NBA great Tyson Chandler says Abu Dhabi ‘is in for a show' when Knicks face 76ers

Arab News

5 hours ago

DUBAI: The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are set to bring one of basketball's fiercest rivalries to the UAE capital this October, as they face off in The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ.
For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
The preseason matchups, taking place on Oct. 2 and 4 at Etihad Arena, will see two storied franchises meet in the Middle East, a stage Knicks legend Tyson Chandler believes will deliver far more than exhibition basketball.
'It's huge,' Chandler said recently. 'Players really enjoy going over there, experiencing a different culture, and broadening their horizons.
'It's just as beneficial for the fans as it is for the players. They get to see the NBA put on a great show, watch some of the top athletes in the world, and enjoy a great environment. Any time the NBA is able to connect globally, it's a great thing.'
This year's clashes coincide with the 75th anniversary of the first Knicks–76ers meeting, a milestone Chandler says will only add to the intensity on court.
'Abu Dhabi is in for a show,' he added.
'When the Knicks and the 76ers roll in, you're looking at two of the most talented rosters in the NBA. We've got two of the best centers in the world, two of the best point guards, and great wings on both sides.
'Whatever a young basketball player likes, they're going to see someone they can watch, learn from, and take something away. I'm excited to see what that sparks in this young generation.'
The games will mark an early test for new Knicks head coach Mike Brown, a hire Chandler believes is perfectly timed.
'I love the hire,' the two-time NBA All-Star said. 'The Knicks needed somebody who could push them but also relate to them. Mike has had success, he's got coaching experience in different spots, and I think he's in a great place in his career.'
'Just like players, coaches grow through their experiences. It's perfect timing for him.'
Chandler, who won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, says the Knicks have the roster to challenge for the title if they can keep their focus.
'As far as personnel, I don't think they're missing anything,' he said. 'Getting Karl-Anthony Towns (in 2024) was huge. Matching him with Jalen Brunson and putting him in Madison Square Garden, there's a certain type of pressure that brings out the best in you.'
'They've also added Jordan Clarkson off the bench (last month), which gives them extra firepower. The key is staying locked in. New York can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also distract you from the main goal. I think Mike Brown will do an excellent job of keeping them focused on the main thing.'
Chandler, who is spending this week in Manchester for the 22nd Basketball Without Borders Europe camp organized by the NBA and FIBA, is taking part in an event held for the first time in the UK.
The camp has brought together 60 of the top high-school-age boys and girls from 27 countries across Europe.
'You can watch from afar, you know, and continue to develop your game, but it's different when you're able to see something up close,' Chandler said, commenting on the importance of the BWB camp.
'It's different when you're able to see the players live, and I think it's very inspiring.
'Games being global now is giving youngsters a chance to see live athletes, see what the measuring stick is, even be inspired.
'Basketball Without Borders, having great talent, players, current and former coaches, referees, that is a priceless experience they are having because it's going to spark something, whether it's now or later, that's going to really help shape and develop who they are in their careers.
'What Basketball Without Borders is doing is really planting the seeds around the world that are going to eventually pay off in the next generation of basketball players.'
For Chandler, whether in Manchester or Abu Dhabi, it all comes down to inspiring the next generation.