Are NBA Champions really the World Champions? Well, the answers to this question will result in only one thing: a barrage of polarizing opinions. Nevertheless, there’s only one way to end this debate, which is by pitting the NBA Champions in a series against EuroLeague winners or other leagues. Notably, Adam Silver had already proposed a similar idea last year. However, media veteran Chris Broussard warns the NBA commissioner from heading in that direction.
In the latest episode of The Odd Couple on Fox Sports Radio, Broussard went on to roll to end the world champions debate. The media veteran wanted to pit the NBA Champions against other professional teams around the globe. While the 55-year determinedly batted for such a basketball event, he later backed out and also gave an indirect message to Adam Silver.
Broussard said, “I’m just saying the world has gotten good enough where you can have a literal world championship and the thing that those European teams will have versus a lot of the NBA teams may be playing better team basketball depends on which team they in the NBA… Now look I’ll say this, we have nothing to gain from this in the NBA. But if you like to say you’re the world champion now, sounds good.”
Notably, Broussard’s contradicting statement came days after Adam Silver opened up about the European expansion. Silver visited Paris on account of the 2024 Olympics and hinted at his multi-billion dollar project. The Associated Press reported that the estimated media market value of Europe is valued at $20 billion, with over 270 million fans.
Speaking of the potential market gain, Silver said, “We want to make sure we have a true grasp of the opportunity… We’ll take the time we need to before we decide to move forward on any initiative.” However, the league’s expansion in Europe didn’t necessarily mean the match-up between NBA Champions and European teams. But there’s a twist.
Will Adam Silver pit NBA Champs with EuroLeague winners?
Before answering this question, Chris Broussard didn’t reveal why there won’t be any “gain” for the NBA if they organize an ultimate world championship show. While Silver’s recent interview from Paris stressed that there is definite monetary gain in the European market, Broussard’s statement still stands with a lot of loose ends. If we take a slight leniency and make a wild guess, it could be because there is a risk for the NBA Champs losing the game. Nevertheless, this is just a shot to read between the lines.
However, surprisingly, Adam Silver had already spoken about conducting such an event a year ago. Last season, the NBA world witnessed the inaugural edition of the In-Season Tournament. A decorated mini-tournament for which Silver would definitely take the credit. Moreover, the commissioner may as well take credit for another similar implementation in the future.
Importantly during an interview ahead of the mini-tournament, Silver said, “We’ve talked about an in-season tournament to create some additional excitement during the regular season. It may be that at some point, there’s an in-season tournament, but it includes clubs from outside the NBA. So those are all ideas we’ll continue to look at.” Do you think Silver will implement an in-season tournament involving international clubs? Let us know in the comments below.
