Kevin Punter describes how he came to earn 7-figure sum, cites his dreams and priorities / News

Kevin Punter says he's been able to fulfill one of the two dreams he had while growing up. Partizan's captain refers to the impression he had of the EuroLeague at first and on which conditions he'd consider accepting an NBA offer.

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade captain Kevin Punter talked openly about the differences between European basketball and the NBA and explained why it's sometimes financially better for players to stay on the Old Continent.

Punter appeared in the Swiss Cultures podcast, hosted by Jordan Richard and Ray McCallum, to talk about his NBA dream that didn't materialize.

"To be honest, it's hard," he said. "First, you have to ask yourself what really matters to you. That's number one. You have to look at how much you want to play. There are many factors.

I could go to the NBA very easily, but financially I couldn't do some of the things I dreamed of doing. When I was growing up, I had two dreams. One to play in the NBA. And the second dream is to take care of the family, " the American shooting guard said. 

In time, Punter realized that the two dreams he had didn't go hand in hand with each other.

"As I grew older, those two dreams grew farther apart. I had to think and see what was more important. At the end of the day, you can't play basketball forever. When it's all over, you'll want to have something to show. Don't let basketball take advantage of you," he continued.

Punter recalled his tough beginnings in Europe. His first team, Lavrio in the Greek league, didn't pay him more than $40,000. 

"When I first arrived in Europe, I was earning $40,000 a year. I signed my first contract worth more than one million in my sixth season. It took me exactly five years to get from $40,000 to a seven-figure contract," he said.

"I had a goal. When I played for Lavrio, I watched the Euroleague. The quality of the game is quite different. And then I said, 'I have to get to that level.' I always knew what I wanted. If I go to Europe, I have to be the best player there. I realized how much money is being made there. I've worked every summer and I've never taken a vacation in my life. That's what I've been doing for eight years. Every summer," he pointed out. 

"It's different now, but when I was growing up, I played almost without money. When you look at it from that perspective, do what's best for you. At the end of the day, a roof over your head is important, make sure your family is at peace. Those are the most important things," Partizan's captain argued. 

Despite having turned 30, Punter hasn't quite given up on the NBA. However, his being a star in Europe doesn't facilitate the transition. 

"If I got the right offer, the right role, even if I lost a dollar, I would think about it," he pondered.

"Every summer I struggle with that question. I'd give up a lot for something that's not certain. That doesn't make sense. That's one reason I'm staying. Stick to what you have, stick to your price. It's like you're here with handcuffs on," he described.

"They can fire you anytime. There must be some guarantees. It's all a big game. And you have to know how to play it."

Punter made a comparison between European and American basketball players, stressing that the former are generally more interested in the essence of the game.

"They do a lot of basic stuff. In Europe, they have been practicing tactics from a young age. Because they can't do what we can. But they work on the simple things, they're always in the gym.

You have five-on-five without dribbling. But it's crazy that it teaches you how to pass, how to cut the pass, how the ball goes. These are the simple things we didn't do in America. In Europe, everything is different. But those exercises teach the players discipline from a young age."

Punter's stint with Partizan has coincided with Zeljko Obradovic's term at the helm. Having turned into a franchise player for the Serbian powerhouse, the US guard always refers to how much the winningest European coach has influenced his career and mindset.

"Playing for Obradovic has helped me to take my game to a higher level. It made me think more. It has nothing to do with points, but with decisions, different passes. He may not even realize how much, but he helped me a lot to go to the next level," Punter concluded.