Theis has no regrets leaving the NBA and returning to Europe

Daniel Theis has quickly made waves in Europe since joining AS Monaco in February. The German center, who returned to the European Basketball Champions League (EL) after eight years in the NBA, has made a strong impact in just six games, averaging 13.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in 23 minutes and 55 seconds of playing time, with amazing efficiency. AS Monaco is currently moving towards the top four of the EL regular season, and home-court advantage in the playoffs is just around the corner.

Theis has no regrets about his decision to leave the NBA and return to Europe. In an interview, he said: "I feel very good and have no regrets at all. We have an excellent team and a grand goal in front of us. I am now fully focused on it."

Theis previously played for Brose Bamberg from 2015 to 2017, during which time he played for the EL. He then signed with the Boston Celtics in the summer of 2017 and officially landed in the NBA. He has played for the Celtics, Rockets, Bulls, Pacers, Clippers and Pelicans.

Before signing with Monaco, Theis had been linked with several EL powerhouses, including defending champions Panathinaikos. However, he denied ever being close to joining the Greek giants: "There was no such closeness between Panathinaikos and me. There was indeed contact, but when I talked to coach Spanoulis, I made a decision quickly."

As for the key factor that prompted him to make up his mind quickly, Theis explained: "His vision of basketball style impressed me. We want to be a great defensive team, defense wins championships, and this is the direction we are pursuing."

Just before Monaco's match against Olympiacos, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis held a joint press conference to announce that they were exploring a potential "European League" plan.

In this regard, Theis said: "I focus on what I can control, focus on basketball. If they can really find a way to combine all the Champions League teams with the NBA, it would be a great thing."