Dubai Basketball’s newest global ambassador, NBA champion Tristan Thompson, is confident the team can become a major player in European basketball as he takes on a role to boost the club’s global presence.
A new path for the former NBA star
Thompson, a former centre for the Cleveland Cavaliers, brings over a decade of NBA experience to Dubai Basketball, a club that has been in operation for just three years. Although he won’t be taking to the court as a player for the team in the near future, Thompson hasn’t ruled out a return to playing, stating he is still a free agent and has the desire to play. “Who knows? I might get out there for a couple of practice days with the guys and see how it goes,” he said. “But I’m at peace. It’s about what chapter two could look like and how I can make myself a valuable asset to Dubai Basketball.”
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Thompson’s responsibilities will go far beyond making appearances, as he plans to contribute to the development of grassroots basketball, attract new players, forge commercial partnerships, and enhance the overall experience for players and their families.
Establishing a foundation for long-term success
Since its establishment in 2023, Dubai Basketball has made rapid progress, including joining the EuroLeague in the 2025-26 season, a first for a Gulf club. Thompson sees this as a sign of the ownership group’s ambition. He views the current team as the initial pieces of furniture in a house that needs to be built on strong foundations, which can be achieved through engagement with schools, academies, and the community. “Seeing is believing,” he said. “When I was young, going to Vince Carter’s basketball camp and being able to shoot free throws with him made me believe I could become an NBA player.”
Recruitment is another key area of focus for Thompson, who aims to make Dubai an appealing destination for talented players who are not getting the opportunities they desire in the NBA. “If you’re not playing for an NBA team, Dubai Basketball is the next best thing,” he said. He also believes the club has the potential to compete in this season’s Final Four in Abu Dhabi, stating there is “no reason” they shouldn’t be contenders.
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“There wouldn’t be a Tristan Thompson or other NBA players from Toronto if it wasn’t for the Toronto Raptors,” he said. “It wouldn’t surprise me if there is a local kid from Dubai who plays for the team and wears the jersey one day.”
For Thompson, the lessons he learned during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA championship run, alongside LeBron James, remain relevant in both sports and business. “It’s about being a professional every day. Punching the clock, putting your best foot forward and taking no shortcuts,” he said. “What you put into the game is what you get out.”
