Jose Manuel Calderon named reasons why Campazzo didn't succeed in NBA / News - Basketnews.com

Jose Manuel Calderon says despite an unsuccessful NBA stint, Facundo Campazzo can still be a very valuable player in Europe.

Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports, Matteo Marchi/Getty Images Credit Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports, Matteo Marchi/Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers special advisor Jose Manuel Calderon gave an interview to Mundo Deportivo, talking about Ricky Rubio's return, EuroLeague players in the NBA, among other topics.

"Rubio's return is closer," Calderon told Toni Canyameras. "We are not going to risk with him. He's improving as expected, and everything is going as we planned. I expect the same Ricky. That's why we signed him."

"No one knows this team better than him. We want him to play as best as he can. He will give us a lot on and off the court. He doesn't have many weaknesses, and I'm sure he will be back mentally stronger," Calderon added.

The former Spanish player also talked about EuroLeague players in the NBA, admitting that the US teams look to European basketball more and more.

"We already know it's not the same to score 15 points in the Euroleague and in the NBA. We are aware of the level there. If you have succeeded in the EuroLeague, you will have a chance in the NBA."

"Then it depends on the role, the physicality, the rhythm... NBA is not easy. Some players like Gaby Deck or Facundo Campazzo may not fit here for different reasons, but they can have amazing careers in Europe," continued Calderon.

Calderon also reacted to Zeljko Obradovic's words, who said there are no chances for European coaches to be in the NBA.

"It's a matter of time. Once it happens, it will be common. I would not say European coaches are doing something wrong. Some of them have tried and did not make the last step up," Calderon said.

The Cleveland Cavaliers' special advisor also talked about Santi Aldama's situation and other Spanish players in the NBA.

"Santi Aldama was not with the national team because he was getting ready for the season, and he seizes the opportunities pretty well. What Usman Garuba did during the EuroBasket has helped him a lot. Silas is giving him confidence.

Juancho Hernangomez lacks consistency, and I hope his brother can have more minutes because when he plays, he performs great. Finally, Ibaka looks happy, he is a role player right now. I'm sure he will be important in the playoffs," said Calderon.

Calderon continued talking about overall talent in the NBA, claiming that the latest technologies allow players to improve even more.

"There are many talented players right now in the league. It's more difficult to stop them, and if you do it, other players can score easily too. The talent has heavily increased. It's a natural process. Thanks to the advanced stats, the more knowledge of the game, the big data...

All these things are interesting tools for the players' development. Obviously, if there were more players like Joel Embiid or Marc Gasol, there would be more low-post situations, but this is the league's reality," he said.

Finally, the Spanish executive talked about Kyrie Irving's scandal and expressed happiness that the Brooklyn Nets star is on the court again.

"Basketball is a multicultural world. There are people from all countries, different religions, and races... We are all united, and we play together. There has to be mutual respect. We live in a society in which we are increasingly extremist in everything.

The best news is that he is playing again. He and many people have learned from the situation. People have surely read more things about what has happened. He has apologized for his words and is moving on," concluded Calderon.

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