A mural to mark the presence of the NBA
There is an air of Harlem between boulevard Kellermann (13e) and the device. It is in the background of hip-hop being emitted from a loudspeaker on the side of the field, from Lord Finesse to Travis Scott, that this creation conceived by the National Basketball Association (NBA) was inaugurated. Something to remind the true origin of the orange ball.
This first fresco pays homage to one of the most legendary franchises in the big leagues: the Detroit Pistons. The team, passing through Paris, will face the Chicago Bulls this Thursday, January 19 at the Accor Arena (12e) for the NBA Paris Game 2023.
For the Michigan franchise, triple champions in 1989, 1990 and 2004, this is the perfect opportunity to mark the occasion, as Pistons vice-president Arn Tellem explained: “This trip to Paris is more than a simple sporting trip. This is an opportunity for the NBA, but for our franchise to leave our mark on the capital. »
The Motor City franchise also donated €5,000 to the basketball section of Évariste Gallois college (13e)” to push them to become better players”.
Twenty-four more works of art will also be released in 2023.
The NBA, with its creation and funding initiative, appointed Hypermur as the project coordinator. This Parisian association of urban art has been working for more than ten years among the districts of the capital. They are notably behind the Raï and Daniel Narcisse playgrounds inaugurated in the summer of 2022 in the Jardins d’Éole. An opportunity not to be missed according to Renaud Cousin, director of the association: “When I received the call from the NBA, it took me a few minutes before I realized. »
He is the artist small who was chosen to create the fresco. This Parisian has been creating street-art since the 1990s and doesn’t hide the source of his inspirations: “Hip-hop and the NBA are forever linked, I use these movements in my works. » He also did not hesitate to take part in the project “Like crazy, I accepted without any conditions”he testified.
Its creation is also a message for young people: “I hope the fresco serves as a trigger, a source of motivation for them. » Its artistic composition is mixed the world of graffiti and comics, while incorporating the chromatic range of the Detroit Pistons (blue, red and white). The realization of the fresco (23 meters long and 9 meters high) was completed after two weeks of work.
For this inauguration, three “Pistons Legends” traveled: Earl Cureton, Greg Kelser and Ben Wallace. These former players are now ambassadors who reach out to people at community events. This time, the meeting is taking place across the Atlantic.
For Kelser, France is a country of the future for basketball: ” Thanks to players like Tony Parker, Joakim Noah or even Killian Hayes playing for the Pistons, France is known worldwide. In my opinion, after the United States, this is the country that produces the best basketball talent. »
Meeting the young Parisians was an important step in their visit, as Ben Wallace, NBA champion in 2004 with Detroit, explained: “It’s important for players who have known the NBA to come and share this kind of moment with the young people. The message we want to send is don’t give up. »
Meetings that college students are not ready to forget in the college basketball section. “I signed autographs for all three!” happy Nermine, I only know one by name, but it shows that they are legends. » For this 11-year-old member of Domremy Basket 13, it’s a strong sign that former players are walking the yard where he plays. “We feel that we are important when we see good players come to Paris. »
Arthur, 11, also savors the moment: “I’m super happy to tell myself that I wish I had seen NBA stars in my life. » From the top of his eighty meters, he feels anxious in front of the Pistons Legends. : “They give off a certain aura, it’s the first time in my life that I feel so small. »
