Nikola Mirotic’s star in the NBA was only rising when he decided to play his basketball for basketball giant Barcelona. Some were definitely surprised by his decision as he was building a reputation for himself as an outstanding stretch option.

It doesn’t make sense for many NBA fans why he would relinquish his spot in the NBA to play in Europe. Some immediately thought that money was what convinced him to play in Europe.

According to Eurohoops, the former New Orleans Pelicans forward scoffed at the idea.

“It makes me laugh a lot. To answer the question, I came to Barcelona because, for me, basketball is the top priority, along with my family. If I don’t enjoy it, I don’t have that emotion, that desire to be better day by day. In the end, it doesn’t matter what money they give me if I’m not happy. If I don’t get up every day wanting to go to practice, it’s not worth it.”

He also said that there were plenty of factors that contributed to his decision to walk away from the league.

“The most important ones are family reasons and that I missed Europe. The European style of basketball. I was in an area of, let’s say comfort. And I like to be a better player every day. There [the NBA] I was an important player but everything was about two or three stars. Although you were a starter, it was very difficult to make a jump, be something else. I always wanted to be a leader and fight for more titles.”

During his five seasons in the NBA, Nikola Mirotic averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 assists a game. He suited up for the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and Milwaukee Bucks.