Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has sparked cross-Atlantic debate by declaring that European basketball is “a little bit better” than the NBA, pointing to superior fundamentals and a more rigorous competitive style in the EuroLeague.
The four-time NBA champion made the remarks in Lithuania during a promotional tour as a brand ambassador for NordVPN. Ahead of his appearance at the Žalgirio Arena in Kaunas to watch a regular-season fixture between Žalgiris and reigning European champions Olympiacos, O’Neal defended his assessment despite anticipating heavy pushback from American fans and analysts.
Evaluating the Intensity of European Competition
O’Neal contrasted the physical and tactical demands of European club competition with the 82-game schedule of the NBA. Having witnessed European play firsthand, the 54-year-old Hall of Fame center emphasized that the continental game operates at a relentless pace.
“In the EuroLeague, they play hard basketball for all 38 games. In the NBA, there is a bit of relaxation until the All-Star break or the playoffs,” O’Neal said during his media availability in Vilnius.
He noted that European teams maintain high competitive tension throughout their schedule, whereas the American league often experiences periods of load management and coasting during the winter months before ramping up intensity in the spring.
Fundamentals Versus Athleticism
Beyond schedule structure, O’Neal focused on technical execution and basketball IQ. He argued that the European developmental model produces players who understand team concepts earlier and rely less purely on athletic gifts.
“I’ve always said that Europeans have much stronger basketball fundamentals than American players,” O’Neal stated. “Americans may have more talent and jump higher, but Europeans play basketball with their heads first, whereas we like to use our athletic abilities.”
According to O’Neal, the blueprint for success in European basketball centers on structural cohesion rather than iso-heavy superstar rosters: building around one or two primary operators surrounded by defensive specialists and accurate shooters who display unmatched collective desire.
Reconnecting with European Legends in Lithuania
O’Neal’s trip to Kaunas also served as a personal journey to honor iconic European big men who carved out legendary paths in both FIBA competitions and the NBA. He highlighted his historic battles against Lithuanian great Arvydas Sabonis, expressing his intention to meet him during the visit.
“I hope to give him a hug when I see him… This will be a matter of respect and love. When it happens, I will tell him: ‘Thank you,'” O’Neal said of Sabonis.
He also praised contemporary Lithuanian center Jonas Valančiūnas, acknowledging his 14-year career in the NBA and his effective use of physical positioning close to the basket.
EuroLeague Schedule and Upcoming Fixtures
The Žalgiris and Olympiacos matchup serves as part of the ongoing 2026/27 EuroLeague regular season. Žalgiris continues its continental campaign at the Žalgirio Arena, where home crowds provide one of the most hostile and atmospheric environments in global basketball—a factor that drew praise from the visiting American legend.
