577 Days After Luka Doncic’s EuroLeague Revelation, OKC’s Newest MVP Gets Honest About NBA: “It’s Open Space”

The NBA has the highest level of competition in world basketball. The best hoopers play in the NBA, as it is the pinnacle of basketball. But European basketball comes a close second. Basketball in Europe has a storied history and many NBA legends and current players have suited up for European Clubs. Players like Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Manu Ginobili, and Tony Parker.

Many players who have played in both the leagues have all agreed on one opinion; that scoring in the NBA is easier than in European competitions. Fans of OKC Thunder have reasons to be excited, as their team has signed the 29-year-old 2021 Euro League MVP.

New Beginnings for Vasilije Micic

The OKC Thunder have constructed an excellent, young team for the 2023-24 season. Of course, it needed patience from all parties involved, but this season, the Thunder are primed for a playoff spot. They already have one of the league’s best scorers in Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Oklahoma also has the playmaking brilliance of Josh Giddey and, with Chet Holmgren fit and firing, OKC is a formidable opponent. OKC Thunder has also signed Vasilije Micic this offseason. The 29-year-old Serbian international comes into the NBA with a solid pedigree, as he won the Euro League MVP in 2021.

Last Season, Micic played for the Turkish side Anadolu Efes. He averaged 16 points and 5.4 assists per game in the Euro League. Micic has generated excitement from OKC fans because of his court vision, basketball IQ, and playmaking skills. In a press conference, Micic talked about adapting to the NBA’s style of play and the differences between the two leagues. He said, “It’s open space, it’s a very high pace of the game, compared to the Euro League. The paint is more open, so there are a lot of opportunities for creative guys to reach the paint”.

Luka Doncic has also stated that it is much easier to score in the NBA than in European Basketball. During a conversation with JJ Redick on his podcast, Luka stated, “Here [in the NBA] it’s easier to score compared to Europe, of course,” he said. “In Europe, the court is smaller, and here there is the [defensive] three seconds rule. I think it’s easier to score here”. 

Why is Scoring in Europe Harder?

Scoring in European basketball is often considered more challenging because of several factors. First, the playing style in Europe tends to be more team-oriented, with an emphasis on ball movement and intricate offensive schemes. This contrasts with the NBA’s more individual-centric style, making it harder for a single player to dominate. European teams have a solid reputation for their defensive structures and disciplined zone defenses.

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Furthermore, the three-point line is also far from the basket in FIBA rules, demanding better shooting accuracy. European basketball’s physical nature and strict foul officiating make it tougher to score easy points. All these factors combined create a more challenging scoring environment in European basketball.

What do you think about EuroLeague? Is it easier to score there or challenging, as Luka believes? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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