Milwaukee Bucks' Bobby Portis relishing visit to UAE for 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games

Bobby Portis has promised a “great experience” for all concerned when his Milwaukee Bucks take on the Atlanta Hawks in two pre-season games in Abu Dhabi this week.

Portis was speaking ahead of the 2021 NBA champions' double-header against the Hawks at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The first match of the 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games takes place Thursday with the second match on Saturday.

The Bucks centre said he was looking forward to playing in front of new fans.

“This is a great experience just to be a part of the whole thing and to be a part of the two teams playing their first NBA games at a new venue and in front of a new audience,” Portis said in a Zoom roundtable conference on Sunday.

“I’m just looking forward to this experience. This is something new as I have never been to Abu Dhabi but only heard about good things and obviously we want fans to enjoy the NBA games.

“I’m bringing my mum as well just for the two of us to be together and enjoy this new experience,” he added.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates after defeating the Phoenix Suns in Game Six to win the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Portis, 27, believes taking basketball's lead league overseas also benefits its players and that he personally is looking forward to visiting the UAE capital.

“Like I said earlier, I never have been to this part of the world before but I heard a lot about this place, and just to have the chance to experience it’s going to be great,” he said.

“Basketball is definitely a sport that brings everybody together and for us to give you guys the opportunity of a great experience of the NBA.

“Honestly we [Porter's family] didn’t know much about Abu Dhabi before we knew we were coming over there