“When the Celtics became NBA champions, they tweeted: 'Champions of the world' and then the Euroleague tweeted: 'Beat this team first' and showed a photo of us. They see themselves as very handsome and they ask for astronomical sums of money to come and play in Europe. But [les champions NBA] are not the world champions. If you want to be, you have to come and fight [le vainqueur de l’Euroleague]. If you have so much confidence in yourself, come and beat us in Athens. »
Three months ago, Ergin Ataman had challenged the Celtics by criticizing the fact that the NBA champions call themselves “world champions”. But the gauntlet is not up in Massachusetts…
“I don't prefer to think about what-ifs or 'ifs'. And I don't think that's happening.” replies Jayson Tatum. “I guess it's cool to talk about it, but I really doubt it'll happen in the near future.” »
The Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo also asked Joe Mazzulla, even less captivated by the idea.
“I will play all the teams present on the calendar. I don't really care” he blurted.
Clearly, the challenge from the coach of Panathinaikos, reigning Euroleague champion, does not interest the Celtics, who do not want to entertain an idea which has almost no chance of coming true.
“I truly believe it’s the best league in the world. So when we say that we are “world champions”, we don’t say it lightly” concludes Xavier Tillman. “That’s because it was truly deserved.”
