There are not many coaches that have had the success Ergin Ataman has had in the EuroLeague. He is among the winningest coaches in EuroLeague history, with three titles, in 2021, 22, and 24. Ataman is among the most respected coaches, and he recently talked about the differences between the EuroLeague and NBA.
Legendary Coach Says EuroLeague More Enjoyable than NBA
After he won a title with Panathinaikos last year, he got praise from NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who called him the best coach in the world. He has talked about maybe coaching in the NBA at some point, but he always says that he is at the highest level in Europe. All that is to say that Ataman is not a slouch. His words matter. Recently he spoke on several topics, including the possible European NBA league, and the marketing potential. But he said he enjoys watching basketball in Europe more. In the interview, he said,
“The EuroLeague is a more enjoyable competition to watch, even compared to the NBA… However, it has not been able to create this value in financial terms. There are serious problems with the clubs’ budgets. At this stage, I think the marketing power that the NBA will create will be beneficial for the EuroLeague. If the NBA supports the EuroLeague only in terms of marketing, this will be beneficial.”
While this may seem like a controversial opinion the EuroLeague’s team style of basketball is more appealing to some. Ataman is certainly right that with more marketing efforts the EuroLeague would grow.
Giannis Praises EuroLeague
Speaking about the EuroLeague, Giannis is also a huge fan of it. He might be the face of the new NBA European league. Last year, during the All-Star weekend, Giannis said,
“I enjoy watching EuroLeague basketball more than I enjoy watching NBA basketball, but the competition level is not the same. The best teams here, like Denver, OKC, Boston, would destroy a lot of EuroLeague teams.”
Giannis’ point is valid while the EuroLeague’s style of play is more entertaining to some including himself the NBA clearly has a higher level of competition. Nevertheless, the EuroLeague could close this gap somewhat in the coming years.
EuroLeague vs NBA in a Nutshell
A lot of people in the USA do not get a chance to watch EuroLeague. The time difference is truly a challenge. Yet, the difference between the two is quite evident if you watch regularly. For starters, the EuroLeague is slower and features a lot more post-play. The games are shorter, they last 40 minutes instead of 48.
But the biggest difference might be who initiates the offense. In the EuroLeague, teams are heavily reliant on point guard play. That is why you see players like Mike James and Kendrick Nunn flourish in Europe. The NBA, on the other hand, sees offense often run through forwards like Durant, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Scottie Barnes, Paolo Banchero, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, and similar players.
European basketball is also known as more of a team game. The style includes a lot more ball movement and player movement off the ball. There is a lot more contact with teams fighting for rebounds and centers can wallop drivers to the basket more. A good way to make a comparison is that the EuroLeague is more reminiscent of the 90s NBA.
We will never have a EuroLeague vs NBA debate in terms of talent, but the style is something that every person can choose to watch. We will have to wait and see how NBA Europe develops.
Photo credit: © Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
