In a recent preseason showdown, reigning EuroLeague champions Real Madrid claimed a 127-123 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Luka Doncic’s highly anticipated homecoming game in the Spanish capital.
It’s worth noting that the Slovenian superstar was limited to just 5 minutes of play while Kyrie Irving sat out the game due to a groin injury.
However, former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is not entirely convinced that these matchups accurately reflect the relative strength of the teams.
Arenas pointed out that when European teams defeat NBA teams during the preseason, it often creates a misleading narrative about their abilities.
He emphasized that the timing of these games plays a significant role in the outcomes. While NBA teams are in preseason, EuroLeague teams have already commenced their regular seasons and are in peak physical condition.
Arenas proposed a fairer measure of strength that could provide a more accurate assessment of the teams’ capabilities.
He suggested that EuroLeague champions face off against NBA champions in June when both leagues are at the height of their respective seasons.
“It gives this false narrative of ‘This is how good the teams are versus…'” he said on Gil’s Arena. “[Real Madrid] is actually the team that would have played Denver if it was the world championship in June… This is the type of team… there’s no NBA player on there.
“But it gives this false statement because we’re in training camp, no one’s in shape yet. You guys are in shape, we’re not in shape, we’re not going hard.
“So when you guys beat the NBA teams, it gives this thing ‘The Euros is this good and this good and this…’ They’ve been playing, so they’re in shape and we’re trying to get in shape…
“It’s just this thing when the narrative comes that the Euros are playing better and they’re good, and this, and this… They’ve been in shape for months. We’re trying to get in shape. The stars are not playing. We’re trying to get our legs, we’re coming off our training camp, we’re still trying to make cuts.”
Arenas highlighted the challenges faced by NBA teams during preseason games. These teams are still in the process of building their rosters, with some players not yet in game shape. Additionally, star players may not see significant playing time in these games.
He concluded, “It’s cool for the NBA to match these up, but if you really want that smoke, when they win their championship in June and we win our championship in June, let’s play… That’s the only thing I have issues with – the narrative. Call it like it is.”
