The NBA has announced two preseason games for the 2016-17 season that will feature the OKC Thunder against two Euroleague Basketball powers — Real Madrid and FC Barcelona Lassa. The games — Real Madrid on October 3 and Barca on October 5 — will take place in those Spanish cities. It should be noted that Barcelona played a major role in the history of basketball’s global popularity, as it was at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games that the “Dream Team” — America’s first Olympic basketball team featuring professionals — captivated the world.
The big question about the October games is whether Thunder star Russell Westbrook will get his guaranteed Spanish triple-doubles with Kevin Durant on the floor — or not. Durant is the most sought-after free agent in the NBA this summer, and every team with a snowball’s chance of luring the former NBA MVP and scoring champion is taking a shot. Durant turned down sneaker suitor Under Armour two years ago to remain with Nike, so loyalty has been KD’s modus operandi so far. Who knows? Maybe even a nice trip to Spain with Victor Oladipo will be incentive enough for Durant to hang around for one more shot at a title in Oklahoma City.
