The question of whether Tarik Biberović will be used in the right way – or at all – in Dallas is on a lot of people’s minds.
Will he get the minutes and touches to show what he can do? Will he get the time and trust from the coach to transfer his skills to a league that’s basically ‘designed’ for players like him?
Or will this be yet another European EuroLeague star, coming in with incredible experience performing under pressure, an elite shooter, off-ball mover, high IQ, who can defend, as well –
but won’t get the minutes and support needed to flourish in the NBA?
Let’s not forget: Tarik Biberović is a proven, elite shooter, who played professionally for eight seasons in Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe. Talk about performing under pressure, these guys have played through it all.
And in a similar vein, Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets said something interesting this week during their media day. He said that he wishes every NBA player “would go play six months in Europe just to see how much pressure there is,” and pointed out that it’s all about production there.
In this clip, we get a little taste of the fandom, support but also the extreme pressure of the top teams in Europe. Here, Fenerbahçe fans are getting ready for a big game against Olympiacos.
This is just a glimpse of the support Fenerbahçe receives. But with great expectations comes great pressure, and these players have to learn to handle it all. Especially how to play in equally hostile environments, like against Serbian Partizan.
Historically, NBA teams have not been very good at taking advantage of and utilizing the talent produced in Europe, and formed through equal parts pressure and support. This tradition has the potential to create some of the greatest players the game has seen, capable of seizing the moment every game. But still, most NBA teams have hesitated when the player doesn’t come from the draft and fit into what they already know.
It’s as if when a player arrives in the NBA, already formed and considered a star in Europe – some with MVP awards, who affect winning on their team every day – things get lost in translation.
Support, communication and guidance have not been provided to these players, who are so far out of their comfort zones in America, but itching to prove themselves. Respect for what these players have already accomplished seems to be lacking at best, leadership, staff and teammates looking at them as outsiders and end-of-bench guys seems to be the norm, all because they forgot to do their homework. What a waste.
Two times EuroLeague MVP and also two times EuroLeague topscorer, Sasha Vezenkov, is just one recent example here, but there are many more.
So when Tarik Biberović walked onto the podium to do his first media day press conference in Dallas last week, it was not a normal day at the office. Not for the Turkish national team player with Bosnian roots – or for many of us watching from the old continent.
Despite the whole media day setup of multiple interviews, media people everywhere, (silly) games and questions and photo shoots – which could be very overwhelming when you’re not used to it, Biberović entered the stage with a smile and left a great impression, looking like the pro he obviously is.
Confidently, and with the biggest smile, he announced that he’s a “lights out shooter”, and that Dallas fans will get to see that for themselves this season.
Confidence is contagious, and watching this, it’s hard not to smile along and feel pretty confident this guy is the real deal.
“I’m a sharp shooter. I hope everyone will see that clearly this season. I believe it will translate just as well as it did there, (the EuroLeague) maybe even better. I’ve been here for a month now, and from what I’ve seen so far, the style of play and the pace of the game here have the structure I prefer and enjoy,” the 6’7 shooting guard said.
Again with a bright smile, Biberović told the story of how people who had played in the NBA kept telling him he was made for the best league in the world:
“Before I came here, throughout last season, every player who had previously played in the NBA and is currently playing in the EuroLeague told me I needed to go to the NBA.”
“Because this league is essentially designed for players like me – players who can shoot, create space, and play defense. Energy, enthusiasm… all of these are qualities that can be fully expressed in this league. I really appreciated them talking to me that way because it made me feel more confident and better guided in taking this step.”
Adapting to life in the US and Dallas can be tough, and even overwhelming to the best of us. But Biberović seemed prepared and very reflective through this process.
“It’s a completely different experience for me. I believe there are major differences between cultures. America is very practical in every way. I’m still trying to get used to it – after all, this was my first month here.”
Just as all the new guys said during media day, everybody loves the food, vibe and people of Dallas. And that’s no small thing for a newcomer:
“I’ve explored some places; I love the restaurants and the food. People are very hospitable and warm. The city itself is also very energetic. Actually, one of the things I love most is how much they love and value sports in all its forms.”
Earlier this summer, coach Dusty May called Tarik Biberovic “a cultured guy”, who doesn’t need Google Translate. Like most Europeans on the continent, he speaks multiple languages and moves between cultures effortlessly.
The cultured part became very evident during this interview, too. Biberović was comfortable, confident and answered questions with great reflection. Like here, when he talked about how he believes him and other Europeans have a lot to contribute to the NBA.
“Getting things from different perspectives is always going to be better. I believe as European guys, those are the things that we can bring to the team.”
Years ago, I wrote about how Luka Doncic learning how to lose in Europe, when he played with grown men as a teenager, helped make him the standout superstar he is today.
Biberović reflected on his similar experience and how that has affected him and his game.
That experience and tradition is also what makes the European player special.
“It’s a different kind of basketball. We’re taught in a different way. Since I was very young, since I went pro when I was 14, 14-15, I played with old men basically, since 15. That brings us an understanding of basketball.”
“At that young age, trying to understand your position and trying to earn your own status is very hard. You have to fight for yourself, so from a very young age you either are or you’re not. Eat or be eaten. It is like that over there because nobody cares if you’re young or you’re old. If you can play at that moment you play, if not, you’re at the end of the bench and you wait for your chance,” he said.
But it’s not all bad, there’s a lot of aspects of European basketball and player development that set players up for success, both in Europe and compared to American peers:
“There’s good things about it, too. Learning how to live as a professional. Learn from their experience. Better to learn from somebody else’s mistakes than make your own. So these kinds of things are actually helping you to mature a little bit earlier than your age group. And personally, I’m very grateful for the path I’ve lived,” Biberović reflected.
He also revealed that the idea of going to Dallas was not as surprising and new to him as we may have thought. As it turns out, when Dallas acquired his rights and he arrived at the Mavs facility, there were a couple familiar faces.
“I’ve known Mike Schmitz since I was very young because he’s one of the best when it comes to scouting players. He knows everything about European players. So this was kind of a comfort zone for us. When the Mavericks acquired my rights, I spoke with Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz; we were completely on the same page. My dream has always been to make it to the NBA and be part of the Dallas Mavericks organization. They stepped up, gave me this chance, and I’m very happy to be here.”
Just another nod to both president Masai Ujiri and GM Mike Schmitz’ hard work and huge network over a long time – especially in Europe. All that work is now benefiting the Mavericks organization.
It wouldn’t be a surprise at this point if hidden treasures and gems from all over the world will be going to Dallas the next while. Many will be cheap and unrefined still, but with all the potential of a Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic or Giannis Antetokounmpo. Or Tarik Biberović and Sergio De Larrea.
So as Biberović is getting ready to play for the Mavs soon, people all over Europe are following his journey closely to see if he and Dallas manage to set a new precedent.
The potential is huge. The current NBA style of play combined with the high IQ, shooting and defensive acumen, all point to one thing: the more high-level European talent you can utilize, the bigger the chance of success for your team as this league looks right now.
Something feels different in Dallas. Both compared with the recent past, but also with a
other teams in the NBA. The new leadership is outward-focused. Instead of seeing differences as a problem, they see it as an advantage. As a way to gain an advantage over other teams.
Two international scouts at the helm. A close relationship with the GM, which Tarik Biberović calls “the best scout”. Five Europeans of varying NBA experience to add some familiarity and support when adjusting to life in the US and customs in the NBA.
Things are different in Dallas in all the right ways.
Find more Beyond Basketball pieces here.
