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Miško Ražnatović, one of the world's top basketball agents and owner of the BeoBasket agency, recently sat down with Sport Klub Croatia for an interview. While he touched on various topics, public interest naturally gravitated towards his insights on the EuroLeague season, currently reaching its climax, particularly regarding the participation of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet and Partizan. He also weighed in on Nikola Jokić and the NBA MVP race.
First, on the EuroLeague, which this year welcomed two new teams: Hapoel Tel Aviv and Dubai.
These new teams – Dubai, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Valencia – have injected fresh blood into the EuroLeague, significantly disrupting established norms, mindsets, and team rankings. This might not be the highest quality EuroLeague ever, but it's certainly the most exciting.Miško Ražnatović
Partizan's Unlucky Streak, Zvezda's Strong Form
When it comes to the eternal rivals in Europe, their results paint a contrasting picture: the red-and-whites (Zvezda) are still in the play-in zone, while the black-and-whites (Partizan) are languishing at the bottom of the table.
Regarding Serbian teams, the investments are substantial, commensurate with the passion and love for basketball in Serbia – that's the main story. Both teams – Partizan had an unfortunate period where their best player (Carlik Jones, editor's note) got injured. There were also turbulences, considering coach Obradović left the team, and that cost them a better result. Once everything stabilized, they've had a fantastic run, and I believe the team is very good. Crvena Zvezda is, without a doubt, also excellent, and I think one more win will determine whether they finish in the Top Six or head to the play-in. Miško Ražnatović
Chus Bueno: A Bridge Between EuroLeague and NBA
Following Chus Bueno's appointment as EuroLeague CEO, there's been increasing talk of potential collaboration between the EuroLeague, FIBA, and the NBA, who are jointly preparing an 'NBA Europe' project.
My opinion is that without some agreement, without a joint project, it will be quite difficult, regardless of the NBA's significant organizational and financial advantages. Mr. Chus Bueno, who worked for the NBA for many years, has taken the helm of the EuroLeague, and I believe he could be a bridge between these two organizations, elevating this competition, which is arguably one of the most exciting in any team sport, to a higher level. The weaknesses of the competition, primarily in organizational and financial terms, need to be improved. Miško Ražnatović
I'm Biased When It Comes to Jokić
Naturally, the Serbian public is extremely interested in Ražnatović's thoughts on Nikola Jokić and the NBA MVP race:
Indeed, this is one of the most intriguing MVP races, and no one can truly predict what will happen. A few months ago, Shai seemed unassailable, but that's no longer the case. It's genuinely hard for me to say, but there's no doubt in my mind that it should be Nikola, because he truly pushes boundaries and does things no one else does. However, given my inherent bias when it comes to him, it's probably better if I don't elaborate. But believe me, at this moment, no one truly knows who will win. It's good for the entire league to have four players in such incredible form, playing so brilliantly, putting all those who vote for the MVP through a real challenge. Miško Ražnatović
Ražnatović was a huge admirer of Dražen Petrović, so he was asked if he agreed that the Croatian legend played a significant role for European players and their path to the NBA.
- He was the first of that generation to truly achieve great success. He was selected to the All-NBA Third Team in a season, meaning among the top 15 NBA players, and at that time, it was unimaginable and, frankly, much harder than it is now. In a way, just as these guys from Illinois have now opened doors for many to come, he opened doors for many who followed. He was truly unique, and the success he achieved then can be compared to the successes our players are achieving in the NBA today.
Video: Carlik Jones after the win: I meant what I said before the derby!
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