NBA Pioneers Australia Debut: New Orleans Pelicans Make Historic Trip Down Under

In a groundbreaking move, the New Orleans Pelicans have traveled to Australia to play a pair of preseason games, marking the first time an NBA team has competed in the country. The Pelicans arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday, ahead of their matchups against Melbourne United on Friday and the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday.

This historic trip is a significant milestone for the NBA, which has seen a growing number of Australian players join its ranks in recent years, including stars like Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, and Ben Simmons. Pelicans coach Willie Green is thrilled about the opportunity, stating that the team is "excited about interacting with the fans in Australia" and that the trip will be a "great bonding opportunity" for the players.

For Pelicans forward Trey Murphy, the Australia tour is a personal milestone, as he prepares to make his return to the court after his 2024-25 season was cut short due to injury. "It's great to be back on the court with my brothers and get this show started," Murphy said.

The Pelicans' visit to Australia is part of the NBA's broader efforts to expand its global reach, with several other preseason games scheduled in international locations, including Abu Dhabi, Puerto Rico, and Macao, China. These games not only provide opportunities for the league to connect with new audiences but also serve as valuable team-building experiences for the players.