Luka’s Corner

As I watch the Playoffs, I notice that very few European players are playing a significant role on their NBA team. The few exceptions I’ve seen were Dirk Nowitzki against the Warriors, Andrea Bargnani against the Nets, and Sasha Pavlovic against the Wizards and Nets. This tiny number of European players has gotten me thinking about why such a large group make it to the NBA, but almost never

become a factor for their team. I think it is for two reasons.

First, and most importantly, European players are still considered to be soft. They are known solely for their shooting and overall fundamentals, rather than their physicality and toughness. Fundamentals are not bad at any rate, but NBA coaches look for a player who will rebound, aggressively attack down low, and play scrappy defense. They are not looking for shooting as much because they consider that just to be a bonus to physicality. But, aggressiveness and physicality are traits European players just don’t have. Most of them come from the EuroLeague, an association that is know for its passive defense and minimal rebounding. These types of leagues are less intense, with players giving you space to make your move and giving you time to think (unlike the NBA, where you are often double or triple-teamed). This low level of intensity that these players have grown used to leads me to my second point.

The second reason Europeans usually don’t thrive in the NBA is that they cannot handle the pressure. Their former league (usually the EuroLeague) is more laid back than the NBA, whether it be the small number of fans or small number of intense playoff games. Even Dirk Nowitzki has been questioned if he can handle the pressure, because of his low number of clutch shots and rarity of dominating games in the fourth quarter. Again, coaches are looking for guys who will step up their games when it matters most and that is why EuroStars get very little playing time. They simply can’t handle being in front of 20,000 wild fans in the Playoffs like the average American player can.

It is because of these two reasons why you see more American players making the clutch play or getting on the highlight reel with a spectacular dunk. It is not that Europeans can’t shoot or don’t have the foundations down, it is because of their softness throughout the first three quarters and through the final, more critical, fourth quarter. This forces coaches to play a player who is aggressive on offense and disruptive on defense, rather than a player who has a beautiful jumper and has wonderful mechanics.

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