Former Player Plans NBA Franchise in Mexico

(Mexico City) Former professional basketball player for the Charlotte Bobcats, Eduardo Najera, 36, has announced that he will dedicate his life to getting an NBA franchise in Mexico.

Najera retired from pro ball yesterday after a 12-year career.

“It something that’s difficult, but it’s not impossible. The NBA has its rules, but in the end this is a business and if Canada can do it, why not us? It would be a long process, for the future,” Najera said.

Mexico has been ready to have a professional basketball, football or baseball team for years because there’s a big market and a lot of fans, the 36-year-old Najera said.

“To achieve that goal, first I’ll have to go through a learning process and I’m ready to work and dedicate all my time to it,” Najera, a journeyman forward who averaged 4.9 points and 3.7 rebounds a game during his career, said.

Najera retired Wednesday to become the new head coach of the NBA Development League’s Texas Legends, replacing Del Harris. Under the deal, Najera will also become a minority owner of the Legends, a team co-owned by Dallas Mavericks president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson.

In his role as a Development League coach, he will open doors for more Mexican players who want to play in the NBA, Najera said.

If Najera is successful, I propose that his team be named the 'Mexico City Amigos.' Or maybe the 'Mexican Calientes' with, of course, full credit for the idea being given to the Miami Heat.