Ettore Messina backed the idea of NBA Europe, saying a merger with the EuroLeague would be the ideal outcome. The Olimpia Milan sports director explained that the NBA format allows more flexibility, while the EuroLeague's tight system increases pressure and injuries.
Ettore Messina shared his view on the possible launch of NBA Europe, making it clear that he would welcome the project and even pointed to a merger with the EuroLeague as the best outcome.
EA7 Emporio Armani Milan / Schedule
The experienced Italian specialist, who is now working as the sports director of EA7 Emporio Armani Milan after stepping down from his head coach role, believes European basketball could benefit from a different system.
Messina, who has coached at the highest level both in Europe and in the NBA, explained that the American model gives teams more room to manage the season.
"When people tell me 'you want the Americans to come at any cost', I say yes," he said per Corriere Della Sera. "It would bring better alignment between financial goals and sporting results. The ideal would be a merger with the EuroLeague."
Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix
The veteran coach also broke down why he prefers the NBA format compared to the current EuroLeague system, pointing at the heavy schedule and limited margin for error in Europe.
"Of course. And there is a reason. Too many games where you cannot ease off. Actually, none. In the NBA, with 30 teams, 16 go to the playoffs, and four more to the play-in. That is two-thirds," he explained. "You can rotate tired players, you can even accept some losses. In the EuroLeague, six go through directly and four to the play-in. Ten teams out of twenty, only half. The margin is too tight. That is why every game matters, but injuries keep piling up."
Olimpia Milan currently sit 13th in the EuroLeague with a 16-17 record, while they rank 4th in the Italian league at 16-6.
Subscribe to BN+ and get access to exclusive content.
If you like our content, please click here and add us as your preferred source. It helps us a lot, and we are committed to delivering you the very latest basketball news.