New York – Former Olimpia Milano coach Ettore Messina believes the proposed NBA Europe project represents a significant opportunity to reshape the European basketball landscape. Speaking at the Italian Consulate General in New York during an event for the Italian Brands Basketball League (IBBL), Messina indicated ongoing discussions between the EuroLeague and the NBA to potentially reach an agreement regarding the initiative. The potential expansion, he suggests, could address issues of player fatigue and financial stability within the European game.
“The NBA Europe project would be a great opportunity to clean up the ecosystem in Europe,” Messina stated. “Players play too many games, and it’s important to create the ability to have financial success. There is a conversation between the EuroLeague and the NBA to understand if an agreement can be reached between the two organizations, which would probably be in the best interest of the basketball ecosystem in Europe. I hope a common path is found.”
NBA Expansion Plans Include Milan, Rome, and Beyond
Messina revealed that the NBA is actively engaging with a select group of European teams, including Olimpia Milano, as potential participants in the expansion. He noted plans to establish franchises not only in existing basketball hubs but likewise in cities like Rome, Manchester, and Paris, potentially creating new teams “artificially” in those locations. “The NBA is talking with a group of teams, Olimpia Milano is one of them. Notice seven or eight European teams, and others to be created ‘artificially’ in cities like Rome, Manchester, Paris,” Messina explained. “They are working very hard.”
This potential shift in the European basketball structure comes as the NBA seeks to broaden its global reach and capitalize on the growing international popularity of the sport. The move could significantly alter the competitive balance and financial dynamics of European basketball, potentially drawing top talent and investment away from existing leagues like the EuroLeague.
Leaving Olimpia Milano: A Need for Change
The conversation also touched upon Messina’s departure from Olimpia Milano last year. He explained that he felt unable to continue in his role, despite his affection for the team and its players. “I understood that I could no longer do that job, even though I liked my team and I liked my players,” Messina said. “We had already prepared a succession plan with my first assistant coach for the following year and we decided to do it immediately.” This suggests a planned transition, prioritizing the long-term stability of the club over his continued presence.
Messina emphasized the importance of building a sustainable future for any organization, drawing parallels between coaching and business leadership. He described three types of managers: those who inherit a strong foundation but fail to capitalize on it, those who deplete existing resources, and those who develop assets while achieving results, leaving a lasting legacy. “I always thought it was my responsibility not only to do the best for my club at that moment, but to create a future,” he stated.
Reflections on Mentorship: Bryant and Popovich
During his time in the United States, Messina benefited from the guidance of two legendary figures in basketball: Kobe Bryant and Gregg Popovich. He recounted how Bryant, having lived in Italy and been a fan of European basketball, helped him gain acceptance within the American basketball community. “He helped me to be accepted,” Messina said of Bryant.
His five years as an assistant coach under Popovich at the San Antonio Spurs provided valuable insights into leadership and team building. Messina shared a revealing anecdote from the summer of 2014, when Popovich began training camp not with a lecture on excellence, but with a focus on establishing personal connections with players. “I expected him to talk about excellence, but he said that when you arrive on the court, first you create a physical contact with the players, you shake their hand, a pat on the shoulder, then you start a conversation but not talking about basketball, and only after that do you start to train them.” This approach highlights Popovich’s emphasis on building rapport and fostering a positive team environment before delving into technical aspects of the game.
The potential for an NBA presence in Europe, coupled with Messina’s insights into the dynamics of both the European and American basketball systems, underscores a pivotal moment for the sport. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the NBA and EuroLeague can forge a collaborative path forward, or if they will remain on diverging trajectories.
As the NBA continues to evaluate potential European expansion sites, including Milan and Rome, the future of the sport on the continent hangs in the balance. The outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the competitive landscape, financial structures, and overall development of basketball in Europe.
