Giannis Antetokounmpo prefers watching EuroLeague basketball over NBA games. The Milwaukee Bucks star expressed his opinion during All-Star Weekend, praising the European league’s style of play.
“I feel like EuroLeague is an incredible league. Very, very talented,” Antetokounmpo said. “Probably the top two, three, four teams in the EuroLeague are NBA teams.”
The two-time MVP referenced Panathinaikos, the team his brother Kostas Antetokounmpo played for, as an example. “They have like nine NBAers,” Giannis said. He pointed out that many EuroLeague squads feature former NBA players but still acknowledged the overall competition level is different.
“I enjoy watching EuroLeague basketball more than I enjoy watching NBA basketball,” he said. “But it’s definitely not the same. The competition level is not the same.”
Antetokounmpo made it clear that NBA teams remain superior, especially the top contenders. He believes teams like the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Boston Celtics would dominate against EuroLeague opponents.
“The best teams here like Denver, OKC, Boston will destroy a lot of EuroLeague teams,” he said.
He also discussed how rule differences impact potential matchups between NBA and EuroLeague teams. According to him, certain European squads might be competitive under FIBA rules, but they would struggle under NBA regulations.
“If you play FIBA rules, maybe some teams have a chance,” Antetokounmpo explained. “But if you play with NBA rules, none of those teams have a chance.”
His comments highlight a growing debate about the global basketball landscape. With international talent thriving in the NBA, discussions about the strength of overseas leagues continue to gain attention.
FIBA rules allow for a shorter three-point line, a more physical style of defense, and a 40-minute game clock. These differences often favor European teams when facing NBA squads in international tournaments.
Antetokounmpo has always been vocal about his appreciation for European basketball. Before making it to the NBA, he played professionally in Greece and has regularly praised the competitiveness of the EuroLeague.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the evolution of basketball worldwide. While the NBA remains the sport’s highest level, the EuroLeague continues to develop top-tier talent and attract attention from fans and players alike.
Recently, four-time NBA champion Draymond Green criticized how the game is played in the NBA today, calling it “boring.”
