NBA game in Australia will happen, says Seth Curry

Brooklyn Nets star Seth Curry says it’s a matter of when, not if, an NBA game is staged in Australia as the sport’s popularity surges.

Seth Curry in action for the Brooklyn Nets. Picture: AFP

NBA star Seth Curry has called for a historic series of matches in Melbourne and Sydney to make the most of the surging popularity of basketball in Australia.

The Brooklyn Nets guard – the brother of Golden State megastar Stephen Curry – will become the latest NBA player to visit Australia next week for a series of basketball camps and shoe shop appearances.

He told the Herald Sun the procession of Aussies now playing in the best basketball league in the world its huge interest meant it was a matter of when, not if, an NBA game was played on Australian soil for the first time.

“I think it’s going to happen eventually, I do,” he said.

“I keep hearing about the great fans over there who watch a lot of basketball.

Seth Curry with Aussie star Patty Mill sand Kevin Durant. Picture: Getty

“The NBA is always trying to expand and get games in front of fans all over the globe.

“So it’s going to happen eventually.”

The sharpshooter, who teamed with Melbourne’s Ben Simmons and Aussie great Patty Mills at Brooklyn, said the time difference and flight time had been a barrier for NBA teams visiting Australia for a single match.

“But if teams could go over there and play two or three games at a time, for pre season or whatever it is, I think they are going to get it done,” he said.

Curry even flagged the prospect of an Aussie match between the Nets and his brother’s NBA champion Warriors, as demand for NBA match grows down under.

“Maybe – you never know,” he said.

“They are going to get it done. They are going to do something entertaining for the fans.”

Curry will be flown to Australia by Foot Locker for in store appearances at Melbourne QV on July 31 and Sydney’s Pitt St on July 29.

He will also host basketball camps with not for profit groups Hoop City and Charity Bounce in Melbourne on July 31 and Sydney on July 30.

“It’s an opportunity to come over, make a stop by a few clinics, try to teach the game, spread my knowledge and see some fans over there,” he said.

“I know there are a lot of basketball fans over there ... I’m expecting a lot of fanfare, a lot of knowledge from the basketball fans.”

Melbourne’s Oklahoma City Thunder star Josh Giddey, Bendigo NBA export Dyson Daniels and Aussie basketball greats Andrew Bogut, Mills and Joe Ingles are among those calling for an NBA game in Australia.