Skip to content

Doncic believes it's easier to score in the NBA than in Europe

ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP / Getty

Rookie of the Year front-runner Luka Doncic, who won multiple MVP awards and championships overseas, has found scoring in Europe to be more difficult than in the NBA.

"Here (in the NBA) it's easier to score compared to Europe, of course," Doncic said in an interview with Spanish network Movistar+, according to Eurohoops' Alex Madrid. "In Europe, the court is smaller and here there is the three-seconds rule. I think it’s easier to score here."

Although there's a clear talent disparity between the NBA and EuroLeague, Doncic has a point.

Professional basketball courts in Europe are measured at 91.9 by 49.2 feet as opposed to the NBA's 94 by 50 feet. This allows for less space to work with.

Doncic also references the defensive three-second violation that forces rim-protectors to stay out of the paint, a rule that doesn't exist in Europe. The physicality overseas helps big men limit drivers from attacking the basket.

The 19-year-old averaged 14.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists with Real Madrid in EuroLeague last year. He's averaging 20.6 points, seven rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game during his rookie campaign with the Dallas Mavericks.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox