The Milwaukee Bucks' recent decision to let Gary Harris wear No. 11 has sparked conversations about whether the team should retire Brook Lopez's jersey. Lopez, who played seven seasons with the Bucks and won the 2021 NBA championship, has left an indelible mark on the franchise. He ranks high in several franchise categories, including second in blocked shots and fourth in 3-pointers made. Despite his contributions, the Bucks have a history of delaying jersey retirements, often waiting until players have been out of the league for years. This raises the question of whether No. 11 will be considered a unique legacy that warrants retirement.

Lopez's impressive stats and accolades make a compelling case for jersey retirement. He transformed into a crucial offensive and defensive player during his time in Milwaukee, which included securing two All-Defensive Team nods. However, the Bucks' criteria for jersey retirement have historically been stringent, often requiring a significant emotional and historical connection between the player and the franchise. As the debate unfolds on social media, fans and analysts alike ponder if Lopez's contributions are enough to merit this honor.

The NBA is expanding its international reach with plans to host six regular-season games in Europe over the next three years, starting with the Grizzlies and Magic in Berlin and London in January 2026. This marks the NBA's inaugural regular-season game in Germany, featuring local stars Franz and Moritz Wagner from the Magic, who expressed their excitement about representing their hometown. The league will also bring games to Manchester and Paris in the subsequent seasons, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for basketball across the continent.

NBA Managing Director George Aivazoglou highlighted the league's commitment to engaging European fans and communities, aiming to further solidify the NBA's presence in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. As part of this strategy, the NBA is working towards launching its own branded league in Europe, which could include a mix of existing teams and new franchises, creating competition for the EuroLeague. The NBA's commitment to European markets signals a significant shift in its global strategy.

The NBA is set to expand its international reach with regular-season games in Europe during the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons. The Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic will kick off this initiative with games in Berlin and London in January 2026. This marks a significant step as the NBA aims to tap into the growing interest in basketball across Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and the UK.

George Aivazoglou, the NBA's Managing Director for Europe and the Middle East, emphasized the league's commitment to engaging with local communities through these games. The Magic will showcase international players like the Wagner brothers, highlighting a strategic push to connect with European fans. Alongside these matches, discussions are underway for a new European basketball league that could incorporate existing EuroLeague teams, reflecting the NBA's ambition to solidify its presence globally.

The NBA is expanding its global footprint by scheduling at least six regular-season games in Europe over the next three seasons, starting with matchups between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic in Berlin and London this January. These games highlight the NBA's commitment to growing its fan base in regions like Germany, France, and the UK, which have shown increasing enthusiasm for basketball.

George Aivazoglou, the NBA's managing director for Europe and the Middle East, emphasized the league's ambition to engage local communities through these events. The January games will mark significant milestones, particularly the Berlin game, which will be the first regular-season game ever hosted in Germany. With the Magic's Franz and Moritz Wagner returning to their homeland, the anticipation is high for these matchups.

Future games are also scheduled to take place in Manchester and Paris during the 2026-27 season, followed by a return to Berlin and Paris in 2027-28. This endeavor underscores the NBA's strategy to capitalize on the growing interest in basketball across Europe, further solidifying its global presence.