Zeljko Obradovic’s surprise announcement of his resignation shook more than just the EuroLeague this week. The long-time Partizan coach explained that he wanted to step down due to the sporting situation and growing internal tensions.
While the club continues to try to convince the most successful coach in European basketball history to stay, the news spread rapidly. Even to the NBA.
After the Denver Nuggets’ defeat against the San Antonio Spurs, Nikola Jokic was asked about his compatriot’s situation. The two-time MVP was surprised, but also cautious. He said he wasn’t following the developments in detail, but added: “I hope everything is okay.” Jokic also emphasized the special significance of the two major Serbian clubs for European basketball: Partizan Belgrade and Red Star Belgrade “deserve to play in the EuroLeague,” Jokic said. Both clubs bring “enormous passion for the city and the competition.”
