Celtics Called Out For Battle Of 'World Champions' By Euroleague Champs

There is a notion in other countries that Americans are full of themselves and view their country as more important than it actually is—a sentiment that has been a popular talking point in sports thanks to American track star Noah Lyles.

Back in 2023, when discussing how American sports leagues like the MLB, NFL, and more specifically the NBA call themselves "world champions," Lyles expressed that you cannot be the world champion if you don't play against the world.

“You know what hurts me the most is that I have to watch the NBA Finals, and they have ‘world champion’ on their heads. World champion of what? The United States? Don’t get me wrong. I love the U.S.—at times—but that ain’t the world," Lyles told reporters after winning what was his third straight world title in the 200 meters. "That is not the world. We are the world. We have almost every country out here fighting, thriving, putting on their flag to show that they are represented. There ain’t no flags in the NBA. We gotta do more. We gotta be presented to the world.”

This sparked outrage among NBA players and fans, who expressed that the NBA is the top league in the world, therefore it applies.

“Somebody help this brother,” wrote Kevin Durant, who is an NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist.

Clearly, the debate is far from over, and now even teams from other countries are getting in on it, as the Boston Celtics found themselves being called out following their title.

The Celtics are fresh off of a dominant playoff run that saw them go 16-3, boast the best offense in NBA history with a 123.4 offensive rating, and also hang what will be their franchise's 18th banner, which is the most in the NBA. While their run commanded a ton of respect in the States, it clearly didn't resonate as much in Greece.

Ergin Ataman, who is the head coach of Euroleague champion Panathinaikos, had a message for the Celtics that is now turning heads on social media.

"After the Boston Celtics became the NBA champions, they tweeted, ‘World Champion Boston.’ The EuroLeague also tweeted, ‘Beat this team first,’ with our photo. They see themselves very highly. They want incredible numbers to come and play a game in Europe. You are not the world champion. If you want to get the world champion title, come and beat us, the EuroLeague champion. If you are so confident, I say come and beat us in OAKA,” Ataman said to Rafine TV .

While this is some major confidence coming from Ataman, it is worth noting that Panathinaikos' best player is a former promising prospect for the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, Kendrick Nunn.

Outside of preseason action, the NBA doesn't have any European teams on the schedule. However, it would certainly be quite interesting if this matchup were to take place somewhere down the line or somehow become an annual tradition.