Jusuf Nurkic shares his thoughts on the NBA’s European league. Meanwhile, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic expresses optimism about the league’s success in reshaping European basketball.
The NBA's plans to establish a European league continue to gain traction, with discussions surrounding its format and potential impact on the current basketball landscape.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis recently presented a plan for a 16-team league featuring a mix of permanent franchises and a promotion system, a structure that could significantly alter the basketball hierarchy on the continent.
As discussions continue, players, coaches, and executives alike are keeping a close watch on the developments, understanding that the next few years could bring one of the most significant shifts in European basketball history.
Jusuf Nurkic, currently playing for the Charlotte Hornets, shared his thoughts on the NBA's European expansion and how it could affect the sport internationally.
"I think it's a great thing; it'll give players more opportunities and freedom to choose their teams," the Bosnian big man told Toni Canyameras from El Mundo Deportivo.
"And I think when the NBA comes, everyone should be respectfully concerned because we know how the people here in the NBA and Adam Silver put things together. I think it will be a really good league. I hope it doesn't make the EuroLeague disappear because it's a great competition and there are great atmospheres."
Nurkic, a keen follower of European basketball, acknowledges the EuroLeague's rich history and fan culture but also sees the potential of an NBA-backed competition.
"Everyone loves the EuroLeague, and I'm a huge fan. I'm following it, and I hope FIBA and the NBA can find a league that's truly as equal as the EuroLeague. That's the goal."
The NBA's proposed league could fundamentally reshape the European basketball scene. The question remains whether both leagues can coexist or if the NBA’s expansion will force a significant restructuring of the current European basketball ecosystem.
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic, one of the few European-born coaches in the NBA, expressed optimism about the venture.
"I'm sure the NBA did a very good market study in Europe. I'm sure they have a great idea of what they want," the Serbian tactician told Canyameras.
"I don't have enough information about what their vision is and how they will do it, but I'm sure Adam Silver and his group really know what they want to do, what kind of product they want to put on the market there, and I think it will be successful."
Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.