Morant Thrilled by Electric European Fans as NBA Expansion Discussions Gain Momentum

Ja Morant made a spectacular return to the NBA court in London, and the Memphis Grizzlies guard believes that any player would be thrilled to play in the vibrant European atmosphere. Morant achieved a double-double by the end of the first half at the O2 Arena, helping the Grizzlies secure a decisive lead over the Orlando Magic and finishing the game with 24 points and 13 assists. The two-time All-Star experienced the complete NBA Europe experience, first soaking in the atmosphere in Berlin and then dazzling the Magic defense with his unique style in London. Morant praised the fans for making both games special, saying, 'It was great, definitely a great experience. They were very energetic.' The global growth of basketball, in line with the vision of late former NBA Commissioner David Stern, continues with the next major step being the European expansion league. Current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver aims to leverage the power of European football fandom to grow the game in new territories, stating, 'We're talking to many different football clubs, some who operate basketball teams and some who don't.' Orlando Magic star Moe Wagner, who made his return from a year out with an ACL injury in Berlin, is keen to highlight that basketball's growth stands out in its own right, saying, 'Comparing it to soccer sometimes takes the joy out of it.' The proof of basketball's growth is evident in the list of the world's top basketball players, which has been profoundly influenced by Europeans, with Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo sharing five of the last seven NBA Most Valuable Player awards between them. Cedric Coward, who started both games for the Grizzlies, believes that the game is developing and growing in other places besides America, saying, 'Our top, probably, three players in the league right now are all international players.' The trip to Europe presented challenges for the players, who had to adjust to time zones and settle into familiar routines in an unfamiliar environment. Despite the challenges, Paolo Banchero, who admits he'd love to see an NBA game in Rome or Milan due to his Italian heritage, says he was grateful for the unique experience, stating, 'I think it's a unique challenge, with the travel going to two different countries, [a] good challenge.' Morant agrees with Banchero that trips like these will only serve to continue the positive trend for basketball, and he believes that other teams in the association would embrace the chance to make a similar trip to Europe. The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies players also took time to remember Martin Luther King ahead of MLK Day, with Cedric Coward saying, 'Especially like for people of colour and people like me, I think it's just to be able to share his beliefs and keep having faith in what he believed in.' Desmond Bane is adamant that the United States still has to push forward with the message and beliefs Dr. King brought forward over half a century ago, stating, 'I think it's pushed our country forward, so far, with still a long way to go.'