Mirotic talks his Barca future, Saras change, calendar issues, and farmer life / News - Basketnews.com

Mirotic voiced his concerns about the European basketball calendar, stating that there are too many games for teams, leading to frequent injuries and player fatigue. Despite these troubles, he acknowledged the NBA's superior level during the playoffs but believed that some European teams could compete with American teams.

Credit: IPA/SIPA - Scanpix Credit IPA/SIPA - Scanpix

FC Barcelona power forward Nikola Mirotic gave a lengthy interview to EFE, covering various topics: from his future with the club to personal interests and summers on his farm.

Free throws this season

81%14,2Points made:14,2Accuracy:80,9%Place in standings:8Record max:23Record min:5Most made FTs:Nikola MiroticTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Four days before playing the EuroLeague Final Four 2023 in Kaunas, Mirotic acknowledged that this season, there is a different atmosphere in the Barca locker room, and highlighted the improvement of head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius in management of the group.

"This third year, things look much better, although we will see how it ends," the reigning EuroLeague MVP said. "I see a different team and atmosphere. People are enjoying themselves much more, the fans too.

"Saras is a very demanding coach, and he should be. But you have to know the moments in which you have to control the team, take it towards you and calm down.It is something that he is doing much better this year. Also, he is communicating much better with the players, which is something that is very important.

"He is calmer, but without losing that he is himself," Mirotic stressed. "Now, it's time to do the important work, and I'm sure he will do it in the best possible way to finish this season on a high note."

Credit AFP-Scanpix

Mirotic also expressed his concerns about the European calendar, where the strongest teams have to play as many games as NBA franchises play.

"There are many more games than there should be," Mirotic underlined. "When you look at the injury situations, almost no team in the ACB or EuroLeague has had a full squad at almost any time. Coaches like Messina, Scariolo, and Itoudis have already talked about this.

"EuroLeague is not the only league. The ACB League also lasts a long time. They should change the format or remove teams. Imagine players who also play for their respective national teams. It's clear to me that they don't think about players but about their competitions and their business."

Nikola Mirotic

Team:FC BarcelonaPosition:PFAge:32Height:208 cmWeight:102 kgBirth place:Podgorica, MontenegroProfileNewsStatistics

Still, the EuroLeague star gave credit to European ball.

"For me, European basketball is much more beautiful than the one in the United States. The best thing here is that during the regular season, teams play seriously. Of course, when the NBA Playoffs start, it has nothing to do with regular-season intensity. Then you see the true level of the NBA, which is undoubtedly above European basketball.

"But I have no doubt that there are teams in Europe that could easily compete with teams from the United States," Barca leader said.

Credit AFP-Scanpix

Mirotic himself played in the NBA from 2014 to 2019. He returned to Europe as the best-paid EuroLeague player. For four straight years, Mirotic is the highest-earning player in the entire league.

His current contract with Barcelona runs through 2025.

Since Barca is expected to cut its budget in the coming seasons, what does the future bring for Mirotic?

"Honestly, I have a contract, but an approach to what is going to happen is not something that is very much in my hands. I simply have to say that I feel very loved by the fans and the people who are here. I am very aware of the things that are happening within the club, but I am very calm," he said.

"I'm here to play the EuroLeague Final Four and the ACB Playoffs. The most important thing right now is to win, win and win. And from there, we'll see. I still have two years left on my contract that I hope I can fulfill if I'm well and healthy."

The 32-year-old then shifted to his retirement plans.

"Good question, I don't know," he responded. "I am one of those players who prefer to play until I feel good and can be important. Once I see that I am suffering too much, that my body is not giving me, or that I am about to be on the bench and play five minutes, I'll leave it there. That's why it's important to take care of myself and be well. If I see that it's not like that, I'll be the first to raise my hand, and I'm going to say, 'That's enough.'"

Mirotic's next career challenge is El Clasico in the second EuroLeague semifinal on Friday night at Zalgirio Arena (20:00 CEST).

"Playing El Clasico is always special, especially in the EuroLeague Final Four. It has more importance and more toughness. Real's series against Partizan was incredible," Mirotic emphasized. "Going from 0-2 to 3-2 has a lot of merit. It speaks volumes about how capable they are. They are an experienced team that knows how to win.

"We face this game with a lot of respect for our rivals, but only thinking about ourselves. We've played many times, and we know how to play against them."

After the chase for EuroLeague and ACB titles is over, Mirotic knows what awaits him next. Few know Mirotic is a village child, who now owns a cheese farm in Serbia.

"I love nature and animals. I have been a child who grew up in the town and farmed with my parents and grandparents. I had the opportunity to buy a farm in the mountains, and I did it," Mirotic said. "I rebuilt the farm. There were already animals, and I bought some more. We produce sheep cheese. We also have plans to make yogurts. I love going there in the summertime.

"I follow all the work from a distance. I am in contact with the people who take care of the farm," he continued.

"Believe me or not, but when I go there in the summer, I get up at six in the morning, I go to the stables and help people feed the animals -- I work. And then at night, I go to do some shooting drills."

Mirotic sees himself returning to his farming roots in the future, wanting his children to experience the same childhood filled with nature and animals.

"If I see myself as a farmer, driving the tractor? Why not? I didn't get into this business for the matter of making money, but to feel satisfied, to do something that fills me up," he underlined. "No doubt I will spend a good time there, that's what I want. And I want my children to spend the same -- to learn and live that childhood in nature, with the animals. We don't even have a television there, we are a bit disconnected, enjoying nature."

Last but not least, the All-EuroLeague Second Team member revealed what makes him happy in life. He prefers spending time with his loved ones and engaging in meaningful experiences over extravagant vacations.

"Family, God, my job, my farm... Many things, but it's certainly not money. Money is important, we all need it to live, but in my case, it's not something that makes me happy. No.

"I don't go to the Maldives in summer. I go to my farm, to my house to spend time with my parents. I don't usually travel a lot. If I do go, maybe I'll travel to a spiritual place, like Jerusalem, which will fill me up. This is my engine of life."

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