There has recently been a lot of debate about the state of basketball and the NBA around the world.
Are the players finding victory in the NBA really the best on Earth or is it tougher competing overseas?
And who should be crowned “world champion”?
These questions have been asked even more since the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
EuroLeague player Kyle Hines has put his two cents into the mix.
Speaking to Basket News, via Legion Hoops, Hines said, “I’d say the NBA is checkers and Europe is chess.”
EuroLeague player Kyle Hines:
“I’d say the NBA is checkers and Europe is chess.”
(via @BasketNews_com) pic.twitter.com/NKPVEr43LL
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 23, 2023
This, of course, is only going to generate more controversy and hot takes.
There are definitely differences between playing in the NBA and international leagues.
Aside from some minor rule changes, there is also a different pace and rhythm for players who are in the EuroLeague.
But it’s undeniable that no matter what league players are in, these athletes are top-notch and incredibly impressive.
Victory in the NBA or in the EuroLeague is a huge accomplishment and should be celebrated as such.
There seems to be a growing rivalry between those who play in international leagues and those in the NBA.
Some people really take issue with the fact that the team that wins the Finals is called “world champions.”
While basketball was started in North America, it has now spread all over the world and is truly a global game.
And there are some who believe that European players are performing at a higher level.
Now that a European team has again won the World Cup, even more fans will claim that players from that part of the world have better basketball skills.
How will this argument look next summer when the 2024 Olympics begin?
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