For years, people have debated whether the NBA is as superior to other tournaments as one would think from the eye test.
European players like Luka Doncic or Giannis Antetokoumnpo have claimed that FIBA basketball is tougher because the defense is tougher, the referees actually officiate by the rules, and coaching seems to be more fundamentals-driven.
Notably, that’s why Brooklyn Nets veteran guard Dennis Schroder thinks European style often challenges Team USA.
Following his loss in the bronze medal game, the German point guard told the media that European basketball was ‘straight IQ basketball and straight coaching’ (Via Basket News).
Dennis Schroder on why European basketball style provides a significant advantage to challenge Team USA:
‘European basketball is no entertainment, it’s straight IQ basketball. Straight coaching.’ 🗣️ #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/9qTO58DFSx
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 10, 2024
No one could argue that the NBA features the creme of the crop in terms of talent and athleticism, but the fundamentals are pretty much lost.
The rules favor offense way too much, and the referees often give superstars blatantly preferential treatment, which is something that doesn’t happen overseas.
It’s a different game overall, and while some might argue whether it’s better or worse, it’s as equally as entertaining as the game we’re used to watching in the NBA.
Of course, Team USA continues to dominate and win in the Olympics out of sheer talent, but it’s always nice to see not-so-known NBA players take their games up two notches whenever they suit up for their national teams.
Perhaps, with the league expanding to new horizons, we’ll get to watch more FIBA-NBA matchups in the preseason or, who knows? Maybe they’ll even set up an international tournament at some point.
NEXT:
2 Nets Players Are Continuing To Draw Interest In Trade Talks
