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Jae Crowder Lashes Out at Gilbert Arenas for Criticizing the EuroLeague
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- Jae Crowder Lashes Out at Gilbert Arenas for Criticizing the EuroLeague
Since transitioning into the media space, Gilbert Arenas has never hesitated to express his opinions, no matter how blunt they might sound.
However, his recent comments about the EuroLeague and basketball culture in Europe did not sit well with Jae Crowder, who made sure to put the former NBA Most Improved Player in his place with a reality check.
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When recently discussing Nikola Jokic's comments about wanting NBA players to spend time in the EuroLeague and experience its level of competition, Arenas did not mince his words.
He went as far as claiming that "U.S.'s trash becomes the best players in the EuroLeague."
Responding to those remarks, Crowder, who is playing for Tony Parker's ASVEL Villeurbanne this season, made it clear that Arenas' comments were disrespectful toward him and European basketball.
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In fact, Crowder also suggested that Arenas' lack of knowledge about the game on the continent was behind his dismissive take.
Jae Crowder away from Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams, guard Josh Huestis and forward Carmelo Anthony© Russ Isabella-Imagn Images
"I think it's more a lack of respect for European basketball culture than for NBA players," Crowder told EuroBasket. "I don't take it personally. I know what I've done in my career. I have achieved goals that Gilbert Arenas has never achieved. I started in the NBA Finals, and I did it on two different occasions. Everyone is free to have their own opinion, but I don't share his."
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Crowder also praised the technical and tactical aspects of European basketball, pointing to the atmosphere inside arenas and the passion of the fans as major parts of what makes the experience unique.
For him, the level of involvement from European supporters is another reason the EuroLeague landscape deserves more respect.
That being said, Crowder is averaging 10.9 points on 41.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc, along with 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, clearly wanting the likes of Arenas to know that he has years of high-level basketball left in him and he has willingly chosen to make an impact in EuroLeague.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
