Watch the New York Knicks take on the Washington Wizards at London's O2 Arena, live on Sky Sports USA from 8pm on Thursday
Tuesday 15 January 2019 17:04, UK
The continued globalisation of the NBA could be manifested with a permanent franchise in London, according to John Amaechi.
The world's leading basketball league makes its annual appearance in London as the Washington Wizards take on the New York Knicks on Thursday, live on Sky Sports USA.
It will be the seventh straight season that The O2 Arena has hosted a regular season game, but there is a possibility that NBA commissioner Adam Silver could look to bring even more elite basketball across the Atlantic in future.
Amaechi, who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz said: "I know that the vision of every commissioner that I've ever seen - David (Stern) first, and now Adam (Silver) - has been global.
"I think in the early days with David it really did manifest with a team in London, a team somewhere else, Paris, Berlin.
"I don't know how it's going to manifest now but it's going to be maintained."
The sport's popularity has continued to grow in the UK, with the careers of current NBA players Luol Deng and OG Anunoby helping to raise the league's profile.
Thursday's matchup will draw a sell-out crowd to The O2 Arena, with a number of high-profile figures from other sports expected to be in attendance.
"This is an amazing opportunity - it is every year - for people to really see top quality basketball," Amaechi added.
"I know people will note that these two teams are not necessarily at the top of their game but at the same time they will be here to compete."
"This is a huge opportunity for them to showcase their skills to the world."
