Bruton's thrilled to play Suns, Thunder

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton says the NBL x NBA pre-season games will be the ideal lead-up to the NBL23 season.

The club announced Friday games against Phoenix Suns on October 2 and Oklahoma City Thunder on October 6, and Bruton said the challenge for his side will be real.

“Phoenix Suns, regular season champions, best record in the NBA and then playing against Josh Giddey and OKC is an amazing opportunity,” Bruton said.

“This is a way to connect Australia and the United States.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our club and to showcase South Australia.”

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The club will sit out the first two rounds of NBL23 to make the trip and Bruton said his side is prepared for that challenge.

“When you play in NBL, you travel a lot,” Bruton said.

“We will fly and prepare ourselves the best way. We have a support staff that will counter that and make sure we are ready.

“It will be a difficult transition but such a wonderful opportunity.”

Adelaide 36ers CEO Nic Barbato said the trip will be more than just basketball.

“We are really really excited to be representing the state, representing our club and representing the NBL for these two games,” Barbato said.

“It’s phenomenal to extend our brand in such a big market and to connect with the best league in the world.”