NBA: Antetokounmpo: “The game in Europe is much more difficult than in the NBA”

Giannis Antetokounmpo was one of the great sensations of the recent Eurobasket. The Greek forward ended up being the best scorer in the tournament (29.3 points on average), the most valued player (32.7) and the sixth highest rebounder (8.8). However, he was unable to get his team past the quarterfinals and, despite his great physical superiority, he was never seen as comfortable as in the NBA.

In the first press conference after joining the BucksAntetokounmpo spoke of the differences between FIBA ​​basketball and the one played in the American Professional League. “The game in Europe is much more difficult than in the NBA. The talent in the NBA is obviously older. I believe that there is more intense. People defend you full court, the lines are closed and it is much more physical. I don’t know if they are more physical because you are less talented. For a kid like me who came from nowhere, I think the NBA weighed me down a bit. When you go abroad, things are not the same. Things are easy here, it doesn’t take its toll on you. We are beyond blessed,” he said.

The forward was proud of having represented his country in the Eurobasket: “It was a great experience, I had fun. It was the first time I saw people engaged. Even though we were one game away from the medals, people had hope and it was the most incredible thing. They followed us on the road everywhere we went and cheered us on. Representing the national team is a big thing. You represent the whole country. I believe that six or seven million people watched the games”.

Stephen Curry is the best player in the world

Giannis Antetokounmpo, forward for the Bucks

Antetokounmpo also referred to the fatigue of linking the continental tournament with the start of the NBA and admitted to being “a little tired physically and mentally, but I’m excited for the season. You end up worn out. You need to take a break not only physically but also mentally, to get away from the game and spend some time with your family, doing what you love and doing what you love. just sitting around eating Doritos. You need it to be cool afterwards. It sounds bad, but you need it”.

In addition, asked who is the best player in the world today, he chose Stephen Curry. His explanation is as follows: “The best player in the world is the last one standing. He is the person who gets his team to the Finals, to the finish line, and helps them win that game. That’s how I see it, and I think Stephen Curry is the best player in the world.”.