Devin Booker believes that playing basketball outside their country is more than just a game.
After winning their debut against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Phoenix Suns will face the Brooklyn Nets as the NBA returns to China with two preseason games in Macao.
The four-time NBA all-star noted that there was a huge fan base in China, and knowing that many Chinese players also compete in the league.
“It’s super-important – we have a big fan base out here in China, and we have Chinese players in the NBA,” Booker said.
The primary purpose is to inspire and make them feel that they have a chance to play in the NBA someday in the future.
“Being here on their homeland and letting them see us play in person, for the youths and the next generation of Chinese players getting this experience on their land, [can] open up their inspiration, you know, make them feel they have a chance [to play in the NBA].”
Booker also expressed excitement, as it will be the first NBA game in China in six years, following a hiatus since 2019.
“The game of basketball touches everywhere in the world, but especially in China,” the 28-year-old said. “Just seeing the reaction of the fans, their faces lit up just upon our arrival.
The 28-year-old is ready to compete and show respect to the country by playing the game that they love at the highest level of basketball.
“From my perspective, it’s always been an extreme amount of love – I can see that through the social platforms. I know I have tremendous respect for the country of China [and] they have the same for us,” Booker said.
