Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola Expresses Love for NBA, Lists Favorite Players in Post-MJ Era

MANCHESTER, England – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed his passion for basketball, with the NBA being an important part of his life, in a recent press conference following his team’s friendly victory against Palermo.

Ideology: Pep Guardiola & Basketball

“[Basketball] has always been an important part in my life,” said the Catalan manager, who is a known follower of the NBA and has been spotted at games in the Palau Blaugrana and NBA tracks. Guardiola’s enthusiasm for basketball reaches beyond mere spectatorship. It reflects a mentality that resonates with his footballing ideology, emphasizing possession, movement, and control.

Guardiola’s Favorite Players Post-MJ

Speaking to renowned journalist Marc Stein, who specializes in the NBA, Guardiola shared his three favorite players of the post-Michael Jordan era: Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, and LeBron James. This list is a testament to the manager’s appreciation for skill, consistency, and leadership – qualities he also values in his footballing counterparts.

“Stephen Curry, Luka Dončić, and LeBron James. These are the ones I would choose.”
– Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Manager

City’s Season Ahead: Wolves First Up

This match against Palermo serves as Manchester City’s final warm-up ahead of the Premier League kickoff this weekend. Guardiola’s side takes on Wolverhampton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 18:30 (ECT). After a disappointing 2022-23 season, Manchester City will be eager to reclaim its status as a title favorite, having won the league title in six out of the last eight seasons.