By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Ergin Ataman won three out of the last four EuroLeague championships. In his first season with Panathinaikos, he brought the Athens team back to the continental top.
The question arises: is the NBA the next step?
“Before it was my dream, now it’s not, but if you want a star coach from Europe, here I am. Why would I be afraid of training NBA stars?” Ataman began in his interview with Spanish outlet AS.
After winning the European crown with the Greek team less than a month ago, he revealed that Giannis Antetokounmpo praised him as “the best coach in the world.”
“I don’t feel like number one in the world. I have no way to compare myself to NBA coaches. And I’m not number one in the history of European basketball, but if someone gives a gold medal for the last five years… . In five years I have reached four finals and won three titles. I think it’s something special. If we talk only about results, I am the best in the last five years.”
Ataman actually already had a chance to go overseas, but…
“If I’m honest, two years ago I had conversations with a general manager of an important NBA team. I can’t give names. Everyone knows that I would like to try the NBA in the future. To be the first European coach. I already know that Jordi Fernández is there, but he has trained there, he has not trained in Europe. I am referring to the first European to make the leap from Europe. Throughout my career, I have always been the first. In Siena, in Galatasaray, in Besiktas, in Efes, in Panathinaikos. For me, it is very special if someone comes and asks me to coach in the NBA. Nobody has done it as such.”
However, he’s not interested in being an assistant coach.
“As I said, two years ago we had those conversations. Although it was something that didn’t convince me. They told me that I had to go there to be part of the staff for a few years, to be an assistant coach… But I am now 58 years old. I don’t want to compare myself to anyone, but with the results of the last five years in hand, I am number one in the Euroleague. So why do I have to go be an assistant coach in the NBA?”
If some club comes knocking on his door with a head coaching gig, things could be different.
“If anyone wants to offer me an opportunity, with what I have achieved in Europe, it has to be as a head coach. That’s why I say that, until now, I haven’t had any serious contact and truly considered. It’s a different world. I am very happy in the Euroleague and in Panathinaikos. Three or four years ago I would tell you that it was my dream. Now it is not. Of course, the NBA is coming to Europe for many stars: Antetokounmpo, Doncic, Jokic, Alperen Sengun… If you want a star European coach, I’m here.”
The Turkish coach believes that his coaching style would easily fit the NBA.
“Of course. Why not? In the end, it’s basketball. I have coached great NBA players. Also in the past. During the lockout, Deron Williams, also Allen Iverson (both in Besiktas), now Kendrick Nunn… People say that my style is to give freedom to the players and focus on a tough, iron defense, and with a good organization. Many players have played at their best level on my teams: Larkin, Micic… They are NBA players. Kendrick Nunn, Kostas Sloukas… If I am the Euroleague champion coach, why would I be afraid of coaching NBA stars? I know how to handle players, I know how to detect their strengths and weaknesses… That’s my style,” Ergin Ataman concluded.