Kenneth Faried once brought his explosive energy to the NBA as the “Manimal.”But today, he brings that same energy to courts in Europe.He now plays for Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague.
After years away from the NBA, he has a clear perspective.He recently made a strong claim that challenges a common assumption.“EuroLeague is number one,” Faried stated. He believes scoring is harder there than in the NBA.
This isn’t just an opinion from one player.It highlights a major debate in global basketball. Is the EuroLeague a tougher scoring environment?
The Core Challenge: Rule Differences
Faried points directly to the rulebook to explain his view.The most critical difference is the absence of the defensive three-second rule.In the NBA, defenders cannot stand in the paint for more than three seconds.
This keeps the lane more open for drivers and cutters.In the EuroLeague, there is no such rule.Big men can permanently camp near the basket.“They clog the paint a lot,” Faried explained.
This creates a crowded, physical area around the rim.For a player like Faried, who scores mostly inside, it’s a huge obstacle.It forces players to find much more creative ways to score.
A More Structured Game
The challenges go beyond just one rule.The EuroLeague game is built differently from the NBA.First, the games are shorter. They are 40 minutes long, not 48.
This means fewer possessions and fewer chances to score.Second, the court itself is slightly smaller.It is also narrower than an NBA court.This reduces the available space for offensive players to operate.
The style of play is also more systematic.Coaches use deeper rotations and have more control over the game plan.There is less isolation play and more team-oriented basketball.Every possession is a detailed chess match, not a freelance showdown.
Evidence From the Stats and Stars
Faried’s personal stats tell part of the story.In his NBA career, he averaged a solid 11.4 points per game.In the EuroLeague this season, he averages 7.9 points.Of course, he is older now and in a different role.But the context supports his argument about the difficulty.
He is not alone in this assessment.All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen has played in both FIBA and NBA settings.He agrees with the premise that scoring is harder overseas.
“Definitely not getting the same foul calls,” Markkanen noted.He also highlighted the lack of defensive three seconds.The physical style of play is a consistent theme.
The NBA’s Offensive Era
This discussion comes at an interesting time for the NBA.The league is currently in a historic offensive boom.Scores and offensive ratings climb higher every season.
The rules and style heavily favor the offensive player.Space, pace, and three-point shooting dominate the game.NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has even acknowledged this.
He has said the league is looking at possible rule changes.The goal is to bring back some of the league’s defensive identity.This could narrow the gap between the two leagues’ styles.
A Valuable Destination
The EuroLeague has become a premier destination.It is not just a retirement home for former NBA players.It is a highly competitive, sophisticated league in its own right.
Many players struggle to adjust when they first arrive.The different ball, closer three-point line, and physicality are big adjustments.For players like Faried, it offers a second act.
It allows them to compete at the highest level in a different way.He shares the Panathinaikos locker room with other NBA veterans.Kendrick Nunn and Cedi Osman are among his teammates.They are all adapting to this unique and demanding style of play.
Final Verdict: A Different Kind of Tough
So, is the EuroLeague truly “number one” in difficulty?It depends on what you mean by tough.The NBA features the world’s most incredible athletes.The speed, athleticism, and individual skill are unmatched.
But the EuroLeague offers a different kind of challenge.It is a mental and tactical grind within a tighter system.The physical rules allow for more rugged, paint-clogging defense.
For a traditional scorer who attacks the basket, it is a nightmare.Kenneth Faried’s experience proves that point.The game overseas forces a player to adapt, hustle, and think.
It rewards a different set of skills than the modern NBA does.In the end, both leagues test players in their own extreme ways.But for pure, grinding, half-court scoring difficulty, the “Manimal” gives the edge to Europe.