Former NBA Standout Refuses to Play in Tournament With Russian Sponsor
Jul 30, 2025
Former NBA sharpshooter Davis Bertans is refusing to play in an upcoming tournament in Dubai due to the event being sponsored by a Russian company.
Bertans, who grew up in Latvia and played professionally throughout Europe, was drafted in 2011 but didn't come over to the States until 2016, when he joined the San Antonio Spurs.
The power forward would play eight seasons in the NBA, with his best year coming with the Washington Wizards in 2019–20. Playing the most minutes of his career, Bertans notched career highs by averaging 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Now 32 years old, Bertans is currently playing for Dubai Basketball of the United Arab Emirates in the ABA. Bertans' team is set to play in the upcoming VTB United League Super Cup, but he will not be taking part. He explained during a recent media session:
"Considering who is organizing the VTB Super Cup, I cannot participate in a tournament with that name, even in a game against Crvena Zvezda. The team supports my decision, although the coach had not previously looked at the situation from that perspective."
Without Bertans in the fold, Dubai Basketball will rely on some of its other big names during the upcoming tournament. Among the former NBA players on the team are Dwayne Bacon, Justin Anderson, Dzanan Musa, and Filip Petrušev.
Bertans was productive for the team last year, averaging 12.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Dubai Basketball fell to Partizan Belgrade in last year's playoff semifinals.
