Anadolu Efes head coach Ergin Ataman has reignited the NBA vs. EuroLeague discussion by highlighting the United States’ failure to medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup when top-tier players were absent.
Speaking to Eurohoops, Ataman argued that EuroLeague basketball places greater emphasis on team performance and defensive intensity, while the NBA often prioritizes star power and entertainment value.
“In the NBA, even if a star player is having a terrible night, his minutes are guaranteed—he’ll play 40 minutes, because the fans come to watch his show, not necessarily to see the team win,” Ataman said. “In Europe, fans come to see victories. That’s why in the EuroLeague, whoever is performing stays on the floor.”
Ataman pointed to the World Cup as proof of his stance, noting that Team USA did not bring elite names such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry, or Kevin Durant. The result was a fourth-place finish, their worst showing since 2019.
“Look at the evidence: in the last World Cup, the USA didn’t bring their top-tier stars and couldn’t even win a medal,” Ataman explained. “That was very telling for me. Without their top stars, NBA teams struggle.”
Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, and France, with Victor Wembanyama, showcased how the presence of top-level European players made a decisive impact on the international stage.
Ataman also criticized the NBA’s growing focus on spectacle over competition. He claimed that the EuroLeague’s tactical preparation, defensive toughness, and crowd pressure create an atmosphere closer to playoff intensity throughout the entire season.
“From the first game of the season to the Final Four, every game is played with the same intensity,” Ataman said. “EuroLeague basketball—with its toughness and fight—feels much stronger compared to the NBA regular season.”
He added that declining NBA popularity in Europe has pushed the league to explore projects like “NBA Europe.” Ataman believes the shift reflects how EuroLeague basketball has captured a loyal audience by focusing on results rather than showmanship.
By contrasting American and European basketball cultures, Ataman reinforced his long-held belief: when stripped of their biggest stars, NBA teams would be vulnerable against the best EuroLeague clubs.
