Bostjan Nachbar talks ELPA's position about current situation in EuroLeague

Nachbar "I don't envision playing in a bubble, maybe a mixed version of smaller bubbles throughout the season would be the best solution"

The season has just started and between EuroLeague and EuroCup we are already seeing a lot of 0-20. Did you expect that?

I think 0-20 rule was a harsh rule, but I do understand why EuroLeague and clubs initially agreed on such regulations. Still, no one wants to see cancelled games, especially not players, who want to have a chance do decide their season on the court.

A lot of players are complaining saying the competition is not fair already. Do you agree with them?

I would not call the competition “not fair”, because same rules always apply to all teams. But, I do agree with those who were not in favor of having games decided without playing them.

What is the position of ECA about the situation?

We take in the account every players opinion and then formulate a collective decision. One such example was the proposition to eliminate 0-20 games, which has been submitted to EuroLeague earlier this week.

Do you think playing in a bubble could be a solution (if yes, what about the national leagues?)

That would be the best solution, but I do not envision it, because unlike NBA, EuroLeague would need agreements and collaboration with many domestic competitions, which also have their own goals and interests. Maybe a mixed version of smaller bubbles throughout the season would be the best solution, but again, we are talking about a very complicated matter.

Are you scared that this season won’t be completed as previous year?

I hope this will not be the case. We all learned a lot from last season. Players health and stricter protocols are our number one concern. How to control the virus situation, especially with the fact that EuroLeague teams regularly travel internationally and also play domestic competitions, with different health protocols, is something we discuss daily. We try our best to create for players a safe platform in which they can play at the highest stage. At this point we go day by day, we try to solve many unexpected iasues, all with the goal to play out the season – and that is something that players want as well.