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NBA’s six-city tour helps U.S. develop 3-on-3 talent
- Updated: May 22, 2016
ATLANTA (AP) — Gary Payton believes the United States is behind other nations in organized 3-on-3 basketball.
A first step in catching up was Saturday’s opening day of Dew NBA 3X, a six-city U.S. tour of 3-on-3 tournaments.
Payton is the NBA ambassador for the tour and he was joined Saturday by Los Angeles Lakers guard Lou Williams, an Atlanta native. Hall of Famers Dominique Wilkins and Isiah Thomas are scheduled to take part in Sunday’s final day in Atlanta.
FIBA, basketball’s governing body, has proclaimed 3-on-3 basketball to be the world’s No. 1 urban team sport. It is promoting 3-on-3 as a way to get more players involved in the sport and failed in its bid to have the sport included in the 2016 Olympics.
The idea of growing the sport also appeals to the NBA.
“We realized this could become an Olympic sport and along with that we want to commit to growing the game, that’s the focus,” said Damon McDade, manager of events for the tournament.
Payton said he has seen the popularity of 3-on-3 basketball in his international travel.
“This is what they focus on, 3 on 3,” Payton said. “Most of their kids over …
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