When Exum marveled at Obradovic's popularity: 'He's better-known than the players' / News - Basketnews.com

Dante Exum weighed in on Zeljko Obradovic's immense popularity in Europe and praised the legendary coach's system. He also recalled his time at Partizan with fondness.

Credit: IMAGO/Contrast-Scanpix Credit IMAGO/Contrast-Scanpix

Before moving to the NBA and the Dallas Mavericks, Dante Exum played for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade. The Australian guard had the opportunity to work with Zeljko Obradovic, the most successful coach in EuroLeague history.

3-pointers this season

37%8,0Points made:8,0Accuracy:36,6%Place in standings:16Record max:12Record min:4Most made 3FGs:Kevin PunterTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

In a recent interview with Devin Harris in the podcast "Top Shelf," The Australian recalled his time in Belgrade where the games earned him a return to the strongest league in the world.

He had previously made the decision to go to Europe as the fifth pick in the 2014 NBA draft.

"I was out of work, I was just training. I was waiting for another opportunity. I knew my place was in the NBA,” Exum said, and then revealed how he was thinking at the time.

"The G League is something else, it's hard to get out of that system. I wanted to play basketball which meant something, I wanted to compete. I went to Barcelona, played EuroLeague, and it was great. Everyone wants to win, they want to compete, my goal was to win it. That was the most important thing for me.

I'm not saying that in the NBA they don't want to win, but sometimes I feel that it's easy to get over a loss," he admitted.

Exum has been one of the most important players in the Dallas Mavericks this season. He averaged 9.2 points with 2.8 rebounds and as many assists per game in the NBA. Still, his sole year with Partizan was enough for him to be remembered as one of the best non-Serbian players to ever wear the team's jersey.

"I really enjoyed my time in Barcelona," he said referring to the 2021-22 season.

"Then, I think, I decided to take the risk. I went to Partizan, where the coach is amazing. There's nothing better than him, he's unique, honestly," Exum said of Obradovic.

"It was very important that I played at the point guard position and improved. There is much more to this in Europe, the coach at Partizan has had incredible plays on offense. I liked every step there. I knew he is one of the most famous coaches there, and better known than the players. We're walking around the airport, and people wanted to take pictures with him, not us," the28-year-old guard recalled.

"I think just learning from him and being in that environment where 20,000 fans are singing and chanting and where they want us to play hard and that's the most important thing, win or lose, it's just that we leave our heart for the jersey we're wearing. I love it," Exum added.

The Mavericks are eagerly waiting for Exum's return after a break due to a right knee injury that left him out of action for about a month and a half.

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