The Partizan Belgrade coach spoke to Radio MARCA about the NBA's potential expansion into Europe.
Ahead of the road game against Real Madrid, Partizan Belgrade head coach Željko Obradović spoke with Radio MARCA and touched on several interesting topics.
When asked about the possibility of the NBA establishing a European conference, Obradović was firm in his stance:
"I don't like it at all, because we already have a great competition here and we must continue believing in this project," he said. "The future of European basketball is in the EuroLeague."
The Serbian coach, who holds a record number of continental titles, also praised the current structure and competitiveness of the EuroLeague:
"It's the best competition after the NBA. People want to see quality basketball, and every team has it," Obradović noted. "Expanding to 20 teams keeps the league attractive and the schedule demanding. Everyone wants to be among the top eight -- it's a very tough competition."
Obradović reflected on his journey since returning to Partizan five years ago, highlighting the club's progress and the passion surrounding it:
"When I came back, I said we must always aim to be in the EuroLeague," he explained. "I'm very happy with the people I work with -- the management, the president, and our fans, who are the best in Europe. We always have more than 20,000 people filling the arena."
Thirty years after winning the European Cup as a coach with Real Madrid, Obradović looked back on that achievement with affection:
"I was very young and have great memories of that time. Today on the bus, I was joking with my assistant -- thirty years, man," he said with a smile.
Still, the veteran coach remains focused on the present and the challenges ahead:
"Who knows? Over time, anything is possible, but we're taking it one game at a time."