By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
Prior to the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, the protagonists of the big event shared their thoughts during the media availability via Zoom calls. Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert took the stage and reflected on a very different All-Star that is taking place this year.
First up was reigning MVP Giannis, who spoke of Team LeBron and the MVP conversation. “We have an unbelievable team. Hopefully, we can win tonight and go back home with a smile”, said Antetokounmpo to the media.
“(LeBron James), I think he’s one of the best players in the league, don’t you think that? (laughs). He’s a champion and as long as you’re the champion, you’re the best player in the league. I don’t care who’s the MVP, I don’t care who’s the leading scorer of the NBA. And before that, it was Kawhi (Leonard). Whoever wins the championship is the best player in the world”, he said. “You know, there’s gonna be other opinions out there, someone is going to say “he’s the best player in the world”, and some will say it’s not. It’s the same debate between Jordan and LeBron. It doesn’t really matter at the end of the day. He’s (LeBron) been consistent for 18 years. He’s always there, it’s unbelievable.
Nikola Jokic shifted the conversation towards an all-time high of European All-Star participants.
“That’s the beauty. Even when you see the entire All-Star, we have a lot of players not from the USA. It’s something that we are showing that there is talent all around the world, giving the chance to kids and the opportunity that they can make it to the NBA, hopefully living some of their dreams”, said three-time All-Star Jokic.
“In my first All-Star I was hoping they wouldn’t make me do something stupid like dance or sing, but now it’s normal”, he said jokingly.
Another player on Team LeBron, Jokic “doesn’t care” if he wins the MVP tonight, or at the end of the season. “I’m in the MVP conversation, but it doesn’t really matter. I played with LeBron last year, it’s a pleasure to play alongside him. I think it’s fun to share the court with him. He’s actually a really good guy”.
Rudy Gobert discussed the moments after he tested positive, in hindsight, now that the NBA is back and ready to host an All-Star Game after a fallout last year.
“When you go through tough times, it makes you grow. That’s exactly what it’s been for me, those few weeks. I’m just blessed to be able to be here today. A lot has happened within one year, everybody got out of their comfort zone”, said the French big man. “The good thing is we can see that people are there for one another, people are really supporting those in need. It’s a learning experience for all of us”.
Luka Doncic followed and discussed the legacy he carries from 14-time All-Star Dirk Nowitzki, as a member of the Mavericks and among the most prominent players of the league for the years to come.
“His legacy is unmatched. What he did for Dallas and all the European basketball, it’s just unmatched. He’s always going to be a legend. One of the best power forwards in the game that I ever saw.”
Photo: Getty Images