NBA legends spread word on globalization

MANILA, Philippines - They’re the ambassadors for the NBA Global Games for Manila and Taipei 2013 and NBA legends Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry and Jalen Rose have played their roles to the hilt in furthering the globalization of the league

In this Q&A, the three talk about the NBA playing games internationally, their relationships to and with the league’s fans around the world, and the positive impact globalization has had on the NBA.

Q: What’s the significance of Global Games 2013, and why is it important for former NBA stars to serve as ambassadors on these trips?

A: Drexler: It’s important to grow the game globally and these games are a huge part of that expansion. Fans overseas love the NBA game and to bring the game right to them is a phenomenal feat. The leadership and vision of the NBA under David Stern has been incredible. The reason former players are absolutely needed is because a lot of international fans relate to some of the older players. The past and present, I think, enhances the overall fan experience

Horry: It’s very important to play international games because the league’s fan base is global. If you’re going to have a global league – and that’s what the NBA is all about – then you have to give fans worldwide the opportunity to see live NBA games. Expanding overseas games is only going to grow that fan base

Rose: Of the four major North American sports leagues, the NBA has done the best job of globalizing its game. If you look up and down an NBA roster, you’re bound to see multiple players from multiple countries … you are truly getting the best players from around the world. It’s important for players who have spent time, energy and sweat equity in the NBA to be torchbearers of that message; they are testimonies to where the game is going.

Q: Describe the reception fans give you when you travel outside the US?

A: Drexler: The fans love you. Being a part of the original Dream Team, I was on a global stage early. They know who you are and everything about you. International fans are more excited to see you than the fans in the US because the latter gets to see you all the time. It’s tremendous reception.

Horry: The fans are very passionate about the game. I’ve been very, very fortunate to travel to a bunch of places and experience different cultures. And everyone has that love for you. Even though sometimes they don’t know who you are, they know the NBA; they know the NBA brand and they come out and support it because they know it’s going to be a fun-filled event. It’s just a wonderful feeling to still be associated with the NBA even though you’re not playing.

Rose: It’s terrific. The first time I got the opportunity to travel overseas with the NBA, I was with the Indiana Pacers and we played against the Seattle SuperSonics (1996 in Germany and Spain). The Dream Team in the early ‘90s kind of kicked down the barrier of international competition and created a situation where basketball was adored around the world, and when we arrived the reception was terrific; the fans’ knowledge of the game was advanced; and they truly craved and supported NBA basketball. That’s what makes it so much fun for players and teams – current and former – to want to participate in activities like Global Games 2013. 

Q: You witnessed the globalization of the NBA first-hand. What impact has influx of international talent had on the game?

A: Drexler: The NBA has always focused on having the best basketball players on the planet play in the league. That’s what makes it so special. To have players from all over the world represented on NBA teams, it lets you know these guys are able to compete. They are able to compete because countries have developed the sport of basketball largely because of the NBA’s presence. They want to be part of it; they want to be coached by people from the NBA; they want to play like NBA players. 

Horry: Most of the international players who come into the NBA know how to play basketball; they are very skilled. Most of the international players who come in have an abundance of skills. They are taught how to play basketball. They are taught how to play every position. Their skill-set is incredible. That’s the one thing I’ve learned about these international players: They come in knowing how to do, not just one thing, but a little bit of everything

Rose: You have to realize one thing: up to 15 roster spots for 30 teams…450 NBA jobs. The globalization of the game not only helps the product on the floor, it increases the competition of actually making it to an NBA team. You do have to be one of the elite, one of the best, one of the brightest. Because you are competing with players like Tony Parker from France, Dirk Nowitzki from Germany, Yao Ming from China.