Carlik Jones has not given up on returning to the NBA, but the Partizan guard says any opportunity must be the right one after finding a home in European basketball. Speaking on the EURO INSIDERS podcast, Jones discussed his NBA career, the challenges of earning a roster spot and his growing connection with Partizan.
“I don’t want to say the door is closed,” Jones said. “If it presents itself, it presents itself, but it has to be the right thing now.”
Jones explained that reaching the NBA was the goal throughout his early career, even though he had little knowledge of European basketball. “Everybody’s dream in the States is to make it to the NBA. That’s the big goal, only goal sometimes,” he said. “I made that dream come true. I made it there. But to think I’ll be over here in Europe playing? Nah.”
The 29-year-old has experienced both sides of professional basketball. After going undrafted, he earned opportunities with the Dallas Mavericks and later played for the Chicago Bulls, but his NBA career did not develop into a permanent role.
Jones said he was waived three times during the season in which he won G League MVP. He described the NBA roster process as a business in which players can be left waiting for opportunities.
“It’s cutthroat. It’s a business,” Jones said, explaining how teams sometimes delay decisions until their rosters are set. “They sacrifice you.”
He also discussed the difference between competing in the NBA and the EuroLeague. At six feet tall, Jones said facing NBA defenders with greater size and length presented a particular challenge.
“Going against these elite defenders, standing 6’5, 6’6, long arms, strong, it’s tough,” he said. “It wears on your body when they’re guarding you 94 feet.”
Jones pointed to Alex Caruso as an example of a player whose defensive qualities would translate to Europe. Asked how Caruso would perform in the EuroLeague, Jones answered: “Defensive Player of the Year for sure.”
The Partizan guard also reflected on his own NBA experience, including facing LeBron James and other stars at the Olympics. Kevin Durant’s decision to pick him up full court left a lasting impression.
“That’s a sign of respect,” Jones said. “It just lets me know I could be in the league or play with some of the best players in the world.”
Jones is averaging 14.3 points and 5.9 assists in nine EuroLeague games for Partizan in 2026-27, while shooting 43% from the field. His team has a 4-5 record after nine rounds.
He said the support he has received in Belgrade has exceeded his expectations. “The love for me here is just like I’ve never imagined it,” Jones said. “It’s amazing.”
