By Cesare Miranti / [email protected]
LJUBLJANA, Slovenia – Goran Dragic said goodbye to his basketball career in a unique and glamorous match that featured some of the biggest stars in the sport.
Many of his friends and colleagues included Robin Lopez, who played alongside Dragic early in his NBA career.
“It was a very special night. It's my favorite night in basketball. Seeing Gogi and his family on the pitch. Seeing Gogi on the bench again with Steve. It's hard to put into words,” Lopez said of Dragic's retirement game in Ljubljana.
He plans to return to Slovenia one day to continue exploring.
“We felt very welcome. We have been to the city centre a few times and would have liked to explore more but everyone was very helpful. We would love to come back and stay longer with Goran's family showing us around.”
While talking about Goran, he explained what Dragic has meant to him throughout his career.
“We were both rookies and he had been a professional in Europe before so he was someone I could rely on. Gogi was someone I always looked up to and could emulate.”
Would Brook Lopez's twin brother consider playing in Europe?
“Of course we'll consider it. I know how passionate the fans are and how high the level of basketball is.”
Last season, he briefly followed the EuroLeague while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks alongside his brothers Brook, Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo.
“A little bit. Thanasis and Yannis let me look after my little brother.”
Robin has spent the last 16 years in the NBA. Seeing what happened made Goran Dragic ready to call it a day in his career. He knew his time had come.
“If it happens, it happens. I've had a great career so far and although I'm not as good as Goran, I'm grateful for everything I've been given”, concluded Robin Lopez.
