‘Second-best league’: Garnett echoes Zion on NBL’s rise

Australian hoops fans had the opportunity of a lifetime, following Thursday's open training session for the New Orleans Pelicans.

As part of the historic NBAxNBL Melbourne Series, NBA legends Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, who have both been inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, took part in a Q&A at Rod Laver Arena.

During the chat with MC Eric Stephens, 2004 NBA MVP Garnett, who won the 2008 NBA championship with Boston, reiterated the point of Pelicans superstar and two-time All-Star Zion Williamson.

"[I have no doubt] the NBL is the second-best league in the world," Garnett said.

Garnett went on to remind fans that he and Allen hadn't been in Australia for 25 years, last appearing here with Team USA in the lead-up to the Sydney 2020 Olympics, and were really 'excited' to be back and 'appreciated' the love from the fans.

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Here’s how you can watch the NBAxNBL games:

New Orleans Pelicans vs Melbourne United
Friday, October 3, 2025 – 7.30pm AEST
How to watch: Live on Amazon Prime Video, 10 Drama and NBA League Pass

New Orleans Pelicans vs South East Melbourne Phoenix
Sunday, October 5, 2025 – 2pm AEDT
How to watch: Live on Amazon Prime Video, 10 and NBA League Pass

Events to come:

- NBAxNBL Fan Zone (Bounce Nation) - Thursday, October 2 to Sunday, October 5 at Rod Laver Arena.
- NBAxNBL Fan Night – Saturday, October 4, 2025, 6pm AEST: A showcase event with player performances, basketball challenges, live entertainment and more.
- Southern Tip-Off Louisiana Luncheon – Sunday, October 5, 2pm AEDT: An exclusive lunch at Centrepiece, while listening to two-time NBA Champion and ten-time All-Star Ray Allen, 15-time All-Star Kevin Garnett, six-time NBL MVP Andrew Gaze, and Olympic silver medallist Michele Timms.

>> CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS TO ALL EVENTS