NBA can expand presence further in Asia, say greats Tim Hardaway and Stephon Marbury

SINGAPORE – The National Basketball Association (NBA) has tried to amplify its reach across Asia in recent years, but former players Tim Hardaway and Stephon Marbury believe more can be done.

In 2022, the league opened an office in Singapore, adding to the ones in Manila, Mumbai, Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong.

Since 2007, the NBA has also organised Jr NBA, a global youth basketball programme for boys and girls across the region.

And the duo hope the league can continue viewing Asia as part of its expansion plans. 

They are in Singapore as part of the ongoing Sept 12-15 Fiba Intercontinental Cup (ICC) and are also conducting clinics for youth and academies.

Hardaway, known as the “Crossover King” from his playing time at clubs such as the Golden State Warriors, told The Straits Times on Sept 13: “Asian fans love the NBA. A lot of Asians love basketball, they eat, sleep and drink basketball over here, and that’s great.

“That’s why we like coming over here, talking to and interacting with you all, signing autographs, playing a little basketball, because we appreciate you all.

“We’ve been coming over here to Asia for a long time, and we’ve seen great possibilities.”

The 58-year-old believes Asian basketball can reach greater heights, but it will take time.

“It’s not going to be overnight and your culture is different from ours,” he added. “Our culture is “go get it” (but) your culture is like, you hit somebody, ‘oh, excuse me, I’m sorry’ and pick them up.

“It’s a physical sport, it’s a contact game… we have to try and make our game a bit tougher.

“But I’m happy that we come over here, teach, help and play games over here, and interact with all the fans that watch us and love us.”

Marbury, 47, added that the league has grown exponentially in Asia. He has spent the last 14 years in China and is currently head coach of Chinese Basketball Association outfit Beijing Royal Fighters.

He said: “It’s in every country now, (the league’s) trying to reach more and more kids, more of the youth who love the game, love to play so that the future generation can be exposed to the game. 

“(They have to) just keep doing more. Just keep doing more activations for basketball, bringing more players here. I think what they’re doing is strategic. They’re doing a good job at figuring out how to continue to grow the game here.”

Hardaway encouraged more Asians to give playing basketball in the US a shot. He says that brings more opportunities for the NBA to gain a wider audience in the region.

He added: “We’re trying to get more Asians to play not only in the NBA but also college basketball and then... the NBA. It’s a lot of work, and you have to put in that work. 

“It’s tough, and the ones that make it have the confidence in themselves. The NBA is doing their part to try to get more Asians in the (league), but it’s up to you all to do more yourselves.

“Be that guy that’s gonna come out and play, play the game 100 per cent and have confidence each and every night.”

One example of bringing more awareness for the sport to Asia is the ICC, which is being held for the second straight year in the Republic.

Marbury feels that the tournament is an eye-opener for Singaporeans, saying: “It gives people in Singapore the opportunity to be able to see basketball. 

“It’s pretty cool that people are getting the chance to see guys play during this time.

“It’s kind of like a warm-up before the NBA and Euroleague start, so it’s pretty good.”