Reigning EuroLeague champions Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens Head Coach Ergin Ataman challenged the NBA champs Boston Celtics in the past, but now he said loud and clear: “Come and play us.”
International News Federation:
Press Release
July 2024 A.D.
Reigning EuroLeague champions Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens Head Coach Ergin Ataman challenged the NBA champs Boston Celtics in the past, but now he said loud and clear: “Come and play us.”
“I want to say one more time, you guys [Boston Celtics] are not “World Champions”. “You are only NBA champions, American champions. We [Panathinaikos Athens] are the EuroLeague champions. If you want to be world champions, come and play us. This is the challenge, come to play. Beat us, and then okay, you’ll be World Champions.”
Not One in Twenty by Tim Shea
Attention: Coach Ergin Ataman
Panathinaikos Basketball Club
16 Karyatidon, 14564, Kisia
Greece
Dear Coach Ergin,
First of all, congratulations on your achievements both in Turkey and Greece with especial mention of your 2024 Euro League Championship with Panathinaikos. I have seen many of your games and admire your abilities as a coach and leader.
After having read your statement, I do not think that even you believe them. I think maybe you were making a publicity-laced declaration or that you were somewhat exhausted from the long season, or just maybe very exhilarated from your winning the championship and spoke in a spur of the moment, reactionary way.
In any case, while I have my own opinion about any possible confrontations between these two Club teams, I decided to reach out to an internationally well-known Coach that has both NBA and Euro League experience.
To Sergio Scariolo, National Team Head Coach and ex Assistant Coach in the NBA for the Toronto Raptors I asked the following question:
Q: Do you think that in a seven game Playoff series, a Euro league championship club team could win even one game against a NBA champion Boston Celtic club team?
His answer was very clear, sharp, short and to the point:
A: “If they (the NBA team) go serious, in Playoff mode, Panathinaikos does not win even one in a 20 games series!”
Furthermore, Coach I want to preface all the following with this. I was a pro player in Europe, I was a pro coach in Europe, mostly Spain and I was International Director of Scouting for three (3) NBA clubs over ten (10) year period so I think I write this to you with some experience.
Bringing me to the below reasoning.
The NBA and Euro League basketball are by far the two most prominent basketball leagues in the world. But each of them has different characteristics, styles of play, game-time differences, length of season difference, talent and size levels, and even different dimensions of the playing court. Yet one thing is clear, the NBA is by far physically and athletically superior and factually remains the dream and objective of many pro basketball players in the Euro League. I honestly believe that any of your players would agree with that statement.
The great differences between the two leagues:
Game Structure and Rules:
NBA: Games consist of four 12-minute quarters, totaling 48 minutes of play. The NBA uses a 24-second shot clock.
Euro League: Games are divided into four 10-minute quarters, totaling 40 minutes of play. This League also uses a 24-second shot clock.
Playing Style:
NBA: The NBA is known for its fast-paced, high-scoring games with an emphasis on individual talent and athleticism. Isolation plays, fast breaks and rapid transition play are common.
Euro League: The Euro League tends to emphasize team-oriented basketball, with a focus on strategy, ball movement, and defense. The pace is generally slower, and games are usually lower-scoring than NBA games.
Court Dimensions:
NBA: The NBA court is slightly larger, measuring 94 feet by 50 feet. The three-point line is also farther from the basket, ranging from 22 feet in the corners to 23.75 feet at the top of the arc.
EuroLeague: The Euro League court measures 91.86 feet by 49.21 feet. The three-point line is uniformly 22.15 feet from the basket.
Physicality and Officiating:
NBA: NBA officiating tends to allow more physical play, particularly in the paint. The league also emphasizes the protection of star players, often calling fouls in their favor to limit excessive physical contact. While, “Hand Checking” is not allowed.
Euro League: Here the officiating is stricter regarding physical play, especially on the perimeter. The game can be more substantial in terms of screens and box-outs, but referees tend to call fouls more consistently. “Hand Checking” which hinders offensive player movement is permitted.
Season Structure:
NBA: The NBA regular season comprises 82 games for each team, followed by a playoff format that features 16 teams. The playoffs are conducted in a best-of-seven series format. A team that reaches the Finals can participate in a maximum of 110 official games throughout a complete season.
Total Breakdown – Regular Season: 82 games – Playoffs: 28 games – Overall Total: 110 games
*This total does not include any “Play-In” games that may occur prior to the playoffs.
Euro League: Teams’ season consists of 34 regular-season matches for each Euro League participating team, followed by a playoff series and a Final Four to crown the champion.
Additionally, teams are required to compete in their respective National Leagues. The ACB/Liga Endesa clubs like face an extra 34 regular-season games, along with the in-season Kings Cup tournament and playoffs, which could contribute another 13 matches. The Euro League playoffs are structured as best-of-five series, while the Final Four employs a single-elimination format. Consequently, a Euro League team could potentially play around 90 games in total.
Talent and Star Power:
NBA: The NBA attracts the top talent, including many of the largest, quickest, most athletic and best players from around the world. The league’s highest in the world salaries, extensive media coverage, and global marketing contribute to its attraction and star power.
Euro League: While the Euro League also features high-caliber players, even many of the top European players want to move to the NBA. Sure, the Euro League has its own stars, but they do not reach the same level of talent or global recognition as NBA players.
Commercial Aspects:
NBA: The NBA is a global commercial giant, with significant revenue from television rights, merchandise sales, and endorsements. The league has a massive following worldwide.
Euro League: The Euro League is commercially successful in Europe but does not have the same global reach as the NBA. Its revenue streams are more modest, with a strong focus on local markets and regional sponsors.
Development and Youth Systems:
NBA: The NBA relies heavily on the NCAA basketball system, High schools, Developmental Coaches and the G-League for improving the young talents. AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) circuits also play a crucial role in player recruitment.
Euro League: European clubs often have their own youth academies and development programs, which are integrated into the club’s structure. These academies nurture talent from a young age, emphasizing fundamentals and team play.
These differences highlight the unique aspects of each league and contribute to the distinct cultures and playing styles seen in the NBA and Euro League.
To conclude: With all the above-mentioned comparisons pointing to a large NBA advantage it stands to reason that your championship level Euro League team of Panathinaikos club could potentially be competitive against a championship level, Playoff mode Boston Celtics club team but only under very specific conditions (e.g., EuroLeague rules, shorter game duration, “Hand Checking”, Euro League referees), yet the superior talent, depth, athleticism and pace of NBA teams makes them dominating winners.
While the Euro League produces world-class talent, the NBA’s overall player pool and resources create a significant gap between the leagues.
I am whole hardily agreeing with Coach Sergio Scariolo in that a Euro league club would, considering all the above-mentioned differences, have a very hard time winning even one game in twenty.
I have written this and send it to you and I repeat it is with great respect and consideration of your accomplishments.
I furthermore believe that down deep you would agree with these conclusions.
Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors, I remain,
Respectfully,
Tim Shea
THE JUMP BALL DEPARTMENT:
- In the 2024-25 NBA season, the league has achieved an impressive milestone, featuring 125 international players (of 540 total players) from 43 different countries and territories.
- In the 2024–25 Euro League, the 18 participating teams feature players hailing from 39 different countries across five continents. Most teams showcase a blend of local and international talent, with several teams comprising more than 50% of their rosters with foreign athletes.
- “Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see” Arthur Schopenhauer
- https://m.youtube.com/shorts/fCJKKrNzr0A I have always felt that this video represents my career.
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