By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Baumann was interviewed by “BallinEurope” and he explains that while the NBA has its own set of rules towards the national teams qualifying windows, that can change.
“The NBA is a league that is around 70 years. Since the 1960s they play exclusively as a domestic league, it’s a closed league and they live in their space which fits the US sports scenario. We have an excellent relationship with the NBA since the end of the 1980s. The relationship is clear, the NBA will release players as long as it’s outside their season. We respect the history, my predecessor [Borislav Stankovic] made that deal with David Stern, and the NBA respects us. Today, the G League frees the players,” said Baumann who implies that if Team USA starts losing in qualifying games, then things can change.
“In terms of ambition, things only change when you start losing on the court. If the game is global and the NBA wants to dominate globally, then who knows whether they will have to think of a different schedule”.
And that’s why nothing will change in terms with the EuroLeague. “We have to go down our way and provide opportunities for countries to play more often on a regular basis. We don’t want to touch the club business in a way that is disrespectful or takes away from the club season but we need a space for the national teams. The national teams are what drive larger crowds to the game and basketball generally, this we have seen worldwide,” Baumann said.
“The first window was extremely successful across the globe, including in Europe where there are difficulties in getting players. Fortunately, there are many more players than just the Euroleague teams.”