NBA’s New Milestone Pelicans’ Historic Preseason Tour in Australia
Excitement Builds as New Orleans Pelicans Make Historic Journey to Australia
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Melbourne’s Finest: A Landmark NBA Journey
The New Orleans Pelicans have embarked on a remarkable journey, making a historic trip to Australia for a pair of exhibition games. These games mark the first time an NBA team has traveled to Australia, with the Pelicans set to face Melbourne United on Friday and the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday. Both teams are part of Australia’s premier basketball league, the NBL.
A Rich History of Australian Talent in the NBA
Australia has been a prominent source of NBA talent, producing notable players such as Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Andrew Bogut, Ben Simmons, Luc Longley, Matthew Dellavedova, and Josh Giddey. Even NBA superstar Kyrie Irving was born in Australia. The Pelicans’ visit is a testament to the country’s deep connection with the NBA.
Building Team Chemistry Down Under
Pelicans coach Willie Green sees the trip not only as a chance to compete but also as a significant bonding opportunity for the team. “This is a great bonding opportunity for all of our guys,” Green shared. The players are enthusiastic about engaging with fans and experiencing the Australian culture. The trip promises personal growth as well as professional development.
Star-Studded Appearances and Community Engagement
The Pelicans have lined up several activities to connect with fans and give back to the community. Hall of Famers Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are slated to make appearances at the games. Highlights include:
- An open practice session
- A special fan night event
- A Junior NBA clinic for 50 aspiring young Australian players
NBA’s Expanding Global Footprint
The Pelicans’ trip to Australia is part of the NBA’s increasing global presence during the preseason. Other notable international games include:
| Teams | Location | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia vs. New York | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Thursday & Saturday |
| Orlando vs. Miami | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Saturday |
| Denver vs. Toronto | Vancouver, Canada | Monday |
| Phoenix vs. Brooklyn | Macao, China | October 10 & 12 |
A Journey Inspired by Dyson Daniels
The concept of the Pelicans’ trip was sparked during Dyson Daniels’ tenure with the team. Although he was traded to Atlanta in a transaction involving Dejounte Murray in 2024, the significance of the visit remained. “It’s an honor, really,” Green remarked, emphasizing the global reach and impact of the NBA in connecting people across continents.
As the Pelicans prepare to return to New Orleans, the team eagerly anticipates the valuable experiences gained both on and off the court. This journey to Australia represents a milestone for the Pelicans and highlights the NBA’s commitment to spreading the love of the game worldwide.
