?Literally the Best European Player Ever?: Living Upto His Father?s Legacy, 3x All Star?s ?Fuel? Has Fans Reminiscent of NBA Legend

It is rare to see both father and son play in the NBA. However, history is proof that there have been times when a player continues the legacy of the previous generation. In the modern day, one such player is Domantas Sabonis. Son of legendary center, Arvydas Sabonis, the 26-year-old center ranks amongst the most skilled players in the league. As NBA royalty, the three-time All-Star is proud of his father. But there is also a downside to having a legend of the game as a parent. It becomes the basis of comparison. Surprisingly, Sabonis not only embraces it, but takes it personally.

During an interview with the New York Times, the Sacramento Kings Center spoke about hearing how his ‘dad is better’ ever since being a kid. Instead of growing tired of the chants, he decided to use them and work harder toward his NBA dream.

Domantas Sabonis takes competition with his father seriously

While in conversation with NY Times, the 26-year-old All-Star big man spoke about his father. He revealed the one thing he grew up hearing as a child: that his dad is better. Every single game, Sabonis has to face such chants. Surprisingly, this did nothing but add fire to his belly to do better. Motivated by the comparison, Domantas Sabonis claims he wouldn’t be the player he is without the mental image of one day being better than his father.

He told the New York Times, “Since I was a kid, you always hear: ?Your dad is better than you. Your dad?s this. Your dad is that.? You hear it all the time in every game. But if anything, without that, I wouldn?t have been where I am. If anything, I use it as fuel to be better.?

Receiving his third All-Sar honor this season, the young center continues to keep elevating his game. Starting as a backup on the Oklahoma City Thunder, today Domantas Sabonis is the centerpiece of the Kings’ offense. Despite being big, he is the primary playmaker. Stealing the traits of his father Arvydas, he has evolved into a relentless force on the glass.

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At just 26, he is arguably one of the best foreign talents in the NBA. Yet to enter his prime, Sabonis’ potential is one that is still unknown to the fans. He has the tools to be among the great centers of today. And with his fuel, a lack of motivation will never be a problem.

NBA fans remember the great Arvydas Sabonis

Domantas Sabonis is the son of none other than former Portland Trail Blazers star Arvydas Sabonis. Considered to be one of the greatest European players ever, he led the Soviet Union to Olympic gold in 1988. During his prime, Arvydas Sabonis was all you can ask from a big man and more. He could crash the glass, and be a looming presence in the middle, but more than anything, he had a court vision, unlike any center at the time.

Unfortunately, due to political reasons, he wouldn’t step foot in the NBA until 1995. Drafted back in 1986 by Portland, he would have joined forces with Clyde Drexler if he could have played as a rookie. Even in his short NBA career, Arvydas Sabonis left behind a mark. While fans didn’t see him at his peak, he still produced enough for them to remember his mastery.

One fan said, “I?mean his dad is literally the best european player ever (giannis might overtake him soon tho) so it must be a huge shadow”

Some fans felt pain not getting to watch the legendary big man for a longer spell. A Twitter user said, “Unfortunate that we never saw prime Arvydas Sabonis in the NBA. Still had a damn good career though. Domantas is terrific.”

Here are some other reactions:

https://twitter.com/JasonJDaniel/status/1644450831306231809?s=20

https://twitter.com/CarterAntFan/status/1644411159326466062?s=20

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A pioneer for European basketball, Domantas Sabonis has to compete against one of the greats. While he still has a long way to go, the 26-year-old continues to take strides in the right direction. Do you think the son will surpass the father? Let us know your views in the comment below.