Numerous basketball players with experience in both the NBA and European leagues have stated that playing in Europe is harder than in the NBA. Notable figures such as Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic are among those who share this opinion.
This opinion is gaining traction, with 2019 NBA champion Serge Ibaka being the latest addition to the list. Ibaka has transitioned to international play and is currently with FC Bayern Munich after being waived by the Indiana Pacers in February.
With considerable game experience now, the former NBA power forward has now observed a key difference between playing in Europe and the NBA. In particular, he finds the European basketball harder, mainly owing to its defensive approach.
“Sometimes in the NBA, you can rest a bit on defense because one guy is going one-on-one. Here, it’s not like that. You have to be involved.”
Serge Ibaka explains why playing in Europe is more difficult than the NBA ️ pic.twitter.com/mcAwP2VHja
— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) November 23, 2023
