Draymond Green on losing Nemanja Bjelica: 'I'm a little hurt by this one' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP - Scanpix Credit AFP - Scanpix

After spending a year with the Golden State Warriors and winning the NBA championship, Nemanja Bjelica is leaving the NBA for Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.

3-pointers this season

33%7,5Points made:7,5Accuracy:32,7%Place in standings:16Record max:15Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Marko GuduricTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

His teammate, Draymond Green, explained in his podcast, Draymond Green Show, that losing the Serbian player meant a lot for the team.

"Another loss that was huge for us was losing Beli, Nemanja Bjelica. He is headed back to Fenerbahce in Turkey. I’m a little hurt by this one," Green admitted after a little hesitation. "I really had an opportunity to create a really great relationship with Beli and, quite frankly, one that will last further than him playing basketball or myself playing basketball."

"I think for Beli this was more of a family move than necessarily a business move. Beli has two young children and to be closer to his family," the Warriors forward explained. "For those that don’t know, Beli is from Serbia. So, to be closer to his family."

Bjelica was one of the key players locking up Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum during the NBA Finals. In Game 4, Tatum missed all his five shots and made four turnovers while being guarded by the Serbian forward.

"It sucks for us," Draymond told. "It definitely sucks for us because I thought his versatility and what he brought to the floor for us, another playmaker on the court and then, obviously, the way he stretches the floor, I thought that was really good for us."

"To lose him, I think that was stung a little bit. Nonetheless, extremely happy for him. He’s back closer to his family, which I understand how important that is having a family of my own," Green reasoned. "I wish Beli well. Brate, we love you, man. Good luck in Fenerbahce. I hope to catch one of the games, I definitely want to get over there and catch a EuroLeague game, so hopefully, I can. Good luck brate."

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