Evan Fournier urges to end NBA-EuroLeague debate, talks approach with Olympiacos
Evan Fournier suggested that it’s time to stop comparing the NBA with the EuroLeague, claiming it’s a pointless and a trivial battle.”After an adjustment period, I’m feeling better and better. I’m starting to understand when and where to take my shots,” he told L’Equipe.
Fournier also expressed his passion for playing in Europe, admitting that some matchups give him even more motivation.
One such case was the game against Real Madrid, in which Fournier was assigned to guard Facundo Campazzo.
Campazzo was held to 7 points (1/5 FG), 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 turnovers, and 10 PIR.
“When they told me I’d be defending against him, I was all in. The Argentinians had hurt us. Whenever I run into one of them, I get into it (laughs),” Fournier admitted. “You saw that the atmosphere was disappointing against Panathinaikos in the league, even though it was the derby, right?”
“This is the kind of crowd you have to earn chants and craziness from. When they see us fighting like mad, they respond more. I don’t just want to play basketball here; I want to live a real story, an extraordinary human adventure with them,” Fournier added.
Finally, Fournier discussed the ongoing debate between NBA and EuroLeague fans over which league offers better basketball, calling it pointless and a trivial battle.
Fournier noted the differences between the leagues, such as the EuroLeague’s more team-oriented play.
“This whole conflict between NBA fans and EuroLeague fans over which league has better or smarter play – honestly, I think it’s pointless, a trivial battle,” Fournier argued. “This need to compare is an insecurity we have in Europe.”
“The EuroLeague is more team-oriented and less focused on stars, sure. But that’s because there are fewer stars! If you bring Kevin Durant here, do you really think the game wouldn’t revolve around him?
Another difference I’ve noticed, though I’m still gaining experience, is the pace. In the NBA, everything is amplified to the extreme – the number of possessions, the breakneck speed, the first-look shots. But saying there’s no defense in the NBA is simply a joke. With stronger individual players and rules favoring offense, defending is naturally more difficult.
And if you extend big EuroLeague games to 48 minutes, you’d see that the difference isn’t as big as people think. Why not just focus on the immense talent we have here and enjoy the game? You can appreciate it without putting the other down.
EuroLeague is getting more and more respect. Let’s build on that instead of being arrogant,” Fournier concluded with a detailed answer.
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