Nan: “Partizan wanted me, but I’m glad I chose Panathinaikos”

Happy with the decision to come to Panathinaikos stated the Kendrick Nunn. The American guard speaking to Mozzart Sport revealed that the Partisantonight’s opponent of his team, wanted him fervently since the summer and explained why he preferred the “greens”.

He referred to the differences between the NBA and Europe, the adaptation and his role, but also the freedom given to him by the Ergin Ataman.

In detail, Nan talked about:

-Partizan’s interest before coming to Panathinaikos: “It wasn’t rumours, it was true. Partizan contacted me several times during the summer. Even one of my coaches in Miami was telling me to go there because it would be a great environment for me. He has an acquaintance in the group, I don’t remember who, but he was inviting me to go. Then I decided differently and now I’m happy to be here.”

– the reason he chose Panathinaikos: “I had to consider all the parameters. I decided that Panathinaikos was the best choice for me, mainly because of the way they play. Coach Ataman gives enough freedom to the players. I didn’t want to go to a team with players who have similar characteristics to mine. In Panathinaikos, the situation is such that I decided that I could help more. I wanted to stand out right away.”

– the role of: “I haven’t been here long, just a month, but I’ve kind of understood my role, which is to be aggressive both in attack and defence. To create situations that can create good conditions for me and especially for my teammates. I can say that so far things are going as I expected.”

-why he didn’t find a team in the NBA: “It was difficult to decide to leave the US and come to Europe. But I realized how the situation is and I was realistic. I didn’t have a contract in the NBA, I was hoping to find a team there, there were talks but nothing concrete came of it. I made what I consider to be the best decision for me, to take a break now that I’m healthy and I know how I can help. If I waited for an NBA contract at all costs, I don’t think that would help me in the long run. I need to play.”

-how he experiences life away from the US: “I was very fortunate to play for the Lakers, Heat and Wizards in my career. Perhaps these are the three best cities in the USA. Now I’m in Europe and the change is big, I can say. It is not easy, mainly because I am away from my family for the first time. It is difficult for me, but I think that I am a person who is ready to overcome this situation. I like challenges and that’s how I deal with it. At Thanksgiving it was hard for me not to have the people closest to me with me, but I feel their support. I’m ready for it, I’m focused on my goals, I want to help Panathinaikos and I’m happy to be part of it.”

– the differences in basketball between Europe and the NBA: “It’s very different compared to the NBA. The basketball being played is of a high standard, the competition is tough every week. It’s something you notice right away. There are many quality players and strong teams. I have to admit I’m still trying to get used to it, but I accepted the challenge and I’m enjoying it. I didn’t know what basketball was like in Europe before I came. I was kind of surprised by how competitive the EuroLeague is. The style is a little different than what I’m used to. I realized that some advantages that you can have in the NBA, do not exist in Europe. The three-pointer is closer, so the court is smaller and defenses are easier to organize and there is always a defender near you. One would think that it would be easy to score three points in Europe, but the opposite is the case. There are no distances like in the NBA, the ball has to be constantly moving.”

-the arrival in Europe of big names: “It’s a big deal for European basketball. When such names come, the quality shows. Many in the US don’t know what quality there is in Europe. But more and more people see it and are not afraid to come to Europe to experience something new. You learn new cultures, constantly go to other countries and play high level basketball. For me it’s really very nice.”

– Nikola Jokic: “What a player! I don’t know how to say it… He is unique, I don’t think we will see something like this for another 20-30 years. He showed everyone his worth, especially when he led the Nuggets to the championship.”