"Matter of time" before NBA returns to Australia': Tatum

The momentum towards more NBA teams returning to Australia shows no signs of slowing down.

Naismith Hall of Famer Ray Allen and New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green and six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin have all thrown their support behind more games down under already.

Now NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum has added his name to the list during an NBA global media call this week.

“It was really, really incredible and great to see both games sold out in a matter of minutes," Tatum said during the media call.

"I think that the NBL were terrific hosts, and we ran other events to maximise the time the Pelicans were in Australia, we got out in the community as well.

“I will say we don’t currently have plans to bring other teams there yet, but given the reaction from our fans there, we think it’s just a matter of time before we return to Australia.

“Joe Dumars (Pelicans head of basketball operations) used to be my colleague here at the league and when I talked to Joe, he said, ‘Mark, the response was incredible. The team loved it.’

"So I think there will be more teams that will raise their hand and want to go play in Australia in front of those knowledgeable and passionate NBA fans."

During the historic NBAxNBL Melbourne Series, more than 60,000 fans attended Melbourne Park for matches between the Pelicans and Melbourne/South East Melbourne, an opening training session and Fan Night.

The NBA App also recently announced it would be streaming NBL games into the United States and Canada, further strengthening the two competitions' connection.