Twelve years after his first stint with the club, Joffrey Lauvergne has returned to Partizan. The French center, who turns 35 on September 30, spoke to Skweek about several topics, including his failed move to Panathinaikos in 2022.
Looking back, Lauvergne admitted he would have made a different decision:
“Yes. Unfortunately, in 2022 I chose to go to Villeurbanne instead of Panathinaikos. And unfortunately, when Lessort broke his leg in December 2024, Villeurbanne did not let me go to Panathinaikos.”
Asked whether the French club had requested a buyout, the center added:
“I don’t know. They told me they wouldn’t release me. If I remember correctly, it was just before the EuroLeague transfer window closed. I don’t know the whole story exactly, but in the end I stayed because they believed we still had a chance to win the French championship.”
Lauvergne also discussed his relationship with Evan Fournier, who joined Olympiacos in recent years:
“Yes, we spoke once when we played against each other, when I was at Villeurbanne. We also spoke a few months ago.
He really likes it there. His family feels comfortable, he feels good there and he will definitely finish his career there. When you have something, you always want more. But he also won the EuroLeague, which is definitely huge for his career and for the career of any player. So that is really great.”
The French big man also discussed how European basketball has evolved compared to the NBA:
“I think the game has changed. Two seasons ago, when Evan had just joined Olympiacos, he told me: ‘You know what? I think I expected a much bigger difference in the way the game is played between the NBA and Europe.’
He told me that the EuroLeague was similar to the NBA and then corrected himself, saying: ‘The NBA from 6-7-8 years ago.’ And I think exactly the same thing.
There are still some differences between the NBA and Europe, but the way we play in Europe today is similar to the way they played in the NBA 8-10 years ago. The game is faster, players are smaller, big men barely play with the ball anymore and guards are becoming more and more skilled.
I also think we have more games every year, so you need deeper rosters, with more players who can contribute, because you can no longer get through an entire season with 8-10 players.
The hardest thing is being able to play 10-15 minutes sometimes and then, at other times, come back from an injury with essentially no practice and immediately step into a game.”
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