Former NBA player John Amaechi doesn't approve the idea that NBA London games should be moved to Paris as he believes it it will just rub Britain the wrong way, according to a report by Alistair Magowan of BBC.com.
“If the game goes to Paris, it will just be another excuse from British basketball that the NBA is causing them a problem,” he told BBC Sport.
“It's been tremendous commitment to have a game in London for nine years. But we can't mistake the fact, that in terms of infrastructure, leadership, organisation and coaching, we lag behind the rest of Europe.”
Amaechi added that if the NBA do decide to turn this idea into reality, it might take time for London to host and witness another NBA game.
“If it goes to France they will want to maximise that opportunity and maybe they will think it's their turn for 10 years.”
Basketball England, the governing body of basketball in England released a statement saying that the organization will be disappointing if the NBA will push through with moving games to Paris.
“It would remove some of the developmental opportunities we are able to deliver by having the coaching and playing talent in the city each year, but our other programmes such as Jr NBA will continue to thrive and be delivered with the same enthusiasm from both Basketball England and the NBA.”
Prior to the Washington Wizards-New York Knicks game that was held in The O2 Arena in London last January 17, league commissioner Adam Silver said that league is strongly considering the idea of playing a regular season game in Paris next year.
However, Silver said the league has given no commitment to this plan and it will take months before a decision is made.
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