NBA stars Paul George, Jimmy Butler hoping for sunny start to Yao Foundation charity event
- Pair will be joined by LA Clippers guard James Harden and Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma for exhibition game against CBA select team
NBA All-Star Paul George was hoping for more sunshine for his first visit to Hong Kong, while the returning Jimmy Butler said he enjoyed every moment in the city after also visiting last summer.
The pair are among a quartet of stars playing on Tuesday in a charity basketball game organised by China’s NBA legend Yao Ming, as part of his foundation’s work with youth.
In an event at the Peninsula hotel, which was billed as a press conference but at which organisers refused to allow the media to ask any questions, the most interesting thing Butler divulged was his apparent love of karaoke.
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden and Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma were also expected play at the game at AsiaWorld-Expo, although neither were scheduled to arrive until hours before it started.
“Hopefully the weather tomorrow is a little better, breaking some California sunshine,” said George, who signed for the Philadelphia 76ers in the off season after leaving the Clippers. “But I am excited to be here, it’ll be a blast.
“Just like what Jimmy [Butler] said before, we’re getting to showcase what we do and play alongside some good talent … [Everything here is new to me] so I’ll be taking everything in just one day at a time.”
