The Euro MVP Award is one of the most prestigious honors in European basketball. Every year, the best players in the continent are recognized with the award, and the 2020 Euro MVP Award was given to Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic. Here’s a look at Vucevic’s impressive career and the award itself.
Background of Nikola Vucevic
Nikola Vucevic was born in Montenegro in 1990. He began his basketball career in the Adriatic League, playing for Budućnost in 2008. He then moved to the Spanish league and played for Unicaja Malaga and Caja Laboral. In 2011, he was selected 16th overall in the NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. After two seasons in Philadelphia, he was traded to the Orlando Magic in the blockbuster Dwight Howard trade.
Vucevic has been a consistent performer for the Magic since he joined the team in 2012. He is a four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, and 2019 Most Improved Player. This season, he averaged 19.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He was also a key contributor to the Magic’s playoff run, leading the team to the second round of the playoffs.
Euro MVP Award
The Euro MVP Award is presented annually by the Euroleague Basketball to the best player in the EuroLeague. It is the most prestigious award in European basketball and is given to the player who has made the biggest contribution to his team and the sport. The 2020 Euro MVP Award was presented to Nikola Vucevic in recognition of his outstanding performance.
Vucevic was selected as the winner of the award after a vote by EuroLeague coaches, media, and fans. He was chosen ahead of five other finalists: Nick Calathes (Panathinaikos), Facundo Campazzo (Real Madrid), Mike James (AX Armani Exchange Milan), Nikola Mirotic (FC Barcelona), and Nando de Colo (Fenerbahce).
Reaction to the Award
Vucevic was elated to receive the Euro MVP Award, stating that it was a “great honor” to be recognized as the best player in Europe. He thanked his coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his career. He also thanked his family for their love and support.
The Orlando Magic organization was also thrilled to see Vucevic receive the award. Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman said in a statement, “Nikola has been a model of consistency and professionalism since he arrived in Orlando and we are thrilled to see him recognized as the Euro MVP.”
Conclusion
The Euro MVP Award is one of the most prestigious honors in European basketball, and Nikola Vucevic deserves it. He has been a consistent performer for the Orlando Magic and a key contributor to their success. He is a four-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, and 2019 Most Improved Player. With the award, he joins an elite group of players who have been recognized as the best in Europe.