Partizan Belgrade head coach Zeljko Obradovic, a legend in European basketball, shared his insights on the EuroLeague and its differences from the NBA in an interview with Mozzart Sport. Obradovic emphasized the unique importance of each EuroLeague game, contrasting it with the NBA’s approach to the regular season.
“In the NBA, you can lose a game and say it’s not important. In the EuroLeague, every game truly matters,” Obradovic stated. He highlighted the intensity of competition, where every game requires full focus and effort until the final whistle.
Obradovic noted the EuroLeague’s recent growth, particularly its format, which ensures that every team faces all opponents. “This system is the best because you always play against everyone,” he explained.
He credited the league’s leadership for creating a structure that excites fans, mentioning how arenas across Europe, such as Zalgiris, Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Fenerbahce, and Anadolu Efes are consistently packed with passionate supporters.
Despite praising the EuroLeague, Obradovic acknowledged watching some NBA games, especially those involving Serbian star Nikola Jokic and Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic. He also expressed an interest in NCAA basketball, which he follows when time permits.
The Serbian coach, who holds a record nine EuroLeague titles with five different teams, continues to impact the game after returning to lead Partizan in 2021. Under his leadership, Partizan has been revitalized, though they currently sit 13th in the EuroLeague standings with an 8-10 record.
