Inside the Article:
Nearly ten years to the day, the Pistons will play their third regular-season game overseas as they face the Chicago Bulls in Paris, France.
Why it Matters
The Detroit Pistons will play their third regular-season game overseas next week, facing the Chicago Bulls in Paris, France. The team has not had much success on foreign soil, losing their previous two games played outside of the U.S. Head coach Dwane Casey is excited about the opportunity to coach another game overseas, as he sees it as an opportunity to promote the game of basketball, represent the Detroit Pistons organization and the city of Detroit.
Detroit Pistons in Paris By the Numbers
- The Pistons have lost both of their previous regular-season games played overseas, one in London in 2013 and one in Mexico City in 2019.
- Dwane Casey is in his fifth season as head coach of the Pistons.
What they’re saying
- “I think we can continue to do more of teaching, (more) spreading the game” – Dwane Casey on his desire to promote basketball in other countries.
- “I’ve learned probably (as) much about basketball in those areas as I have anywhere by traveling and doing that”
- Dwane Casey on teaching basketball overseas -“This is a great opportunity for us here to do that; to continue to spread the word, to continue to represent the city of Detroit, (and) to make sure we represent a first-class city like ours.”
The Big Picture
The NBA and FIBA have made significant efforts to promote and grow the game of basketball in Africa in recent years. In February 2019, the two organizations entered a joint partnership to create the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
The league, divided into two divisions and includes 12 teams, has gained a lot of attention and has had successful first and second seasons. The BAL will begin its third season on March 11, 2023, and end on May 27.
The league has also had the support of notable figures such as Grammy-award-winning hip-hop artist J. Cole, who signed with the BAL’s Patriots Basketball Club for the 2021 season.
The Pistons vs. Bulls matchup in Paris, France, will take place at the Accor Arena, and the tipoff is at 3 p.m. ET.
The Bottom Line
The Pistons will play their third regular-season game overseas in Paris, France, next week. The team has not had much success on foreign soil, losing their previous two games played outside of the U.S. Head coach Dwane Casey sees the game as an opportunity to promote the game of basketball and represent the Pistons organization and the city of Detroit.
Going Deeper
Pistons’ Dwane Casey states desire to coach NBA game in Africa – mlive.com
