Pistons to play exhibition game in Winnipeg
The National Basketball Association (NBA) will hold the first-ever NBA Canada Series this October with NBA teams playing preseason games in Montreal and Winnipeg. The Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks will play at the Bell Centre on Oct. 19, and the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons will play at the MTS Centre on Oct. 24.
NBA Canada Series marks the first time games are being held in the country as part of the league’s marquee international preseason schedule, which has historically included NBA China Games, NBA Europe Live and the NBA Mexico Game.
“NBA Canada Series demonstrates the NBA’s commitment to grow basketball in Canada and bring more live games and events to our growing fan base in the country,” said Dan MacKenzie, Vice President and General Manager, NBA Canada. “The inaugural event will bring fans in the provinces of Quebec and Manitoba closer to the game and showcase the dedication of our players on and off the court.”
My first reaction to that news release: the Toronto Raptors and formerly Vancouver Grizzlies never played any of their preseason games in Canada?
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Jul 10, 2012 • 4:20 pm
by Byron
Toronto appears to play approximately half its preseason games at home. So I guess they’re celebrating downgrading Canada from a country that already has the NBA to one that they’re trying to sell the NBA to?
Jul 10, 2012 • 4:22 pm
by Byron
My comment wound up not making sense. They’re saying it’s the first time Canada’s been treated like China and other countries where the NBA puts on special exhibitions to sell itself. Which is a weird thing to celebrate, since they have a team there already.
Jul 10, 2012 • 5:16 pm
by PKSMID
“NBA Canada Series marks the first time games are being held in the country as part of the league’s marquee international preseason schedule”
Yeah this is just stupid PR speak, celebrating that this is the first time they’ve been included in the leagues marquee international schedule. It is a completely meaningless distinction
Jul 10, 2012 • 5:39 pm
by City of Klompton
Wooh…. what’s next? ”The NBA has announced, in an attempt to continue expanding its international presence, that the Raptors will be playing half of their regular season games in Toronto this season.”
Jul 10, 2012 • 6:55 pm
by Byron
I just wonder when the US is going to get one of these special exhibitions. We’re still the largest economy in the world, why aren’t we part of this marquee international tour?
Jul 10, 2012 • 10:22 pm
by gordbrown
Before Raptors there was always a pre-season game in Toronto, first at Maple Leaf Gardens and then at the Skydome (now Rogers Centre). Last couple of years they were at the Copps centre in Hamilton. Often featured the Pistons, although some years the Cavs. Saw Philly play with Charles Barkley one year (can’t remember who they played but it was neither Pistons nor Cavs and Philly won). All that stopped of course with expansion and the Raptors.