ABU DHABI: Few figures embody the spirit of overcoming odds and inspiring future generations as powerfully as Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues.

At just 1.60 meters, Muggsy may be the shortest player in NBA history, but his impact on the game has been monumental.

The former NBA star enjoyed a 14-year career playing for the Washington Bullets, Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors.

This October, basketball fans in the UAE and the region will have the chance to see the “man who made a dream come true” up close during the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024, presented by ADQ.

Bogues will be in the UAE capital as a part of the basketball experience that sees the Boston Celtics take on the Denver Nuggets twice in three days.

Sharing his story of perseverance and the power of the game to inspire, as well as his pride in the global growth of basketball, the 59-year-old spoke with Arab News just weeks ahead of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games.

Bogues said of representing the NBA in Abu Dhabi: “I’m excited to be part of it. It’s not just about basketball; it’s about inspiring kids to think that maybe one day they could be on that court, pursuing a career in the sport.”

For Bogues, this international event is more than just pre-season games. It is about showcasing the global appeal of basketball in places where the sport might not be dominant.

“People love seeing what it’s like on the other side of the world, and social media helps share all the stories leading up to the games,” he said.

“To be able to showcase great basketball worldwide, especially in places where basketball isn’t the No. 1 sport, it creates interest. Kids see these games and dream of pursuing basketball, even if it’s not the first option in their country.”

Bogues has witnessed firsthand how the NBA has evolved: “The game has become truly global. In my time, there weren’t as many overseas players, but now you see players from all over the world bringing their unique styles.

“European players, for example, are known for being more fundamentally sound, while in the US we tend to rely more on athletic ability. Now you see a combination of both in the NBA, and it makes the game even more exciting.”

Bogues is living testament to the idea that size does not determine success: “No matter your size or where you come from, like in my case, being 5 feet, 3 inches, you can dream of making it to the NBA. It’s all about mastering the game and believing in yourself.”

While these games are part of the NBA’s pre-season, Bogues stressed their significance for teams. “Pre-season games are very important. After a long summer, teams come back with a short training camp, and these games give them a chance to rebuild the bond and create unity,” he explained.

“It’s all about getting that cohesion back, creating a culture, and familiarizing with one another again. These games are also key in helping to prevent injuries by getting players back into the rhythm.”

With both the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics vying for early bragging rights, the matchups in Abu Dhabi are bound to be intense. “There’s definitely going to be a lot of pride on display,” Bogues said.

“You have this year’s champions, the Denver Nuggets, going up against last year’s champions, the Boston Celtics. These teams haven’t won back-to-back titles in a while, so they’ll be playing for bragging rights.

“Even though it’s a pre-season game, it’s not taking place in their hometown, so they’ll want to show their best basketball early on.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the Celtics and Nuggets in the Finals again. They’ve got the talent, and they haven’t made too many changes to their rosters.”

Bogues says he is “honored and grateful” to be spreading the game globally. “It gives kids the opportunity to dream and believe that maybe one day, it could be them,” he said.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games, presented by ADQ, will feature two pre-season matchups between the Celtics, the 17-time NBA champions, and the Nuggets, the reigning NBA champions, on Friday Oct. 4, and Sunday Oct. 6 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

Fans can meet Bogues at the NBA District from Oct. 3 to 6 at Manarat Al-Saadiyat, where there will be basketball activities, interactive experiences, and exclusive merchandise.

He will also appear at NBA Fan Appreciation Day on Oct. 5 at Etihad Arena, alongside other NBA legends, as well as Celtics and Nuggets players.