By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After his first practice with the Denver Nuggets, Facundo Campazzo talked to reporters via video conference. The former Real Madrid star went through the necessary adjustments, playing alongside Nikola Jokic and other effective ball-handlers in Jamal Murray and Monte Morris, and what he brings to the table.
“I am so happy to be here. It’s a great team. I have a lot of great teammates,” he said in his opening statement. The 29-year-old Argentine despite going undrafted in 2013, made his way to the NBA packing several solid seasons in Europe including a couple of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague championships as a member of the Madrid squad.
“I’m finally here,” he replied to another question regarding his NBA move and arriving at Denver, “I’m so happy right now. I feel like a little child at this moment. This is a dream, you know, but I’m just going to keep working. It’s not going to be easy.”
Many can argue that similarities between European basketball and the NBA have been growing in recent years, but players familiar with the European style moving to the NBA still require changing aspects of their game. Campazzo agrees and is ready to make those adjustments.
“I think the biggest difference is how quick the game is here,” he pointed out, “The game is very fast. I will have to get used to that. In Madrid, I played in a slower offense. Here you have to run, put in your space, get in the right position, play hard defense. Adapting will not be easy, but I will try my best.”
“I have to get better in moving without the ball,” he claimed to further into fitting in his new team.
World Cup rival Jokic being among his teammates can facilitate the transition. The Joker after being picked 41st in the 2014 draft evolved into a leading player of the Nuggets.
“It is the second time I see him. I played against him in the World Cup last year,” noted Campazzo, “He seems like a great guy. I will try to take advantage of his IQ game. I will try my best to receive the ball or pass the ball. I think he makes every player better and I will try to take advantage of that.”
An extremely delighting approach to the interview merely equals a similar response in fans and the franchise itself anticipating an upgrade to the squad.
“The Denver Nuggets have a great team. They played very well last year,” he mentioned recalling the run to the Western Conference Finals, “The playoffs, they usually go there, so that is very motivating for me, and playing on a team like this one is very, very awesome for me.”