During the NBA’s 33rd visit to Mexico, the extension of a multi-year contract was announced that will allow the basketball league to continue playing in Mexico. This was according to statements made by Adam Silver, NBA commissioner at a press conference held before the game between the Miami Heat and the Washington Wizards.
Silver highlighted the success that the NBA has had in Mexico and expressed his desire to increase the league’s presence in the country. He also acknowledged that other American leagues, such as the NFL and MLB, are expanding their activities outside the United States, which has led the NBA to consider the possibility of holding an All-Star Game in Mexico.
The commissioner stressed that, from a logistical point of view, Mexico is one of the most accessible places for NBA expansion, since the trip from New York is shorter than crossing the United States. This logistical ease is an important criterion for the league when considering new locations for its events.
Will there be an NBA team in Mexico?
As for the possibility of establishing an NBA team in Mexico, Silver kept hope alive, although he admitted that they are not ready to take that step yet. However, he acknowledged the number of games that have been played in Mexico and the Capitanes’ presence in the G League as an indication of the growth of basketball in the country.
Silver mentioned that Mexico is the second fastest growing market for the NBA outside of the United States and Canada. The Capitanes, the G League team, have performed well and their season is about to begin, which shows their successful adaptation to the league.
The commissioner concluded that he would love to see a Mexican team in the NBA in the future and assured that Mexico will be among the first options when the league decides to expand.
Jaime Jáquez’s Miami Heat defeats Washington Wizards
After the press conference of NBA commissioner Adam Silver, a game between the Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards was played. Bam Adebayo stood out at the CDMX Arena with an outstanding performance that led the Miami Heat to a resounding victory over the Washington Wizards by 118-98.
From the start of the match, the Heat took advantage of the support of the local public to dominate the first quarter, closing with a 31-21 advantage. Jaime Jáquez Jr., in his debut in Mexico as an NBA player, also shone by coming close to a double-double with 8 points and 10 rebounds.
Adebayo was unstoppable on the court, achieving 50% effectiveness in field goals and making 3 of 5 three-pointers. He concluded the match with a double-double of 32 points and 14 rebounds. Jimmy Butler was another of the team’s most outstanding stars, contributing 18 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists.
The match took place in an electrifying atmosphere in Mexico City, where the public showed great enthusiasm. Jáquez, who had an early role in the game, added six points in the first quarter, being the team’s second best scorer in that period, only surpassed by Adebayo.
Source: infobae
