By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Gilbert Arenas responded to Nikola Jokic’s suggestion that NBA players should spend time playing in Europe, defending Team USA’s success and dismissing the need to experience the EuroLeague.
Jokic had discussed how playing for the Serbian national team helped him develop, highlighting an environment where winning takes priority over individual numbers.
“In Europe and the national team, the most important thing is to win the game. I know, it sounds stupid. But you know, in this league, you can see certain players need to get their shots, need to get their points, whatever, stats. But in the national team and in Europe, the most important thing is to win the game, and I wish every player in the NBA would go play in Europe just to see how much pressure there is.”
Speaking on Gil’s Arena, Arenas first pointed to the Americans’ Olympic gold medal.
“When he mentioned the national team, they don’t care about stats. Nor did the USA team. That’s how we beat y’all a– and France. We didn’t care about the stats. We won the gold. If that’s what you’re talking about.”
He then turned his attention to European club basketball.
“If you’re talking about the EuroLeague, we don’t need to play in the EuroLeague. Our trash, the ones who can’t make these rosters, go over there, and they’re the best player in the EuroLeague. The Americans are the best players in those countries.”
Jokic, however, had focused on the pressure surrounding games rather than questioning the quality of American players.
“You play Wednesday against Olympiacos in Greece, then you’re playing at home against Red Star or Partizan. And like, if you have three losses in a row, it’s a big deal over there. People are taking it seriously; they take a lot of pride. So I really wish that the NBA could play six months as Europe.”
Former EuroLeague champion Tyrese Rice summed up that distinction in his reaction to the discussion.
“They missed the whole point of what he was saying.”
Rice’s observation gets to the heart of the exchange: Arenas argued that Americans are better players, while Jokic was talking about what they could gain from experiencing a different basketball culture.
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