PJ Dozier talks his adjustment to Europe, favorite Nikola Jokic story / News - Basketnews.com

P.J. Dozier tells how Partizan captain Kevin Punter and Nikola Jokic helped him to settle in Belgrade while also revealing his favorite story involving the Denver Nuggets superstar.

Credit: Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Srdjan Stevanovic/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

WhenP.J. DozierjoinedPartizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, everyone in Serbia saw only one comparison: the 27-year-old American came to replaceDante Exum, who made the return to the NBA.

P.J. Dozier

MIN:22.23PTS:10.07 (56.59%)REB:3As:3.57ST:1BL:0.21TO:2GM:14ProfileEuroLeague2023/2024

Interestingly, Dozier tried to shake off this comparison.

"It is true that there are some similarities in our game, but I also think that we are different. He is him, and I am me," Dozier toldthe Serbian mediaafter he arrived in Belgrade this summer.

Nevertheless, the similarities between Dozier and Exum were quite obvious: both players are very versatile, can play and guard multiple positions, and are similar in height.

Yet, there was at least one very crucial difference. Exum joined Partizan after already spending one season in the EuroLeague. On top of that, he played his debut season underSarunas Jasikevicius– a coach known for installing key principles in each and every one of his players.

Meanwhile, Dozier joined Partizan after spending 6 years in the NBA with zero European basketball experience.

Despite that, it seems that Dozier already found his groove in the EuroLeague after a rather slow start.

In the last five games, Dozier averaged15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals, and 20.6 PIR, while Partizan won four of these contests, including Thursday's win vs.Zalgiris Kaunas.

"Just learning the game and playstyle and how the game flows," Dozier told BasketNews when asked about his biggest adjustment in the EuroLeague. "Of course, trying to figure out what the club needs from me, what do I need to bring each game, and you know, try to just be the best at my role."

We all know how demandingZeljko Obradoviccould be. Partizan head coach also has plenty of highlight reels of him screaming and unleashing on his players.

So, coming from a rather calm NBA environment, this might be an adjustment in itself. Luckily for Dozier, college prepared him even for the worst version of Zeljko.

"For the people that don't know,

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