The NBA, the premier basketball league in the world, is enjoying a new era amid an influx of international talent - and nobody is more excited to see the league’s development than Ivan Rakitic.
The NBA is currently highlighting its European heritage with a documentary series titled Hoop Cities, which focuses on how the sport of basketball connects people from all over the world. It showcases Belgrade, Bologna, Cologne, Istanbul, Kaunas, Paris and Thessaloniki - but it is Seville, the Pearl of Andalusia, that is close to Rakitic’s heart.
The central midfield maestro is captain of La Liga’s Sevilla, where he is currently enjoying his sixth season across two spells at the club. When he is not roaming the pitch at the biggest stadiums in Europe, Rakitic is a self-confessed ‘crazy fan’ of basketball and the NBA in particular - and he credits Croatian superstars for their pioneering efforts in developing his love of basketball.
“Basketball is really special to me,” Rakitic exclusively told Mirror Sport. “Back in Croatia, everything starts with Drazen Petrovic and now it is normal to see players like Ivan Zubac playing every night.
“It is amazing to have such big players represent Croatia in the NBA. It’s a small country, so it’s normal to celebrate having so many players in the league. It’s important for all of us - I play football but I love basketball.
“I maybe need a few more centimetres to be professional, but I really love it so I’m happy it’s back again.”
On opening night for the 2022/23 NBA season, at least 120 international players are on rosters with 58 hailing from Europe. The league is welcoming more and more players from around the world as the sport continues to grow - and they’re not just making up the numbers.
For the first time ever, the NBA MVP award has been won by European players for the last four years with Giannis Antetokounmpo (2018 and 2019) and Nikola Jokic (2020 and 2021) both securing the honour in successive campaigns. Rakitic believes the might of European stars in recent years may have shocked American fans.
“I think it’s a surprise for people in the United States,” Rakitic points out with a smile. “At the moment, they are maybe surprised by the quality of European players. Look at the Joker (Nikola Jokic), Giannis - they’re not just playing at the highest level, they win MVP. They’re taking their opportunity in an unbelievable league, so - in a special way - they’re representing all of Europe.
“It’s also good for the NBA, as the standard has increased as European players put in so much effort. The more relaxed players know if they don’t perform at the right level, the European guys will take them out!”
Coming from Croatia and finding a home in Spain, Rakitic certainly knows what quality basketball looks like. Spain are reigning world and European champions, and the former Barcelona midfielder is hoping the success of the national team can bring NBA’s international games to the Iberian nation in the near future.
“Even though we are maybe a step below the heart of basketball here in Spain, Seville have made some important steps,” the 34-year-old said in his pitch to bring the Association to south Spain. “The city is passionate for sports, especially football and basketball - and this combination is amazing. Hopefully the NBA will come and play in Spain soon.”
Rakitic has been a keen supporter of the NBA for years, watching Jordan, Kukoc and the Bulls dominate in the 1990s. After playing in derbies such as El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Sevilla captain certainly knows a thing or two about sporting rivalries - and such sentiment fuelled his favourite NBA memory.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Warriors contested the NBA Finals for four successive seasons, with Golden State coming out on top on three occasions. The 2016 NBA Finals was the sole exception, with LeBron James inspiring the Cavs to a monumental title after being down 3-1 in the series - and the clash is fondly recalled by Rakitic.
“It was a big fight for a number of years, with a bigger fight between Steph [Curry] and LeBron [James],” Rakitic added. “Of course, the Bulls were amazing with Toni, but I think the fight between the Warriors and the Cavaliers was maybe a different level.”
Rakitic - who said he wants to play like Jokic, despite the 37cm height gap between the two - also follows Luka Doncic while he has a special relationship with the Slovenian’s Dallas Mavericks. While he is a Philadelphia 76ers fan, Rakitic once shared a physical therapist with Mavs and European NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki, so he has a soft spot for the franchise.
However, he found it difficult to pick a favourite for the championship this season, insisting: “This season will be very hard to predict. I think the [Golden State] Warriors are maybe number one at the start, but I’m a big fan of Luka Doncic and hopefully he can make the next step with the Mavericks.
“I think it will be a big fight to even make the playoffs. It will be an amazing season so let’s enjoy it - and maybe the Mavericks can pull off a surprise!”
When asked about his favourite player, Rakitic laughed before declaring: “It’s too easy to say Michael Jordan or LeBron James! For Croatians, Drazen Petrovic or Toni Kukoc are the stars, so I have to go with them.
“I had the pleasure recently to have a chat with with Toni and I’ve seen him on the beach in Croatia, showing off his rings. I think for all Croatian people, Toni is really special.”
NBA Hoop Cities is an eight-part, in-language docuseries produced by the NBA’s Europe and Middle East team that explores local culture, history and basketball communities around Europe. All episodes, including Seville, are available to watch on NBA League Pass, via the following link: eu.leaguepass.nba.com/hoopcities
