By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Ettore Messina once again shared his thoughts on the current EuroLeague format and the physical toll it takes on players over the course of the season.
The Italian coach pointed to structural differences between the NBA and EuroLeague, highlighting how scheduling and systems impact team management and player health.
He also addressed ongoing discussions about potential NBA involvement in European basketball, suggesting it could help align financial and sporting objectives.
“In the NBA, where there are 30 teams, 16 make the playoffs plus four in the play-in — two-thirds of the league. You can rotate tired players, you can even accept some losses. In the EuroLeague, six teams qualify directly and four go to the play-in — 10 out of 20, only half. It’s too narrow a funnel. That’s why every game counts, but injuries keep piling up.
When people tell me, ‘you want the Americans to come at all costs,’ I say yes — it would bring better alignment between financial goals and sporting results. Ideally, there would be a merger with the EuroLeague,” Messina said in a lengthy interview with Corriere della Sera.
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