return on Sunday, Feb. 13 when the Hawks visit the Celtics (2 p.m. ET). ABC will air Sunday Showcase doubleheaders at 1 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 27, March 6, March 13 and April 3.
- TNT will broadcast the first matchup between the Bucks and Suns since the NBA Finals 2021 presented by YouTube TV when the teams meet on Thursday, Feb. 10 in Phoenix (10 p.m. ET). In the second meeting, Milwaukee will host Phoenix on Sunday, March 6 on ABC (3:30 p.m. ET).
- ESPN and TNT will both televise doubleheaders on the final day of the regular season, Sunday, April 10. The matchups for ESPN (1 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. ET) and TNT (7:30 p.m. ET/10 p.m. ET) will be determined at a later date.
- The NBA on TNT, ESPN, ABC and NBA TV will present flexible scheduling throughout the regular season to provide the most compelling matchups to a national audience.
- ESPN Radio will broadcast 24 games in the regular season, including Nets-Bucks on opening night and Warriors-Suns and Nets-Lakers on Christmas Day. It will also provide coverage from NBA All-Star 2022 in Cleveland and air the NBA Finals 2022 presented by YouTube TV.
The 2022 NBA Play-In Tournament will take place April 12-15 (Tuesday – Friday), followed by the start of the 2022 NBA Playoffs on Saturday, April 16. TNT will present the 2022 Western Conference Finals and ESPN/ABC will present the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals. ABC will televise the NBA Finals 2022 presented by YouTube TV, marking its 20^th consecutive season as the exclusive home of the league’s championship series. Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled to be played on Thursday, June 2.

NBA League Pass will offer live, out-of-market games all season through the NBA App, NBA.com, connected televisions and TV providers. Fans can unlock direct access to stream matchups featuring their favorite teams and players with NBA League Pass (blackout restrictions apply).

For the 2021-22 season, 46 weekend games will air in primetime in Europe, the Middle East and Africa as part of the league’s “NBA Saturdays and NBA Sundays presented by NBA 2K22” primetime initiative.
August 21, 2021
Masai Ujiri signs as Raptors Vice Chairman and Team President

Masai and MLSE share the goals of bringing another NBA Championship to Toronto

TORONTO, Canada, August 6, 2021/ — The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday that they have signed Masai Ujiri to a multi-year contract as Toronto Raptors vice-chairman and team president. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.

“Great sportsmen impact their games. Great leaders impact their communities. Masai Ujiri does both, and we’re very pleased he is returning to the Raptors as vice-chairman and president,” Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment chairman Larry Tanenbaum said. “Masai and MLSE share the goals of bringing another NBA Championship to Toronto, and off the court, working towards making our city, country and world a better place. These are exciting times, and we look forward to all that comes next for our team, for Masai and for his family. Masai, we’re glad you’re staying home.”

Ujiri has led the Raptors since 2013. During his tenure, the Raptors have moved into their state-of-the-art practice facility at OVO Athletic Centre, hosted an NBA All-Star Game, formed Raptors 905, their G League franchise, and in 2019 won the NBA Championship, the first team outside the United States to accomplish the feat.

“On the court, our goal is clear: to bring another championship to Toronto. Our team is united in that mission. Nothing else will do. We will bring young talent to this city. We will value the veteran players who got us here,” Ujiri said. “I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again: We will win in Toronto.”

Ujiri Named Vice Chairman and Team President

Ujiri’s commitment to his work off the court remains unwavering. He continues as president of Giants of Africa, the non-profit he co-founded in 2003, which urges youth to Dream Big and uses sports as a tool for advancement. This summer, he will travel to Africa to unveil new GOA-funded sports infrastructures, so youth there will have access to quality facilities.

In addition to his work with GOA, Ujiri intends to take on new challenges, including advocating for equality and fair treatment for marginalized people in the justice system, and focusing on the issue of child soldiers and peace. In 2020, Masai launched thatshumanity.org, inspired by his experiences and the lessons learned from leaders like Nelson Mandela. His non-profit interests will be represented by WME.

“To be able to stand with Larry Tanenbaum and the MLSE board as we confront these challenges is huge,” Ujiri said. “To share a vision of what we believe can be possible, and understand the work we have to do to get there, is a huge reason I’m so glad to be back in Toronto. I am very grateful for their confidence and their support.”

Ujiri grew up in Zaria, Nigeria. He played college basketball in the United States, and began his career in professional sports as a scout. Ujiri was appointed general manager of the Denver Nuggets in 2011, becoming the first African GM in pro sports, and won the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year award. In Toronto, he has also served as director of global scouting and assistant general manager.

He lives in Toronto with his wife, Ramatu, and three children.

August 7, 2021
NBA to name 75 greatest players during 75th anniversary season celebrations

NBA 75 will pay tribute to generations of basketball fans around the world, as well as current and former players and coaches

NEW YORK, United States of America, July 30, 2021/ — Season-long Celebration to Honor Past, Present and Future of NBA; New List of 75 Players – Voted on by a Blue-ribbon Panel of Media, Current and Former Players, Coaches, General Managers, and Team Executives – to Be Unveiled in October.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced that its landmark 75^th Anniversary Season in 2021-22 will be commemorated as “NBA 75” and feature the unveiling of the 75 greatest players in league history.

NBA 75 will pay tribute to generations of basketball fans around the world, as well as current and former players and coaches. Throughout the season, the league will also continue its decades-long legacy of supporting the communities where the NBA family lives, works and plays and by improving lives through the game of basketball. Additional year-long celebrations will include special events in team markets, NBA partner activities and limited-edition product offerings. The league’s broadcast partners, ESPN/ABC, TNT and NBA TV, will be commemorating NBA 75 with content offerings throughout the season.

NBA 75 will also see the debut of new Nike uniform designs celebrating the 75^th Anniversary Season, diamond on-court elements, Wilson as the new game ball partner, and integration around marquee events such as NBA All-Star 2022 in Cleveland and the NBA Draft presented by State Farm^®. Cleveland last hosted NBA All-Star in 1997, when the league celebrated its 50^th Anniversary Season.

“The 2021-22 season will be truly special as we celebrate 75 years of NBA basketball,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We look forward to honoring the players and teams – both past and present – who have inspired generations of fans around the world.”

Initial plans for NBA 75 include:

75^th Anniversary Team
A blue-ribbon panel of media, current and former players, coaches, general managers, and team executives will select a new 75^th Anniversary Team, featuring the 75 greatest players of all time. The team will be announced in October.

NBA 75 Logo
A commemorative NBA 75 logo, revealed earlier, will appear throughout the season on courts and official NBA merchandise, inside arenas and in original broadcast, digital and social media content. The new logo is a fresh take on the league’s iconic Logoman identity, based in the classic 75^th Anniversary symbol – the diamond.

Marketing Campaign
NBA 75 will be a continuation of the “That’s Game” campaign, which launched at the start of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. The campaign will honor the past, present and future of the NBA across the court, community and culture. It will be a 360-degree, fan-focused celebration delivered through linear, social, digital and physical activations as the league ramps up to season tip-off and returns to its traditional schedule.

New NBA Outfitting and Game Ball for 75^th Anniversary Season
Nike will celebrate NBA 75 with diamond-embellished jersey details and new Classic Edition and City Edition uniforms across the league. New Era also integrates the 75^th diamond embellishment on its 2021 NBA Draft and Tip Off Edition caps.

Additionally, Wilson will officially debut as the new game ball partner in the 2021-22 season. Wilson was the NBA’s initial basketball manufacturer and the official game ball for the league’s first 37 seasons.

The NBA’s inaugural season took place in 1946-47 and featured 11 teams, including three active franchises: the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Philadelphia Warriors (now the Golden State Warriors). The Knicks were part of the NBA’s first game when they played the Toronto Huskies on Nov. 1, 1946, at Maple Leaf Gardens, and the Warriors were crowned the league’s first champion that season.

July 30, 2021