{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/68d0f3c5f5e00f6ca44a9b51/695b62856c77c8cb7a542e49?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"NBA Europe, EuroLeague & the Global Game: Tommy Sheppard on Basketball’s Next Frontier | Fullcourt Passport","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/68d0f3c5f5e00f6ca44a9b51/1767595527709-6f047d94-5c51-4d90-b38d-9e56109b8a52.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>What does the future of basketball look like <strong>outside the United States</strong> — and how close is the NBA to planting permanent roots in Europe?</p><p>On this episode of <strong>Fullcourt Passport</strong>, longtime NBA executive <strong>Tommy Sheppard</strong> joins hosts <strong>Ric Bucher</strong> and <strong>Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar</strong> for a wide-ranging, insider conversation on the <strong>global evolution of basketball</strong>, the rise of international stars, and the controversial idea of <strong>NBA Europe</strong>.</p><p>Sheppard reflects on three decades in the NBA, the transformation of international scouting and player development, the influence of EuroLeague coaching and tactics, and why <strong>passion, culture, and relegation</strong> make European basketball fundamentally different from the NBA model. The trio also debate injuries, pace of play, commercialization, and whether basketball risks losing its soul as it grows globally.</p><p>This is a must-listen for fans of <strong>NBA, EuroLeague, FIBA basketball, international player development, and the future of the sport worldwide</strong>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>00:00</strong> – Welcome to <em>Fullcourt Passport</em></p><p><strong>01:20</strong> – Introducing Tommy Sheppard &amp; his NBA background</p><p><strong>05:10</strong> – From the 1990s to today: how international basketball exploded</p><p><strong>09:40</strong> – Slovenia’s impact &amp; paving the way for Luka Dončić</p><p><strong>13:55</strong> – International MVPs &amp; changing perceptions of greatness</p><p><strong>18:20</strong> – EuroLeague academies vs U.S. development model</p><p><strong>22:45</strong> – Why EuroLeague basketball teaches higher IQ</p><p><strong>26:10</strong> – Is the modern NBA “too easy”? Toughness debate</p><p><strong>30:05</strong> – NBA Europe: league, partnership, or experiment?</p><p><strong>34:40</strong> – Culture clash: passion, history &amp; European fans</p><p><strong>38:50</strong> – Relegation vs franchise stability</p><p><strong>42:30</strong> – Timeline, money &amp; long-term viability of NBA Europe</p><p><strong>46:05</strong> – Injuries, pace of play &amp; player workload concerns</p><p><strong>49:10</strong> – Greek Derby spotlight: Olympiakos vs Panathinaikos</p><p><strong>52:00</strong> – Final thoughts &amp; wrap-up</p><p><br></p><p>#NBAEurope #EuroLeague #GlobalBasketball #NBATwitter #BasketballWorld</p>","author_name":"Ric Bucher"}