Goran Dragic discusses return to Europe and what he misses in NBA / News - Basketnews.com

Goran Dragic has the priority to play in the NBA over the European comeback.

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

Goran Dragic is in his 15th NBA season since leaving Union Olimpija in 2008.

Goran Dragic

MIN:17.06PTS:7.97 (46.62%)REB:1.52As:2.85ST:0.21BL:0.12TO:1.21GM:33ProfileNBA2022/2023

Apart from his time with the Slovenian national team, he last returned to Europe during the 2011 NBA lockout and played for Baskonia in Spain, but his stint there was short-lived.

Dragic then came back to the Houston Rockets and was a backup point guard for Kyle Lowry.

"I kind of miss the atmosphere of the European arenas," he pointed out in an interview with Christos Tsaltas of SDNA.gr. "I've been playing for 15 years in the NBA and I'm used to it here. Every time I go back to Europe to play things are a bit different because the fans are more... crazy, in a good way. They always support you and bring positive energy."

Playing for 15 years in the strongest basketball league, Dragic is more than capable of comparing the European basketball and NBA level.

"The distance is closing, but looking back, European players didn't get a chance to play. Maybe there was no progress before. But now, we see that in positions 1, 4, and 5 European players dominate as never before. It's really impressive," he rejoiced.

In May, Dragic will turn 37 and will have 19 professional seasons under his belt.

As the Chicago Bulls guard says, he is open to any challenge. However, the NBA remains his priority.

"I still feel great. Basically, I feel much better this year than I have in the past two years. I have no injuries, I'm happy, I feel good and I want to play for a few more years. As long as I feel good, I will continue to play," the Slovenian said, before expanding on whether the prospect of returning to Europe is in his mind.

"At the moment, I do not have the possibility of returning to Europe in mind. I want to compete with the best players in the world and I feel that the NBA is the best league," he stressed.

"I will never say no, though. I'm leaving every door open, and I'll see what the future holds for me," Dragic concluded.

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