For years, basketball fans and analysts have compared the NBA to the EuroLeague and said that one is better than the other.
Now a former NBA star who is finding success in the EuroLeague is speaking out about the matter.
According to Eurohoops, via NBACentral, Lonnie Walker has strong praise for the EuroLeague.
Walker said:
“Everyone is smart here, nobody plays the wrong way. It’s real basketball over here. It’s not like you have one or two players who just take all the shots.”
"Everyone is smart here, nobody plays the wrong way. It's real basketball over here. It's not like you have 1 or 2 players who just take all the shots." 👀
– Lonnie Walker on the euroleague
(Via @Eurohoopsnet ) pic.twitter.com/Gd0oV8prKz
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 10, 2024
Calling the EuroLeague “real basketball” is a huge stamp of approval from Walker.
After seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets, Walker signed a contract with Zalgiris Kaunas of the Lithuanian Basketball League in the EuroLeague during the summer.
He has been having a good time in his new home and is averaging 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game during his first season in the EuroLeague.
There are many differences between these two leagues, and Walker is seeing them up close.
Many people note the lack of iso-play or “hero ball” in the EuroLeague, and, as Walker said, fans have commented about how all players get involved.
Teams are rarely just led by one or two stars, and there is plenty of talent to go around on EuroLeague teams.
Walker is making a splash in the EuroLeague and it has some people wondering if he will come back to the NBA anytime soon.
If he does, will he bring the many things he learned overseas to the US and find more success?
Right now, he sounds very happy to be where he’s at and is enjoying such a high level of basketball skill.
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