Tiktekno, 14.3/Sport1
Nikola Vucevic is one of the most prominent Europeans in the NBA.
The 33-year-old Montenegrin center knows both American and European basketball very well, and refers to the changes in the game and the differences between the continents.
Vucevic, who is averaging 18.1 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in a Chicago Bulls uniform, talked about the evolution of the abilities required of the centers and "big men" of the game.
These guys are hard to guard.
Vucevic/Reuters
"I think what's happened is that centers have evolved with the way the game has changed. We've changed too. Now you have centers who can really run a game, pass, put the ball on the floor, make moves, make threes, play like guards. There's Wombanayama, who plays 4 or 5. He plays like a guard.
"So I think we've had to adapt, because the game has changed, and I think it's just created a different role for the center than it used to be.
You don't see so many big men anymore, who just post-up.
There are many more threes.
The pace is faster, and we have to adapt.
"No matter what position you play, the game is always evolving, it's always changing. And you can't get stuck. You have to follow and you have to be able to adjust yourself. A lot of tall and veterans, they've also managed to do it.
"Obviously the newer generation that entered the league, they Learn to play like this.
So I think it's great for the game of basketball to see more tall people being able to do different things and adapt."
Vucevic refused to comment on what Gilbert Arenas said about Europeans being soft players, while blaming overseas players for not playing defense in the NBA.
" I don't have anything to say about it, but I think it's very difficult to play defense in the NBA," he replied, "Part of it is the rule change, a lot of which was in favor of the offensive players.
With the 3-point line now, everybody shoots so many threes, and you have at least three or four players that can just shoot threes and be hot at any moment.
It creates so much spice on the court, and it's hard to defend now, with all the skills and talent in the NBA.
"For example, the Clippers have James Harden with the ball. But then you have Zubac rolling, and then you have Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and Norman Powell in the corner. With everybody being able to score, they open up the defense. So there's A lot of space. And there's the three-second rule on defense, and it's just hard to cover that much ground when the ball is moving, and the players are making big moves.
"I think people who haven't played in the NBA and haven't actually competed at this level, don't understand that.
And sometimes I know on TV, it looks like that, but it's also because the guys are very, very good offensively, and they make it look easy.
"A lot of people say things just for attention, but it doesn't matter. The NBA is the best league in the world. If it wasn't like that, you wouldn't have so many people following it."
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Who will make it to the Final Four?
Atman/Reuters
Vucevic graduated from USC in 2011, was selected 16th overall in the 2011 NBA draft, but still follows the EuroLeague.
"Yes, I watch it. I follow it a lot," he admitted, "and obviously the team I watch the most is Red Star. I'm a Zvezda fan, but unfortunately, not a great season for us."
Who will qualify for the Final Four?
"There are a lot of good teams that can compete for the Final Four. I'm not a big fan of the Final Four system, because it doesn't necessarily mean the best team wins. When you play one game, things can happen. I think it should be changed to the best playoff series from At least 5. Then you really see who is the best team.
"As for this season, who I see in the Final Four, it's clear that Real Madrid have played great all year.
I think Fenerbahce might go in there.
They played well.
Barcelona has a good team.
They have been up and down, but I think they have a chance.
And number four, maybe Monaco.
I mean, they played pretty well, Monaco, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Virtus Bologna, I like them a lot.
Panathinaikos has been playing really well, especially since they added Kendrick Nan.
He's really good for them, so I think they have a chance.
They also have a really deep team.
And Argin Atman has already won in the past, so he knows what is needed."
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Nikola Vucevic