The future of basketball in the Middle East continues to look bright according to the thousands of fans and NBA legends and celebrities who took over Abu Dhabi this past weekend.
The UAE capital hosted a series of pre-season NBA games at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Dallas Mavericks, as well as a host of other basketball and an community outreach programmes as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 presented by ADQ.
One of the NBA greats clearly impressed by the passion of the fans in the region was two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith.
Speaking as part of the travelling delegation who came to Abu Dhabi for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, Esquire Middle East caught up with the former Houston Rockets’ icon to discuss the NBA’s return to the Arabian Gulf.
“The global growth of the NBA is evident,” say Smith. “The best players in the world are no longer only from America. The last four MVPs – Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić – are not American-born. This is a global game, and that’s what’s great about it. That’s why we’re here in Abu Dhabi – and perhaps one day we’ll witness a talent from Abu Dhabi rise to become the NBA’s MVP.”
When asked about the NBA Abu Dhabi Games and their contribution to basketball’s growth in the region, Smith replies: “This region is highly active and enthusiastic about sports in general. Whether it’s tennis, golf, soccer, or football, the excitement is palpable. Therefore, it’s a natural progression for a versatile sport such as basketball, which can be played anywhere, to gain popularity here quickly.”
In his role as an NBA studio analyst for the Emmy Award-winning show Inside the NBA on TNT, Smith discussed the pivotal role retired NBA players play in expanding basketball’s global reach. He highlighted how NBA players are now engaging with fans through their own podcasts, saying: “We are all ambassadors for our sport, and I think people look to us for insight into the past and predictions for the future. That’s part of being an NBA player.”
Ahead of Smith’s trip to the UAE capital, co-host and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who attended The NBA Abu Dhabi Games last year, shared his experiences and offered recommendations for must-visit places. “He described Abu Dhabi as a fantastic family-friendly destination: Relaxing and enjoyable,” Smith said.
“Shaq has visited twice and is planning a third trip, so I might join him. He recommended a few restaurants. Shaq also suggested visiting the mosque and going for a desert ride, promising a lot of fun.”