The Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart on facing the Mavericks in Mexico City
“I’m looking forward to representing the franchise down here in a different country,” Isaiah Stewart said.
Mexico City — When Tom Gores became the sole owner of the franchise in 2015, his goal extended beyond simply winning another Larry O’Brien Trophy for the Detroit Pistons. He aimed for his franchise to make a meaningful impact on the community.
A decade into his ownership, the Pistons have taken Gores’ vision international. As part of the NBA Mexico City Game 2025, the Pistons partnered with the Dallas Mavericks, the NBA, the NBPA and Project Backboard to unveil a newly refurbished community basketball court at Deportivo Azcapotzalco.
“Us being able to come into communities and make courts that are beautiful for kids isn’t anything new to the Pistons,” president of business operations Melanie Harris said. “We truly do believe that basketball is a sport that brings people together and breaks barriers. We want the kids to realize that basketball is a sport that can unite and bring people together.”
“We feel that as part of our ethos as the Detroit Pistons. We’re happy to bring that, along with that togetherness throughout the world.”
The renovated community court is a custom-designed art installation featuring the colors and logo of both the Pistons and Mavericks. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, players from both teams held an NBA Jr. and WNBA clinic for the children in attendance. Javonte Green, Daniss Jenkins, and Duncan Robinson served as skill coaches for the Pistons.
Deportivo Azcapotzalco marked the second time the Pistons dedicated a court. During their trip to Paris in January 2023, the Pistons donated a mural and provided funding for a local recreation center.
“These kids, many of them have seen NBA action on TV. For a great deal of them, that’s the closest they will ever get,” former Pistons first-round pick and now television color commentator Greg Kelser told The Detroit News. “But when the league comes into these cities around the world, it opens an opportunity for exposure that these kids never could have dreamed of. These kids will always remember this experience. They will never forget what happened today.”
Along with renovating the court, the Pistons also took the initiative to provide fans with the opportunity to experience the culture of Detroit in Mexico City.
They collaborated with LUST, StockX, and Xbox to host a weekend-long, free and open-to-the-public event at LUST Masaryk. The community event featured various activities and activations, which included raffles and giveaways, a customization station for tees, hats, and totes, games and an LED interactive basketball court.
“We are doing a lot around basketball and the sport, and, of course, that is what we do, but we know in Detroit that we have a lot of swag,” Harris said. “Being able to partner with our fantastic streetwear brand and store in Mexico City to bring a specific Detroit style together with StockX is really exciting.”
The opportunity to represent the Pistons and make a global impact is a sentiment and vision embraced by everyone connected to the franchise in Mexico City — from the coaching staff, players, and front office. It also serves as a testament to the idea that originated with Gores a decade ago.
“It just takes one spark for a kid to believe that they can do anything. And just to instill in these children the energy and love that come with basketball, and let them have a bit more of a global view,” Harris said.
“Many of them may not have been to Detroit or may never get a chance to get to Detroit. For us to come and bring not only our Detroit style of basketball, our Detroit love of fashion, our swag, our grit, our energy, and our love for the community here means a great deal.”
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
Coty and Tarohn discuss the improvement of Ausar Thompson and the slow start of Duncan Robinson.
Coty and Tarohn discuss the improvement of Ausar Thompson and the slow start of Duncan Robinson.
