The Utah Jazz, arguably the league’s most international squad, will play a historic regular season game in Mexico City next season.
More than ever before, the NBA and the game of basketball in general are thriving beyond the borders of North America. Dr. James Naismith’s game has truly become an international one, and the Utah Jazz have been at the forefront of the changing tide in the Association.
Last season, the Jazz had more international flavor than just about any team in the league. In total, eight foreign-born players suited up for them in 2017-18 and it will be more of the same next season; only Jonas Jerebko found new digs this summer. So, it should come as no surprise that the Jazz are one of three teams picked to take their game south of the border in ’18-19.
The NBA announced on Tuesday that the Jazz, Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic will all play regular season games in Mexico City this winter. Donovan Mitchell and Co. will take on Aaron Gordon and the Magic at the Arena Ciudad de Mexico on December 15.
Said NBA commissioner Adam Silver —
"“Returning to Mexico City for two regular season games this season reinforces our commitment to growing basketball in Mexico and Latin America.”"
The game will mark the first time the Jazz have played a regular season game in Mexico. They previously played three exhibition games there, the most recent being in 2003 against the Dallas Mavericks.
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If you ask me, any move to further the game’s reach globally is a good one. The NBA has outgrown its former position as an American pastime and the willingness of Silver (and David Stern before him) to embrace and help foster that evolution/advancement to the world stage has been a boon for the league and the sport alike.
Moreover, the Jazz may be the perfect team to aid in those efforts. As a collection of disparate personalities from every corner of the globe, working together to work wonders on the hardwood and spearheaded by a sports culture phenomenon in Mitchell, they epitomize an international NBA.
Kudos to the league for making the right moves and doing so with the right team. And take note, National Football League.