Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas offered a pointed assessment on team construction during a recent episode of Gil’s Arena, emphasizing the versatility of European players in today’s league.
Speaking on the evolving landscape of the NBA, Arenas said, via HoopsHype, “But it just seems like when you get a European player, you’ve got a Swiss Army knife.”
He argued that international stars offer broader skill sets, stating, “They can do a lot of things. So it’s easier to build a team around them—besides playing defense.”
Arenas contrasted European talents like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo with their American counterparts, noting how the former often excel in multiple areas.
“With Jokic, you can put anybody with him,” Arenas said, suggesting Denver’s system flexibility stems from the Serbian’s all-around game.
The ex-Wizards guard clarified his stance on Antetokounmpo, implying Milwaukee’s two-time MVP offers similar adaptability, albeit with a different style: “With Giannis, you can try to figure it out. You don’t need to be the scorer—I can put scorers around you.”
Arenas pointed to the European archetype as more multidimensional than the typical American scorer: “You’ll still survive. I can put defensive players around you. You’ve got more attributes than an American player who’s just narrowed down to scoring.”
He summarized his take with a focus on three key areas: “These guys are scoring, rebounding, passing.”
The comments arrive during a postseason where international players continue to shape the title picture.
European stars are often lauded for their fundamentals, court vision, and adaptability—traits that coaches can use to build systems that don’t rely solely on isolation play.
