NBA: Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder all set for Manchester face off

Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Philadelphia 76ers in Manchester on Tuesday as part of the NBA Global Games, and both teams are pumped up ahead of their pre season game which brings them to the UK.

“I think it’s good to go to Europe. You know I’ve spent a lot of time overseas [coaching in Australia]. I’m excited to take these guys over to Spain and play a FIBA game and then go to Manchester and play an NBA game,” said 76ers Head Coach Brett Brown.

Despite being injured and ruled out of the game, Nerlens Noel says it’s important to still travel with the team.

“I want to be around these guys,” said the power forward.

“I want to learn what the NBA lifestyle is. It prepares me for when I do come back. I think it’s crucial to start now, learning about my teammates and start the bonding now and the brotherhood. … You need that to be a championship team at an elite level.”

Scott Harris, 76ers owner, said he is excited for what the new season will bring.

“I think that we’re really putting the pieces in place to build a strong foundation for a consistently winning, competitive, championship team. That’s always been my goal and I’ve always had that vision, so now we’re doing it.

“I’m very excited where we are. It’s nice to see the level of intensity in practice, the youth in practice, the new coaches. It all feels like a different place, it’s exciting.”

Oklahoma City Thunder guard, Thabo Sefolosha spoke of the importance of pre season games, saying: “I’m looking forward to the trip to Europe, I think that’s going to be big for us spending time together and having some good interactions with our teammates.”

Kevin Durant also spoke about his hopes for the upcoming season.

“I like the progress,” said Durant.

“Everybody came back and made their games better. I’m excited for the season. I’m excited for the opportunities that new guys are going to get. I’m excited for the opportunity I’m going to get as a leader to step into a different phase as a leader.”

“We’re excited about the core of players who are coming back. We had a great summer. … They all come back a little bit better,” added Head Coach Scott Brooks

NBA Commissioner David Stern explaine why it’s important to grow basketball on a global scale.

“Providing fans with an authentic NBA experience is an important part of our efforts to grow the game globally.

“This fall, nearly a third of our teams will embark on a global tour that will celebrate the game of basketball, give our international fans a chance to connect with NBA teams and players, and leave a lasting impact in each of the communities we visit.”