Insights from Sasha Vujacic on European Players in the NBA
LOS ANGELES (USA) – Sasha Vujacic, a Slovenian sharpshooter and key player for the Los Angeles Lakers during their 2009 and 2010 championship runs, attributes the growing value of European players in the NBA to their strong fundamentals.
During a discussion on the Out the Mud Podcast with former NBA player Tony Allen, Vujacic highlighted that the essence of European players lies in their understanding of the game. Rather than simply answering whether Europeans are catching up to Americans, he emphasized, “For us, fundamentals are everything,” noting the importance of teamwork and cohesion over individualism.
“This concept of ‘How can I help Zebo’—referring to podcast co-host Zach Randolph—illustrates how players are trained from a young age,” he explained. “While tactics are important, mastering the basics is crucial for gaining respect in basketball.”
Vujacic believes that European players excel by playing the right way, creating opportunities for significant achievements in the sport. The recent years have seen a surge in European talent in the NBA, with legends like Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, and Pau Gasol paving the way since the early 2000s.
These athletes not only won championships but also earned All-Star selections, showcasing their skills on the international stage. Vujacic noted the competitive spirit at the recent Olympics where teams like Serbia came close to surprising the U.S. team, underscoring the increasing strength of European players.
He specifically noted that learning and practicing fundamentals differentiates top players in the league. Mentioning contemporary stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic, who have secured NBA titles and multiple MVP awards, Vujacic highlighted the importance of skills over individual accolades.
When questioned about the best European players, Vujacic found it challenging to narrow down his choices due to varying eras. He acknowledged legends like Drazen Petrovic, Arvydas Sabonis, and current stars like Luka Doncic, suggesting that upcoming competitions such as the EuroBasket could further shake up discussions on dominance among these players.
