David Kahn discusses Paris Basketball's budget plans and the challenges of European basketball. He reflects on EuroLeague's media rights issues and NBA expansion scenarios, while clarifying the club's relationship with Paris Saint-Germain.
Roughly 15 minutes after ParisBasketball's stunning 101-98 victory over Panathinaikos at the OAKA arena in the EuroLeague Round 32, the French club's president and co-owner, David Kahn, found himself seeking a moment of respite.
The narrow corridors of the arena buzzed with the energy of the game, and Kahn, desiring to celebrate with a cigar, approached Apostolos Liogkas, Panathinaikos' press officer.
"Am I allowed to light this here?" Kahn inquired, holding up his cigar near the vicinity of the Panathinaikos locker room.
Liogkas, taken aback by the unusual request, responded with a polite yet firm suggestion: "Perhaps it's best to step outside."
Taking the advice to heart, the 63-year-old sports executive, attorney, and former sportswriter made his way to the parking area adjacent to the visiting team's locker room.
The cool Athenian night provided a stark contrast to the heated atmosphere inside the arena.
As Kahn attempted to light his cigar, a teenage boy approached him, eyes wide with recognition.
"I know you – you're the president!" the young fan exclaimed.
Kahn offered a warm smile, acknowledging the boy's enthusiasm.
However, his focus remained on the unlit cigar. After several unsuccessful attempts with a match, he turned to a nearby police officer, requesting the use of a lighter.
With the cigar finally lit, Kahn exhaled a cloud of smoke, ready to engage in conversation.
In the time it took him to finally light up and savor his victory smoke, we covered a variety of topics: from Paris Basketball's ambitions to EuroLeague's shifting landscape and the ever-looming presence of the NBA.
Like his cigar, Kahn's vision for Paris is one that requires patience, persistence, and just the right spark.
Whether his team will rise in the EuroLeague hierarchy or find itself in a new basketball order remains to be seen.
But David Kahn is prepared to roll the dice, regardless of where that might take him.
**How do you feel about Paris Basketball's success this season?**We're very fortunate. We're very humble. Tonight, the atmosphere was amazing.
The last two matches on the road against Zalgiris and Fenerbahce were heartbreaking. You always hope that the basketball gods will keep things balanced.
Have you thought about keeping the core of this team together for next season?
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Giorgos Kyriakidis