Tarik Biberovic is finally getting his opportunity in the NBA after spending the past several seasons developing in Europe, and the new Dallas Mavericks forward said joining the organization fulfills a long-standing goal.
Biberovic was acquired by Dallas in the six-team trade completed in July before signing a two-year contract with the Mavericks. He said his familiarity with general manager Mike Schmitz helped make the transition more comfortable.
“I’ve known Mike Schmitz since I was very young because he’s like one of the best people who scout players,” Biberovic said during Mavericks media day on Friday. “He knows all about European players. So that was kind of like a comfort zone that we had.”
Biberovic also spoke with team president Masai Ujiri after Dallas acquired his draft rights and said the conversations reinforced his desire to make the move to the NBA.
“My dream was always to commit to the NBA and Dallas Mavericks organization,” Biberovic said. “They stepped up and they gave me that chance and I’m very happy to be here.”
The 25-year-old arrives in Dallas with a reputation as a perimeter shooter. He believes his shooting will translate well to the NBA, particularly after getting an early look at the pace and style of the league.
“I believe it’s going to translate the same way as I was over there, even better,” Biberovic said. “I’ve been here for already a month. The game style and the speed of the game is something that I prefer, something that I like.”
He also credited the Mavericks’ coaching staff and veteran players for helping him adjust.
“With the great tips of the staff that we have here, the players who have been here before me and the players who played here, I think and I believe it’s going to be very well,” he said.
Asked how he would describe his game to Mavericks fans, Biberovic offered a simple answer.
“Well, I’m a lightside shooter, as they say,” he said.
Biberovic said fellow European players who previously made the move to the NBA also encouraged him to take the opportunity. He believes his ability to shoot, space the floor and defend can translate to the league.
“They were telling me that I should go to the league because it’s basically made for players like me that can shoot, that can space the floor and they can defend,” Biberovic said. “So, I actually like the way they talked to me because I kind of felt empowered and enlightened to take this step.”
Biberovic has spent much of his professional career in Turkey with Fenerbahce, giving him extensive experience in European basketball. He said playing professionally from a young age helped him mature quickly.
“I went pro when I was 14. When I was 14, 15 I played with old men basically since my age of 15,” Biberovic said.
He described the experience as demanding but valuable.
“Nobody cares if you’re young or you’re old. If you can play that moment, you play. If not, you’re on the end of the bench and you wait for your chance,” Biberovic said.
At the same time, he said being around experienced professionals taught him lessons that helped shape his career.
“Better to learn from somebody else’s mistakes and then make your own,” Biberovic said. “These kind of things are actually helping you to mature a little bit early than your own age group. And me personally, I’m very thankful for the path I’ve lived.”
