By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Ending his playing days, Nikola Kalinic focuses on beginning a coaching career.
The 34-year-old Serbian forward revealed his decision to Serbian outlet Sport Klub on Monday.
One of Crvena Zvezda’s most decorated players confirmed this major life transition in a brief but profound statement, expressing a clear desire to remain close to Belgrade due to his current life situation.
After an unforgettable journey, Kalinic is stepping straight into a two-year role as an assistant coach for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet in the EuroLeague, AdmiralBet ABA League, and domestic Serbian competitions, using this chapter to simultaneously finish coaching school before eyeing future professional challenges.
“I’m ending my career. I’m becoming an assistant coach at Zvezda for the next two years. In the meantime, I’ll finish coaching school. And then, who knows, on to new challenges,” he mentioned.
His retirement closes the curtain on an extraordinarily successful playing career. Before finalizing his decision, recent reports had linked the veteran forward with a potential return to Vojvodina, the club where he played back in 2011.
The Subotica native has established himself as an elite winner, capturing the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague title in 2017 under Zeljko Obradovic at Fenerbahce. His vast club trophy cabinet also boasts an ACB championship, two ABA League titles, two Serbian championships, three Radivoj Korac Cups, and three Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi crowns alongside a Turkish Cup. Individually, his brilliance shone as the Most Valuable Player in the 2021–22 edition of the ABA.
Beyond club success, Kalinic was a pillar for the Serbian national team, securing two major international medals. His finest hour on the global stage came with a silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. He also claimed silver at the FIBA World Cup 2014.
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