(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks has worked for a few impressive head coaches during his NBA career.
But if you’re looking for the best basketball coach on the planet, you have to venture outside the NBA, Antetokounmpo said.
Speaking with Eurohoops, per NBACentral, Antetokounmpo called Ergin Ataman of the Greek Basket League and EuroLeague the best basketball coach in the world.
Antetokounmpo’s comment drew a lot of attention to Ataman, who replied with a very interesting response.
“If you want a star coach from Europe, here I am,” Ataman said.
Giannis Antetokounmpo recently called Ergin Ataman the best basketball coach in the world.
Now, Ergin Ataman says he’s open to coaching in the NBA
“If you want a star coach from Europe, here I am.”
(Via @Eurohoopsnet ) pic.twitter.com/MkFxTniTtR
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2024
Ataman is considered one of the most successful European basketball coaches of all time, having won three Euroleague titles and achieving two of them back-to-back.
Ataman could add a lot to the NBA but he isn’t jumping at the chance to come to the United States and coach.
He said that he used to dream of leading an NBA team but is now very happy in Europe.
With that being said, Ataman has admitted that he once spoke to managers of certain NBA teams about coming to the association, but he wouldn’t divulge any more information.
He also declined to agree with Antetokounmpo and wouldn’t call himself the best coach alive.
The NBA is filled with a number of coaches who have moved around from team to team.
Many fans think that more outsiders should enter the league and lead the most powerful franchises.
Perhaps Ataman could be part of a new generation of NBA coaches but it sounds as if he is very content to stay where he is right now.
Antetokoumpo might be a massive fan but he won’t be playing for Ataman in the NBA any time soon.
The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Names The Best Basketball Coach In The World appeared first on The Cold Wire.