Shane Larkin opened up about his career overseas, describing the lifestyle of a EuroLeague star as something comparable to what NBA icons experience in their home markets.
In an interview with Cyro Asseo of HoopsHype, the Anadolu Efes guard explained that his success in Turkey has brought a level of recognition that rivals how fans embraced Kyrie Irving during his Cleveland Cavaliers tenure.
“They’re surprised,” Larkin said when asked about people’s reactions to him choosing Europe over the NBA. “I had a few incredible seasons over here and I had opportunities to go back to the league and I was like, ‘Nah I’m cool, like I’m good where I am.’”
The former first-round pick emphasized that the experience of being a star in Europe cannot be understood without living it firsthand. He compared his treatment in Istanbul to how players like Kendrick Nunn are treated in Athens and Mike James in Monaco.
Larkin has been a cornerstone for Anadolu Efes since 2018, guiding the team to back-to-back EuroLeague championships in 2021 and 2022. His résumé also includes being named to the All-EuroLeague First Team in 2022 and leading the league in scoring in 2020.
Last season, the 32-year-old averaged 11.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game across EuroLeague competition, continuing to establish himself as one of Europe’s premier guards.
Before his overseas success, Larkin spent four years in the NBA with the Mavericks, Knicks, Nets, and Celtics. Despite solid stretches, he never found a consistent role stateside.
In Turkey, however, Larkin has become a household name. His popularity has grown not only because of his on-court production but also for the way he embraced the culture and fan base.
For Larkin, the decision to stay abroad reflects more than basketball—it represents the value of being treated like a franchise cornerstone in one of Europe’s top markets.
