‘Here for a reason’: Josiah Maama living out his NBA dream

For Josiah Maama, walking into the San Antonio Spurs’ training facility was not a moment to wonder if he belonged.

The proud Tongan from Glen Innes, East Auckland, knew exactly why he was there.

Now part of the Spurs coaching staff for the 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) Summer League, Maama says the opportunity is the reward for years of hard work, sacrifice and the support of the people who believed in him.

Maama says he is “here for a reason”.

“A dream come true, to be in anything related to the NBA,” Maama told PMN News. “Then obviously coaching is my passion… it’s a vocation for me… to be able to pursue that vocation in one of the best levels in the world. It’s really fun and really humbling too.

“I'm glad that I get to represent proudly for not just Tonga, but for Glen Innes as well, East Auckland and all my family back home as well.”

Josiah Maama. Photo/Supplied

The NBA Summer League is where franchises give newly drafted players and emerging talent the chance to prove themselves while coaches continue developing at the highest level of the game.

Maama has already built a strong coaching reputation in New Zealand. He helped guide Dilworth Boys College to their first Auckland Premiership title in 2025.

Alongside his brother, Sione Maama, also helped lead the Junior Tall Blacks to their first International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Under-17 title.

Brothers Sione and Josiah Maama celebrate after leading the Junior Tall Blacks to a historic maiden FIBA Under-17 title. Photo/Instagram

For Maama, reaching the NBA has come at a personal cost.

“This is my second year in a row missing my mom’s birthday because I’ve been overseas coaching. But at the same time, as much as that sucks, it’s nice to always acknowledge that I wouldn’t be here without her sacrifices.

“I’m really grateful for that… It definitely takes a massive toll on your life, but these are the sacrifices you make if you want to be in these places and these spaces.”

Despite arriving at one of basketball’s biggest organisations, Maama says he never felt out of place.

“I felt very competent and very prepared, obviously with my experiences in the past of coaching in New Zealand and other places, but also having amazing support from all the people back home.

“It was a bit of a trippy moment seeing the championship banners in the background, seeing the Spurs logo on the ground,” Maama said, reflecting on the moment and thinking, “we’re here for a reason, we’re here to add value, we’re not just here because it’s a buzzy or trippy experience.”

That mindset has helped carry him from East Auckland to Texas.

Working under head coach and former NBA player Corliss Williamson, Maama says the experience is something his younger self could only dream about.

“Doing it for… the 11-year-old Josiah who grew up watching Basketball and being a massive fan of the NBA, and not knowing what to do with life, and going through different struggles.

“Hoping one day you’d be doing something cool and something you were passionate about as a kid… this is what I was passionate about, used to sit on my couch and play football manager… now I get to play it in real life, I guess.”

After taking part in the California Classic, Maama and the Spurs now turn their attention to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

The tournament runs from 10-20 July (NZT), with the San Antonio Spurs opening their campaign against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday at 8:30am (NZT).