Detroit Pistons: 3 benefits of playing in the NBA Paris Game 2023
As a young team that receives minimal to no national exposure, the Detroit Pistons have an opportunity on their hands.
The Pistons arrived in France to prepare for the NBA’s 2023 Paris Game where they will take on the Chicago Bulls this Thursday, Jan. 19 at Accor Arena. The game will be broadcast on NBA TV, as well as the local Bally Sports Detroit, for a 3 p.m. ET tip-off.
It has been a lackluster season for the Pistons where the only benefit that can be taken is some individual development, as well as a shot at another high lottery pick once this summer’s NBA Draft rolls around.
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Being able to play on a global stage is nothing to bat an eye at, however. The Pistons had a similar opportunity previously, when they traveled to Mexico City to take on the Dallas Mavericks in 2019. Detroit dropped that game, but were able to compete in front of a budding market with fans that don’t get to witness NBA games in person often, if ever.
Paris provides a similar setting. Those in attendance will be able to become Detroit or Chicago fans for a few hours. Maybe even a week, or potentially longer.
It’s no secret that the NBA is trying to expand it’s global presence, but how do these games help the organizations that do compete overseas? And specifically, for this year’s Pistons squad, how can they benefit from the Paris Game?