Chinese fans getting peek at ‘The Process’
Shanghai and Shenzhen to host 76ers and Mavs
China will get a first-hand look at “The Process” during the National Day holidays in October when the Philadelphia 76ers play two preseason games against the Dallas Mavericks in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
“It will be an honor to be the first 76ers team to play in front of the amazing fan base in China in October,” star center Joel Embiid said in a statement accompanying Tuesday’s announcement in New York.
Teammate Ben Simmons added: “Getting a chance to play all over the world has always been a dream of mine and I’m excited to play in China in October. I know the fans there are passionate about basketball and I’m really looking forward to the trip.”
Embiid and Simmons are two big pieces of “The Process” — a years-long rebuilding strategy that finally has the 76ers in the playoffs this year for the first time since 2012.
The 76ers and Mavs will both make their first appearance in China on Friday, Oct 5 when they clash at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, followed by a rematch on Monday, Oct 8 at Shenzhen’s Universiade Center.
“These games will not only bring the excitement of NBA action directly to our passionate Chinese fans, but also provide our teams and players an opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of the country,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
“The Mavericks and 76ers, both playing in China for the first time, will be able to see
These games will ... also provide our teams and players an opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of the country.”
Adam Silver, NBA commissioner
firsthand the incredible support of our Chinese fans while bonding through projects and events in the local communities.”
This year’s NBA China Games will be the 25th and 26th since 2004. A total of 17 teams have participated over the years, with games staged in Beijing, Guangzhou, Macao, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Taipei.
As always, interactive fan events will again be part of the festivities, including the seventh annual NBA Fan Day on Thursday, Oct 4 in Shanghai, providing thousands of fans with the opportunity to participate in games and watch the Mavs and 76ers conduct mini clinics and skills competitions.
The league and its partners will also conduct a series of NBA Cares community outreach events in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
“We are excited to welcome the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks to China next preseason, marking another milestone in our efforts to bring the authentic NBA experience to our passionate Chinese fans,” said NBA China CEO David Shoemaker.
The Mavericks’ roster currently features 13-time NBA All-Star and 2011 NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki, 2015 NBA champion Harrison Barnes and standout rookie Dennis Smith Jr.
The 76ers are led by a young core featuring All-Star center Embiid and Rookie of the Year candidate Simmons, along with 2017 No 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz, Dario Šari and Robert Covington.
“When I played in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, I witnessed China’s enthusiasm for basketball firsthand,” said Nowitzki. “It will be a fantastic experience for our franchise to play in China for the first time. We’re also excited about the possibility of reconnecting with two great Chinese players who played for the Mavericks, Wang Zhizhi and Yi Jianlian.”
Promoted and produced by iRENA, co-produced by AEG Presents and supported by a roster of marketing and merchandising partners, the two games will be available in more than 200 countries and territories on television, digital and social media.