By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Tarik Biberovic made his first official appearance for the Dallas Mavericks during the team’s preseason media day on Friday.
Coming off an eight-year run with Fenerbahce in Turkiye, the 25-year-old forward spoke openly about his role and what he expects to bring to the team for the upcoming 2026–27 NBA Regular Season.
“Well, I’m a lights-out shooter, as they say,” he answered when asked to describe his game to the fans who might not have watched him overseas. “They’re going to see all of that this season, hopefully.”
Building trust
The move to Texas was made easier by his long-standing relationship with a key member of the front office. He pointed to this connection as a major reason he felt comfortable making the jump to North America.
“I’ve known Mike Schmitz [general manager] since I was very young because he’s like one of the best people who scout players,” Biberovic explained. “He knows all about European players. So, that was kind of like a comfort zone that we had. When the Mavericks took my rights, I talked with Mr. Masai [Ujiri] and Mike Schmitz. We were on the same page.”
“My dream was always to commit to the NBA, and the Dallas Mavericks organization stepped up and gave me that chance,” he added.
The former EuroLeague champion has been in Dallas for a month. He is already adapting to his new environment and figuring out how his perimeter skills will fit onto NBA courts. He looks forward to the change in pace.
Learning from European veterans
Biberovic joins a roster with a clear international presence. British teammate Tobi Lawal noted that having players from different countries will ‘bring a different type of flavor to the way we play’ and help the group win games.
“I went pro when I was 14-15. I played with old men basically. So that brings us to caring for each other, sharing the ball, understanding the system of basketball, being there for each other. So these things, I think, can help an organization, help a team get on the same page,” noted Biberovic. “I believe we as European guys, those are the things that we can bring into the team.”
Furthermore, the young forward received plenty of encouragement from former NBA players who are now back overseas.
“The players who’ve been here, who played in the NBA, and now they’re playing in EuroLeague actually, all of them were telling me that I should go to the league, because the plays are basically made for players like me that can shoot, that can space the floor, and that can defend, and the energy and enthusiasm,” said Biberovic. “I actually liked the way they talked to me, because I kind of felt empowered and enlightened to take this step.”
The Mavs are scheduled to travel to Macao for two preseason games against the Houston Rockets. They will then return to the American Airlines Center to host the New Orleans Pelicans and the Rockets, before opening the Regular Season in Houston on October 21.
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