By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Visiting the topic of a meeting between the NBA and Turkish Airlines EuroLeague champions, Jabari Parker compared the Boston Celtics to Panathinaikos Aktor.
“World champion means you have competed against the world. Not only in your nation. So, the title in itself is inaccurate,” he mentioned in an interview with Sport Klub, “To be a world champion, you must compete against other teams in the world.”
Since the conclusion of the McDonald’s Championship, clashes between NBA and EuroLeague champions have ceased. In 1997, the last meeting saw the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan overpower Olympiacos, 104-78, in the Final of a six-team tournament in Paris.
“It would be interesting,” Parker talked about potentially resurfacing such fixtures in the future, “They are not far from each other. Trust me, I have played against NBA teams. I have also played against teams in the EuroLeague and Panathinaikos can compete against some of those teams in the NBA. They have good plays, they play together, they play well. It would be nice to see that if it happens one day.”
Parker, 29, is a veteran of 321 appearances in the NBA between the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, and Bulls.
Furthering his career in Europe with FC Barcelona since the start of the 2023-24 season, the former Duke standout has logged 49 games played, including 11 in the ongoing installment of Europe’s premier club continental competition with 13.9 points per contest.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net