Shaquille O'Neal claims that basketball is played better in Europe than in the NBA
One of the greatest basketball legends has recently compared the differences between FIBA and the world's leading league
Shaquille O'Neal has landed in Kaunas ready to experience the passion of the EuroLeague firsthand, and his visit to Lithuania has already made a statement that promises to spark debate across the Atlantic. The four-time NBA champion did not hesitate to place European basketball above its American counterpart in some respects.
“I know that European basketball is a little better than NBA basketball. I know I'm going to get a lot of criticism for saying that,” O'Neal stated before heading to the Žalgirio Arena to witness the match between Zalgiris and Olympiacos, the reigning European champions.
Shaq highlights the fundamentals of European basketball
The former Lakers, Magic, Heat, Suns, and Celtics player explained the reasons behind his particular viewpoint. According to O'Neal, the main difference lies in the intensity that European teams maintain throughout much of the season.
“In the EuroLeague, they play tough basketball for all 38 games. In the NBA, there is a bit of relaxation until the All-Star Game or the playoffs,” he affirmed.
Shaq, who has only witnessed one European basketball game live, acknowledged that he was eager to personally check the intensity of the competition in Kaunas.
“It was crazy. I can't wait to see how intense and wild this game will be,” he noted.
The former center also wanted to emphasize the fundamentals of European players, a characteristic that, according to him, sets them apart from Americans.
“I've always said that Europeans have much stronger basketball fundamentals than American players,” he stated.
“Europeans play basketball with their heads first”
O'Neal also made a comparison between the qualities of players on both sides of the Atlantic. In his opinion, Americans may have greater physical abilities, but Europeans excel in their understanding of the game.
“Americans may have more talent and can jump higher, but Europeans play basketball with their heads first, while we like to use our athletic abilities,” he explained.
His visit to Lithuania also allowed Shaq to remember some of the great European big men who made an impact in the NBA. Among them, he particularly highlighted Arvydas Sabonis, with whom he had memorable matchups during his career and whom he hoped to reconnect with in his country.
“I hope to give him a hug when I see him... It will be a matter of respect and love. When it happens, I will say, ‘Thank you,’” he stated.
He also praises Jonas Valanciunas
O'Neal also had words of recognition for Jonas Valanciunas. He highlighted the Lithuanian center's 14 years in the NBA and his ability to use his body and strength near the basket.
The former American player aimed to highlight the impact that some of the great European big men have had on American basketball and, in particular, the importance of players like Sabonis and Valanciunas.
Shaq's recipe for building a team
Finally, O'Neal explained what he considers to be the necessary formula for building a competitive team in Europe.
“You need one or two great players and build the team around them. Defensive specialists, shooters, and above all, want it more than anyone else,” he stated.
Shaquille O'Neal has arrived in Kaunas as an ambassador for NordVPN, but his visit to the Žalgirio Arena has also turned into a public affirmation of European basketball against the NBA from the voice of one of the great legends in the history of the American league.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Shaquille O"Neal afirma que en Europa se juega mejor baloncesto que en la NBA
