Nets to play two exhibition games against Suns in Macao next October

NEW YORK — The Nets will play two exhibition games against the Phoenix Suns on Friday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 12 at The Venetian Arena in Macao, the NBA announced on Thursday.

“I think it’s lit; I love the culture. I can’t wait to go,” forward Day’Ron Sharpe said.

Seventeen NBA teams played in China from 2004-2019 as part of the NBA China Games. However, there had been friction between China and the league after former Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey — now with the Philadelphia 76ers — tweeted an image that supported protests in Hong Kong in October 2019. It led to the removal of NBA games from Chinese broadcast television and the loss of lucrative sponsorships.

The Nets previously played games in China in 2010 and 2019, so this will be the franchise’s third trip to the country. Brooklyn has also played games in Japan, France, England, Mexico, Italy and Israel.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to do it,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said. “As you guys know, basketball has taken me all over the world, and I’ve had the opportunity to visit different countries, culture, fans all over the place, players. So, it’s another opportunity for me, myself, to do it in a place I’ve never been before, and I’m excited to go.”

Nets general manager Sean Marks is eager to see his team return to the international stage. Last year, the NBA estimated that Brooklyn had more than 50 million fans worldwide. The Nets are owned by Joe Tsai, acting chairman of Chinese tech giant Alibaba.

“The Brooklyn Nets have an incredible fanbase around the globe and we can’t wait to bring our love of the game directly to our fans while giving our players and coaches the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different culture,” Marks said in a press release shared by the NBA.

According to a league announcement, the NBA’s return to China will feature a celebrity game headlined by Hall of Famers Tony Parker, Ray Allen and Tracy McGrady. Stephon Marbury, DeMarcus Cousins and Cuttino Mobley will also reportedly play. There will also be interactive fan activities, NBA Cares community outreach and lifestyle events for fans in Macao.

The last time the NBA played a preseason game in Macao was 2007, when the Orlando Magic faced the Cleveland Cavaliers. USA Basketball played exhibition games in Macao ahead of the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

“It means a lot and it’s just a lot of excitement to get to do it and bring our group, obviously another NBA team, then to be able to play two games there, and do every event there from community to fans to basketball,” Fernandez said. “I think basketball is an excuse to get all these things and get lifetime experiences, so I think it’s going to be great.”