EUrope all over NBA
EUrope all over NBA
Three days ago, the NBA showed that it became more global than we could ever think. This year was special because we witnessed some great stories.
First, a kid from Slovenia proved everybody he is an all-star calibre player, putting great numbers for his rookie season, with 21.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists. However, we already knew that after he had won the Euroleague Finals MVP at 19 years, being the youngest player to do it. Last European to win Rookie of the year was, Pau Gasol in the 2001-2002 season.
Next, the GREEK FREAK, the new MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, dethroned the former MVP James Harden, stopping from winning back-to-back MVPs. In 72 games, he averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks, on a 57.8 per cent shooting. Fun fact, two years ago, on Twitter, Kobe Bryant predicted or better said, provoked Giannis to win an MVP. After this year, the next challenge is clear, to win a championship. The last European to win this award was Dirk Nowitzki, twelve years ago.
With back-to-back titles, Rudy Gobert surpassed great players in 2019 DPOY race, like Paul George and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rudy said that this achievement is bigger than to participate in an all-star game. No European player succeeded to win this award twice in a row.
Moreover, the queen of the NBA is a non-American Team, and this is a first. This ring is first in Toronto’s history.
Therefore, basketball is worldwide, is a passion, is a way of life and thanks to globalization, there are kids on every continent that plays basketball. And for that, we ought to be grateful to James Naismith, the founder of this great sport.
Nicolae Sorocan
EUrope all over NBA
