Former EuroLeague champion Tyrese Rice has weighed in on the discussion between Gilbert Arenas and Nikola Jokic, suggesting that the former NBA guard misunderstood the Denver Nuggets superstar’s comments about European basketball.
Jokic recently encouraged NBA players to experience basketball overseas, explaining that European clubs operate in an environment where individual games carry considerable pressure and consecutive defeats can quickly become a major concern.
“You play Wednesday against Olympiacos in Greece, then you’re playing at home against Red Star or Partizan. And like, if you have three losses in a row, it’s a big deal over there. People are taking it seriously; they take a lot of pride. So I really wish that the NBA could play six months as Europe.”
Arenas subsequently rejected the suggestion, arguing that Americans who fail to establish themselves in the NBA frequently become prominent players in European competitions.
“If you’re talking about the EuroLeague, we don’t need to play in the EuroLeague. Our trash, the ones who can’t make these rosters, go over there, and they’re the best player in the EuroLeague. The Americans are the best players in those countries.”
Rice, who enjoyed a successful career in European basketball, offered a brief reaction to Arenas’ interpretation.
“They missed the whole point of what he was saying.”
