Daniel Theis Eyes EuroLeague Title, Tattoo With Maccabi Tel Aviv

German center Daniel Theis is setting high expectations for his first season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, stating that reaching the EuroLeague playoffs is the minimum goal. The 34-year-old, who joined Maccabi after his planned move to ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne fell through due to the French club's financial issues, expressed his ambition to win the EuroLeague, even joking about getting a tattoo of the trophy.

Theis arrived in Israel less than two weeks before the season opener, having come directly from national team duty. He is still adapting to the team's system, getting to know his teammates and coaching staff, and has yet to explore Tel Aviv extensively due to a demanding training schedule. He noted the passionate fan base, comparing it favorably to his experiences in Germany.

Reflecting on his career, Theis discussed the challenges of frequent moves for his family, particularly his two children who remain in Boston with his wife to maintain stability. He also drew parallels between the NBA and European basketball, highlighting the individual talent in the NBA versus the more team-oriented style in the EuroLeague. His NBA experience, playing alongside stars like Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum, taught him the importance of dedication to training and self-care.

Theis is motivated by his national team's recent successes, including a bronze medal at EuroBasket and a World Cup title, but is driven to achieve an Olympic medal, which he narrowly missed in Paris. He sees the upcoming Super Cup game against Hapoel Tel Aviv as a crucial first step and an opportunity to set the tone for the season, emphasizing that every title is important, especially against rivals.

He described his initial conversations with Maccabi's management and coach Oded Katash, feeling reassured by the professional approach and the team's interest in him as a person, not just a player. Theis believes the team's passion, the organization's dedication, and mutual respect among players are key to success, especially during difficult periods.