Vladimir Lucic reflects on Partizan return and change, missed NBA opportunity / News - Basketnews.com

Vladimir Lucic reflects on his enduring bond with Partizan, discusses the changes within the Serbian powerhouse, reveals a missed NBA opportunity, expresses a strong preference for the EuroLeague over the NBA, and shares his Paris Olympic desire.

Credit: IMAGO/sportworld - Scanpix Credit IMAGO/sportworld - Scanpix

Despite being the captain of FC Bayern Munich with a contract until June 2025, 34-year-old Serbian Vladimir Lucic remains closely tied to his basketball roots at Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, where he gained distinction from 2008 to 2013.

Vladimir Lucic

MIN:20.4PTS:4.88 (52.5%)REB:2.25As:1.88ST:0.63BL:0.25TO:0.88GM:8ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

Lucic shared his perspective with Zeljko Mutavdzic of Mozzart Sport, acknowledging the changes at Partizan since his departure.

"Current Partizan is not the same as when I left," he pointed out. "It's something that can't be compared. I'm glad that players can finally play in Belgrade for big money and that they don't have to go to foreign European countries to have a better financial contract.

"As for me and Partizan... From the moment I left, I never had that kind of contact with the club," Lucic assured. "I'm aware that I wouldn't have returned to Partizan if I wasn't prepared to contribute and perform at the level I'm currently at. Particularly in the last two years with Zeljko Obradovic, we've seen impressive results.

"I'm under contract with Bayern until June 2025. That summer, I will be 36, which is a considerable age in basketball. You never know. It all depends on how I feel," Lucic commented on his potential return.

Despite successful stints with Valencia and Bayern, Partizan holds a special place in Lucic's heart, and he envisions it as his club forever.

"Partizan is the club where I formed both as a basketball player and as a person," he emphasized. "Both Valencia and Bayern contributed to that as well, as did all the coaches I worked with, but the bond with Partizan remains unique. It's the only club I continue to feel deeply connected to; I regularly follow its results, and the question about Partizan has been a constant presence in my interviews over the past 12-13 years.

Vladimir Lucic

Team:FC Bayern MunichPosition:SFAge:34Height:202 cmWeight:91 kgBirth place:Belgrade, SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

"I was lucky to play in Partizan in a generation where the oldest player was 23 years old," he continued. "We shared similar interests and ambitions. Winning the ABA League and the domestic championship, those five years with Partizan concluded in the best possible way for me. ... Partizan will definitely be my club forever."

Although he has had a successful career in Europe, Lucic has never tried himself in the NBA environment. Are there any regrets about that?

"I had the opportunity to leave for the NBA after Partizan," he said. "However, there were preparations for the national team at that time. I didn't have time for the Summer League, and the NBA clubs demanded it.

"Given my existing commitments, it simply wasn't feasible at that point. It will sound like I'm old, but in my time, it was more difficult to go 'across the pond.' Jokic and many others paved the way, and now younger players have an easier time in the NBA."

Lucic personally finds the EuroLeague more captivating than the NBA.

"Personally, I'm not a fan of the NBA, especially not until the playoffs. ... There is no doubt that the EuroLeague is a more interesting competition than the NBA."

How about the NBA playoffs?

"Well, not even then," he affirmed.

Last but not least, Lucic, who was absent from the Serbian national team in the FIBA World Cup 2023 due to a hand injury, expressed his wish to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

"The desire is always there," he noted. "The Olympic Games stand as the pinnacle for every athlete, particularly for me, as I've never had the chance to compete in that event. However, shaped by recent experiences, unfortunately, for the past year and a half, I've consciously tried to avoid dwelling on thoughts about not only the national team but also the club for an extended period.

"I'm still in the process of recovery, with my hand currently at around 70-80 percent. My only wish is to be healthy and help as much as I can. When it's time to think about it, I'll see."

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.