Nick Galis' Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

Check out Nick Galis' full speech following his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
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[@PhilipTheBigOne]

He could have been an All-Star in the NBA with Larry Bird & the Celtics... Instead, he made a whole country learn the sport of basketball!! Thank you, Nick the Greek!! You are the GOAT!!

[@delta606]

Straight up facts

[@fliksn]

Yes

[@kontoulis]

"If I'm the Devil's son, then Galis is the Devil himself". Drazen Petrovic

[@milosobrenovic1241]

No, that's what Michael Jordan said or was it Magic Johnson? If not, then Julius Cesar himself.

[@stayrospaparunas3062]

@@milosobrenovic1241 maybe was Antonius

[@MeltingRecords]

Maybe it was Odysseus

[@nickwolf1234]

No no, I'm sure Plato and Aristotle were the first to write these epics...

[@AntonesPap]

Some people in the comments seem to be upset by the recognition Galis got from other basketball greats.

[@michaelcavallacci2945]

What a gentleman. Nice short speech. No bragging or loud self promotion like so many of our American athletes. A humble man. My wife is Greek American and I am a former college player and huge b-ball guy - we visited Greece several times in the 90’s and this man is Babe Ruth , Michael Jordan and Tom Brady tolled into one in Greece. A legendary national hero and well deserved. He grew up in the NY area (still has the accent) but went to Greece and stayed. Great player with a unique, athletic attacking game. Congratulations Nick.

[@user-jg8cc9co5b]

You really nailed there sir. Indeed Galis has a God status in Greece but he always was humble and someone you will rarely see in TV or social media. A quiet King that lets his achievements do all the talking. I will also agree with you that Galis had such a unique playstyle that nobody in decades has ever copied. Imagine a guy being only 1.83m becoming a HUGE SCORING MACHINE but doing that not by shooting 3s like someone would expect and like how the rest of the machine guns did at that era (like Drazen, Oscar, Dalipagic etc) but by attacking the rim and thriving from mid range. If you think about that in depth and to try to realize how the hell a guy who had such a height disadvantage could dominate the paint then you can realize the level of technique, intelligence and athleticism he possessed. No other guy dominated the game in Europe like that being so short. Never. As far as the God status he has here in Greece I will say just this. His impact was simply so massive it can not be measured. Before him Greece was not even mediocre in continental level and thanks to him Greece became a contender and a champion. The same with his club Aris who also was nothing in continentel level and also became a contender for the championship for at least half a decade (Galis then left for another Greek team that he also uplifted by leading them to third place in Europe for the first time in their history despite him being 37 years old). Galis was so impactful that could join weak teams and turn those teams into contenders and in the case of Greece also a champion. He never ever played in a superteam. If he was Soviet or Yugoslavian he would have a ridiculous amount of medals and a absurd number of individual accolades. From that perspective and legacy wise he was unlucky to be Greek but I am sure he doesn't feel that way.

[@riemannx1]

Amazing Nick Galis thank you for everything. And for those who say it's unfair to be there, I only say go and learn who he is and what he did. You may have the belief that he can be classified even below average NBA players judging probably by his height but you are totally wrong. A guy that brought a whole new meaning in the basketball concept in a small country. That actually taught basketball to a whole nation. That led his country from nowhere to the top of Europe. A guy that domimated 3 and 4 players simultaneously with his 183cm. He is just as Jordan in the USA if you want to know. A GOD. One of a kind who will never exist again. Go and learn before you talk. And he would definitely have an amazing career even in NBA if he stayed there but he chose to come to Greece.

[@panos_sigma]

Apart from his many personal achievements and his leading role for winning our first EuroBasket championship in 1987, Nick was the main reason, every child in Greece (including myself) started to play basketball at any level and love this sport like no other. Thanks for everything "gangster"!

[@frutotrelampampinos]

FAR FAR AWAY FROM ANOTHER GALAXY.......thank you Nick!!

[@anargyroi]

Ναι ρε Μπαμπίνο

[@mbeliba]

Nick Galis is the main reason basketball is popular in Greece. He was the man who gave joy and optimism to an entire nation. His talent, his ethos, his professionalism and his love for his country place him among the legends of Greek history.

[@apollon2012]

There is something even more important in Basketball than to play in NBA, and that is the ability to change a country's basketball history, inspire a whole nation and create a Basketball World power. Nick Galis did that! Nick Galis' success is not what he made when he was playing but even in our days with so many young athletes that born and play Basketball inspired from his steps and incredible abilities!

[@BootleggazWreckordz]

Jesus Christ that 4:34 moment was really touching. It's like you find your lost friend from childhood years. Nick Galis and Bob Mcadoo are legends no doubt. 'The Gangster' finally get the award always deserve. Thx for the moments Nick

[@ElPatron46]

There was a woman who aproached me in Thessaloniki with tear in her eyes thanking me without knowning what I did, she said you saved my son, he was an addict but when he watched you and your passion for basketball quit drugs and became a basketball player. That's how big Nick was and still is.

[@apsoutonas03]

It is not about Championships or personal rewards.... It's about something more important.... This is the greatest gift that an arhlete can give to his society... You are UNIQUE NICK. Thank you for EVERYTHING. Keep on inspiring us....!

[@iceboxner]

"I had given specific instructions on how to defend against the other 4 players. As for Nikos, we just had to sit down and pray!", Vojcek Kricovski, CSKA Moscow coach. "There is only one way I can think of to stop Nikos from scoring! Lock him up in the hotel!", Roud Harevain, Maccabi Tel-Aviv head coach. "I never thought that there was such a good offensive player in Europe, and especially in Greece.", Michael Jordan "Although Drazen (i.e. Petrović) is my brother, for the best athlete of 1987, I voted for Galis."' Aco Petrović "If Galis wants to score, he will score no matter who's defending him.", Arvydas Sabonis "If I'm the devil's son, then Galis is the devil himself.", Dražen Petrović

[@AntonesPap]

Two minor corrections: Ruud Harrewijn was the head coach for Den Helder and the Netherlands national team. Wojciech Krajewski was the head coach for Lech Poznan. Both coaches faced Galis in the 1989-90 Euroleague quarter-finals.

[@user-sw3hn7qd8u]

Netharol Seth Top man

[@Alkomp75]

As a Greek I cried !! Great speech by the greatest offensive European player of all times !!!

[@danielcolaco5981]

As a portuguese, I cried too. Nikos is the player who made me like basketball... more so even than Bird, Magic or Jordan. We, who were fortunate enough to witness his feats, must honour him always.

[@alpxa561]

Congratulations

[@aleksthegreat4130]

Absolutely the best Greek athlete in all sports,who else would carry a team to a gold against great Soviet Union and Yugoslavian teams,scoring 40 and 45 points in every game??Hats off for one and only Nick Galis

[@OMMOBILIEN-MOGUL]

He could have been with the Celtics Galis, Ainge, Bird, McHale, Parish 💪💪💪

[@AntonesPap]

Galis was intelligent and hard working. He would have easily adapted to the role of the playmaker.

[@innosanto]

Yes how would that look like! :D This team would be immense.

[@innosanto]

@@AntonesPap he was phenomenal. In many cases could not be guarded. Because he was shooting while falling from the jump and defenders also on the down. And because he would use first part of jump to reposition hands and body. Was something different. Like a falling shot ( instead of passing shot), an adaptable freestyle falling shot. This what would make players even the size of Samponis say he was ubguardable and Galis would make drives within huge guys and still successfully. Also was using his very strong body, and very strong legs as part of the moves

[@auranaught]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWmliaKvq6tprLs

[@georgecostopoulos2862]

…."my wife Eleni my daughter Stella and I are very proud and respectful of this special moment"... Dear sir...it is all of Greece which is proud of this moment but also very proud and respectful to have you sir, as one of our own, fellow Greek. We all humbly bow to you and your family. Respectfully

[@aristsalouchos8807]

The greatest European who played the game.

[@antonioeftimov4553]

what about dirk

[@vasilis7076]

Also one of the greatest, but what galis did noone has ever done 32,1 average points in eurobasket and about 1000 in toal while pau gasol and tony parker needed twice his games to reach 1000

[@petergriffin1689]

Drazen

[@DragasPalaeologus]

Gallis by far... Dirk good but not like Gangster :-)

[@tassospappas8915]

@@petergriffin1689 Galis beat Drazen, and always outscored him

[@montrealmathandphysicstuto2807]

By far the best Greek basketball player ever and one of the best of the game. We Greeks have to lookup at people like him if we want to get out of the crisis. Hard work, self discipline, humility are some of the virtues that Nikos Gallis embodies and are completely missing from contemporary Greece.

[@nikosz66]

Well said !

[@user-tz5ss9ip2m]

Just another disciple of Ramfos lol.I ilke how you use the 'we",given that you don't live in Greece.

[@AntonesPap]

@Montreal Mathematics and Physics Tutoring - You do not want to honor Galis. You just want to defame Greece. Shame on you.

[@katerinapatiniotis5598]

Exactly.

[@mfdimart]

Hall of famer or not. To me this guy was an example for life. Most entertaining player of all times. Seeing a small guy like him humiliating the big guys in the USSR team seemed unthinkable. To my eyes back then equal to king Leonidas, a true modern Greek hero. Just watch the eurobasket final 87 and you will see what I mean.

[@evakorpa]

He is a living legend and us Greeks are extremely proud to have had him with us. Thank you Nick for teaching our nation how to love and appreciate basketball. You put a basket ball in every Greek's hands, and you should be proud of it.

[@user-kr3je1jg5p]

THE GOD OF BASKETBALL IN GREECE THANK YOU NICK YOU MAKE US PROUDE !!!ΠΑΙΧΤΑΡΑ!!

[@vasilisvasiliadis3256]

How lucky are we the Greeks to have him. An ankle injury, a misjudgement from the Celtics and some generous offer from Greek teams, brought him back in his homeland.

[@dionysise5008]

offensively he was one level above any European during the late 80s. Nick Galis inspired a nation

[@innosanto]

His moves are not replicated. It is like a "falling shot" (instead of passing shot), and would break the body and the hands to also find space when in the jump, before shooting at falling. It is quite unique move. Galis was not only good but phenomenal. His first and second etc years in university were ok but he was steadily improving, and by senior was at 3rd PPG average in NCAA 0.9p below bird who was second, but his improvement was constant and rapid. Auerbach though the ankle injury would affect the whole career and Galis wanted the money given by Greek teams which were more than rookie contracts, his family was poor, he played in Harlem. Also Greek teams sent religious icons of virgin Mary to his grandmother and she really liked it. Anyway.. would be amazing to see the team of Celtics with Galis but the revolution in Greek basketball would not have happened. Which led to Spanoulis Papaloukas Diamantidis, and now Giannis. So was great to happen, but he could have gone to NBA for 2, years 1988-1991

[@dmrscrystal8218]

Class act, amazing basketball player and athlete. Thank you Nick for everything you have done in Greece.

[@Gas488Pista]

Nick is a contemporary Greek hero. He has promoted basketball in Europe like no other player.

[@MrVampikum]

After the miracles he did in 1987 and afterwards with his team Aris Salonica, basketball was never the same in Greece and consequently in Europe. He made basketball our national sport, he made us love it! He made us proud and he wrote history. Ότι και να πούμε για σένα Νίκο μας θα είναι λίγο, σε ευχαριστούμε για όλα όσα μας χάρισες.

[@thegreyfox8000]

Just like Michael Jordan, Nick Galis is also above the game of basketball in Greece. He defined an era and he's truly the reason there is a basketball hoop in every neighborhood in Greece. Just for a second try to realise how much of an inspiration a person can be. Proud to had that man represent my country, thank you for all Nick!

[@gaspersignorelli3724]

Wow I remember Nick Galis and Dan Calandrillo ay Seton Hall and that he went to play in Greece. Didn't know he became a legend. Since he sparked the love of B Ball there you can say he paved the way for Giannis.

[@elvishiekios8826]

Gianni knew and recognized the inspiration he got from Nick Gallis

[@Spyrosdaf12]

ONE OF THE GREATEST EUROPEANS PLAYERS TO EVER LIVED ! ΣΕ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΟΥΜΕ ΝΙΚΟ ! 👏💭❤

[@whoever_81]

...to *have* ever lived ή ...to ever live.

[@7777tzekos]

Nick Galis the Great. i kalathomixani me tis tourmpines sta podia.

[@maiden2314]

Thank you for posting. Until listening to this I had never heard Nikos Galis speak English. Gia sou megale Niko. You sound like a New Yorker. I wish I had known about your days at Seton Hall. You could have inspired me to be a better ball player in the late 1980s early 1990s. I was only good enough to play one year at Baruch College (CUNY) Division III. Niko was, arguably, the best basketball player pound for pound in the world in the 1980s.

[@CaptainHarlock-kv4zt]

Θυμαμαι τον πατερα μου,δεκαετια του 90 στο σπιτι να μας λεει καντε ησυχια να δουμε Γκαλη,οχι να δουμε μπάσκετ η το ματς αλλα ΝΑ ΔΟΥΜΕ ΓΚΑΛΗ....Ένα ονομα-μια ολοκληρη εποχη !!!

[@l-dracwarthorn2789]

He took us by hand, and lead to the top of Europe(and World Occasionaly-NT U20 1995)! Thanks Gangster!

[@whiteran]

Nick Galis is the BEST....!!! Always in our hearts... in the good times and in the bad as well.... He is a real example! Thank you Nick for our childhood memories!!!

[@sutzuki]

i realize that he is not known to americans , but he changed the athletic history of a nation .Because of him every neighborhood had some kind of racket and kids with a basketball on their hands. Some of those kids would later become the players that defeated the USA team in 2006 , in the semifinal of the world championship ( i think it was the last time they were defeated ) . Businessmen invested in the sport which became popular thanks to him , with the greek teams dominating the euroleague as a result . If we could measure the influence of just one person in a society , he would probably have an outstanding score ..As for his skills just check the videos..

[@DETAILSaris]

thank you for all Nikos, the Michael Jordan of Greece.

[@gate7ultras410]

GREEK G.O.A.T ! you are the greek basketball!

[@Neueregel]

Drazen Petrovic once said : *If I'm the Devil's son, then Galis is the Devil himself* !! Galis, Drazen and Dirk are the Top-3 Euro ever

[@giwrgos_kakep5020]

Ο ελληνας jordan💯

[@wilt1007]

skata sto jordan ethose to jordan 50

[@user-ze5bl2rn3g]

Soooo proud!!! Thank you Nick! ΣΕ ευχαριστούμε Νίκο Γκάλη για την θεμελίωση του ελληνικού μπάσκετ και τη προσφορά σου. Greetings from Greece. 👏👏👏

[@georgefabiomukas5750]

Nick ...Greece is very proud Of you 🏅🏀🇬🇷

[@ElPatron46]

Career averaging 33.5 points, that says it all. A basketball God about also an amazing human!

[@apmikalogran]

the legend

[@gdounito]

"There is only one way I can think of to stop Nikos from scoring! Lock him up in the hotel!", Roud Harevain, Maccabi Tel-Aviv head coach. "I did not expect to find such a good offensive player in Europe, especially in your country", Michael Jordan, October 1983, National team of Greece Vs North Carolina State University. "I had given specific instructions on how to defend against the other 4 players. As for Nikos, we just had to sit down and pray!", Vojcek Kricovski, CSKA Moscow coach. "I'd love to play in the same team with him so I can pass the ball to him to score!", Drazen Petrovic.

[@AntonesPap]

Two minor corrections: Ruud Harrewijn was the head coach for Den Helder and the Netherlands national team. Wojciech Krajewski was the head coach for Lech Poznan. Both coaches faced Galis in the 1989-90 Euroleague quarter-finals.

[@Prast799]

Ίσως ο καλύτερος παίχτης στον πλανήτη την δεκαετία του 80 και ας ακούγεται υπερβολικό

[@akiskouvelas218]

Ετσι οπως το λες ειναι συγουρα υπερβολικο ομως εν μερει εχεισ καποιο δικιο ομως τον τιτλο αυτο τον εχει ο υπερυχητικος και απαικτος ο μοναδικος μαικλ τζορνταν οχι για την δεκαετια του ογδοντα μονο αλλα ολων των εποχων ο γκαλης υπηρξε μεγαλος παικτης ο μεγαλυτερος που περασε στην ελλαδα και ο εβδομος καλυτερος ευρωπαιος ολων των εποχων μετα απο τον μεγαλο σεργκει μπελωφ που βγηκε πρωτος ευρωπαιος ολων των εποχων με δευτερο τον σαμπονισ μετα τον τονι κουκοτσ μετα τον ντραζεν πετροβιτσ τον βλαντε ντιβατσ κλπ αυτη ειναι η σειρα και οχι αυτη που λεσ εσυ οσο αναφορα την ευρωπη και κατι αλλοο γκαλης εχει πολυ καλα σπασιματα μεσης και ηταν πολυ ευστοχος κυριως ομως στα διποντα στα τριποντα δεν ηταν καλος επισης δεν επαιζε αμυνα κατι το οποιο ειναι βασικο για παιχτη του ΝΒΑ εαν επαιζε εκει επισης δεν εχει κοψιμστα ουτε εριχνε ταπες λογω υψους φυσικα αντιθετα στο NBA. Εαν επεζαι θα ετρωγε του κοσμου τις ταπες γιατι εκει θα επρεπε νσ τα. Βαλει με αντιπαλους οπως ο σακιλ ονιλ ο τζαπαρ. Ο μπαρκλει ο μαλοουν δεν θα ειχε καμμια τυχη για αυτο διαλεξε την ελλαδα και την ευρωπη που λατρευτηκε σαν θεος ενω στο ΝΒΑ θα επαιζε σε μετρια ομαδα με μετρια αποδοση αυτα!!

[@fliksn]

Wdym hes overrated?

[@Mike-21-]

....Nikos Nikos you saved my son....

[@user-wh9cq7kn3o]

Immortal - Αθάνατος!!! Σε ευχαριστούμε για ολα, οταν μιλούσαμε για μπάσκετ μικροί είμασταν όλοι οι Έλληνες ένα, γιατι υπήρχε εσυ!! Κανεις άλλος ποτε στην ιστορία του ελληνικού αθλητισμού δεν κατάφερε θαύματα.. Να κανεις fans και να γεμίσεις τρόπαια ειναι κατόρθωμα, να γίνεις ο Έλληνας θρύλος του αθλητισμού και να παραμιλάει για σένα όλη η Ελλάδα χωρις καμία αμφιβολία ειναι θαύμα! Και θαύματα κάνει μόνο ο Θεός! Σε ευχαριστούμε Νίκο Γκάλη, μας δίδαξες ήθος, αθλητικό πνεύμα, πατριωτισμό, πίστη και θα υπάρχεις πάντοτε στην καρδιά των αγνών φιλάθλων μιας ρομαντικής εποχής! Είμαι τυχερός που έζησα και μεγάλωσα οπως πολλοί τα χρονια σου και γεμίζαμε τις αλάνες και τα γήπεδα με μια πορτοκαλί μπάλα!

[@Neueregel]

Haha. *BOSTON CELTICS 80's management were SUCH idiots! If they kept Galis, along with Larry Bird, Parish and McHale, they would have WON at least 6+ rings in the 80's , instead of just 3 ONLY( '81, '83, & '86). Galis was only 6ft but his scoring ability was sth like A.I + Iceman Gervin together* One season in Greek league he had like 44ppg. OK, Wilt had also 50ppg in a season, but Galis was only 6+ft and not 7ft1 ! If Galis was 7ft he would have average at least 60 ppg in Greece. He was 3 levels about anyone else in Europe, he could penetrate all 7ft+ Soviet forwards and centers. IMPORTANT THING to notice is that Galis was trained as a BOXER before balling, that's why he was NOT scared of any big guy.

[@Misanthrope_1980]

Also Galis has scored about 1000 points per season and he is still the first scorer in Greek league until now. In 14 years career in Greece Nick was 11 times first scorer and 5 times MVP.

[@alkyoniGR]

Very happy and proud of you Nick Galis, you sure deserve the best of honors!!!! ♥ Congratulations and THANK YOU for everything you offered and still do with your presence in our lives!!! We are greatfull and happy to watch you in your days of glory!!! Stay well and happy !!! :) ♥ Yianna P.

[@Alexander29854]

NICKOS GALIS FOR EVER !!!

[@fakeisforf2841]

Legend!!!!!

[@Neueregel]

IMPORTANT THING to notice is that a just 6ft Galis was originally trained as a BOXER before balling, that's why he was NOT scared of any big guy in Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. He could penetrate all defences and protect the ball like it was his baby

[@coachcoach8423]

Incredible person, incredible Sportsman!

[@livethelifeyoulove6290]

Extraordinary moments, thank you for everything Nick :)

[@ikaros7945]

God bless you Nick! Σ'ευχαριστούμε για όλα!

[@777skiiii7]

A true class act God Bless you Nikos

[@sennagalisfan]

Γκάλη Θεέ μοναδικέ. Galis was a unique player who transcended the game of Greek and European basketball. His amazing skills and understanding of the game combined with exemplary professionalism made him the icon he is. I was lucky enough to see him many times playing and there hasn’t been a single that he didn’t produce a spectacular performance that left you wondering how can he defy the law of physics. He was spectacular every single time and the greatest scorer ever. Defence systems have to be devised to stop him but they all failed. His scoring ability was second to none. I can write an essay about him but I’ll stop here by just highlighting the fact that he is the only player I have seen in any league during a fast break to wait for an opponent to mark him so he can score the two points and get a free throw as well.

[@facepalmjesus1608]

monster scoring machine

[@kostaskoukouliampas2942]

Ο Κορυφαίος Έλληνας ΑΘΛΗΤΗΣ όλων των εποχών! Νίκο θα είσαι πάντα μέσα στις καρδιές όλων των Ελλήνων!

[@kostasspanos9148]

BEST greek player ever.He is myth legend and god of greek basketballΤhanks Nic .Ευχαριστουμε για τις μοναδικες στιγμες που μας χαρισες με την εθνικη τον Αρη και τον Παναθηναικο

[@evosmos11]

3:13 η σημαια της Ελλαδας και του Αυτοκρατορα Αρη.....Σε ευχαριστω Νικο Γκαλη

[@user-cn1er4yb7s]

You can train hard, work your ass off and manage to become a super athlete. But this type of genious that this man brought in the sport is something you cannot learn how to do. You either have it or not. And Galis had it. Pure genious. How can you explain these accomplishments in a sport that requires you to be a buffed fast huge man? Galis was an ordirary fella that became a God. A prophet that elevated Greek basketball to a world power status. He did the unthinkable. There will never be another Galis.

[@akichisel2538]

Thank you for everything You are person that i feel confident in calling you my childhood years idol. Very proud and emotional. I hope and pray Giannis is the beacon for this generation as you were for our

[@nickkapatais]

Absolute legend. Thank you.

[@jesusgtz9780]

Maravilloso jugador( aunque siempre nos quedaremos con la duda sobre que pudo hacer en la NBA )!

[@symensymen3175]

Best in the world.together with l bird made basketball great.by far my favorite player. True legend!!!!!!

[@Gk-vs2fh]

He is the best non NBA player who is entacted in to the hall of fame ...he is the goat in international basketball besides NBA

[@TheophilosGuinness]

Τα θερμά μου συγχαρητήρια για την επιτυχία σου, η οποία σημάδεψε όλους τους Έλληνες και σε έχουν στην καρδιά τους. Αυτό ίσως είναι το μεγαλύτερο βραβείο και φυσικά ο Θεός να σε βραβεύσει για το ήθος σου! Καλή συνέχεια Νίκο!

[@LeonidasBr]

Salute Nick, the "MJ" for us Greeks, always and forever.

[@nikogoud1014]

Είσαι ΘΕΟΣ, είσαι ΘΕΟΣ, είσαι ΘΕΟΣ...Μοναδικός.

[@user-jg8cc9co5b]

Nick you are an ispiration for so many athletes. Many wonder if he could have an impact in the NBA and I believe he would. At that time the main disadvantage of European basketball players was the lack of athleticism in comparison to the NBA players. Galis however was a different breed. Raised in USA and with a boxing backround going to NCAA had already the athleticism needed to compete in the NBA. He was so maniac with his body that did unreal practice in bench, squat, running etc. As a result of that he developed mid air body balance, leaping ability, explosiveness, stamina, strength that was unseen in Europe before. He was only 1.83!! and was attacking again and again the rim against guys who were 2.15 or 2.20 and with that unbelievable connection he had with the backboard he could score at will. Another reason I believe he would succeed was that if he played in the NBA it would have been for the Boston Celtics meaning he would be in a team that wouldn't expect everything from him. He would have elite players by his side causing multilple threat for the basket leaving Galis with more room to play his favourite 1-on-1. In Europe Galis was playing all the time against double and triple teams and in some occasion the whole defense collapsed in the rim to stop Galis from scoring. 1-on-1 it was simply impossible to stop him. Those who faced him on court knew that very well. Finally the last reason I believe he would make it in the NBA was the fact that he could adapt very easily. At the end of carreer when he wasn't that athletic anymore he became an excellent playmaker passing very effectively. If he had to be less of a scorer and more af a passer in Celtics (in comparison with what we saw in Europe where he was a scoring machine) I believe he would have done it easily. He was a combo player that was unstoppable 1-on-1 but at the same time he had the court awareness to make advantage of his teammates.

[@aisimeon]

respect. a big man! thank you!

[@Alekosssvr]

NG on top of a phenom BBall player is also super classy. He stayed out of the new media, out of politics, and focused on his family and business. Many other Greeks should take his example.

[@THEODORIEUS]

The greatest athlete ,Greece gave to the world !

[@Neueregel]

Quotes about Galis: "I never thought that there was such a good offensive player in Europe, and especially in Greece.", Michael Jordan "Nikos Galis is the god of Greek basketball.", Giannis Antetokounmpo "If Galis wants to score, he will score no matter who's defending him.", Arvydas Sabonis "Although Drazen (i.e. Petrović) is my brother, for the best athlete of 1987, I voted for Galis."', Aco Petrović "I had given specific instructions on how to defend against the other 4 players. As for Nikos, we just had to sit down and pray!", Vojcek Kricovski, CSKA Moscow coach. "There is only one way I can think of to stop Nikos from scoring! Lock him up in the hotel!", Roud Harevain, Maccabi Tel-Aviv head coach

[@AntonesPap]

Two minor corrections: Ruud Harrewijn was the head coach for Den Helder and the Netherlands national team. Wojciech Krajewski was the head coach for Lech Poznan. Both coaches faced Galis in the 1989-90 Euroleague quarter-finals.

[@fliksn]

@@AntonesPap what about mj qoute

[@aleksthegreat4130]

The Best Greek athlete ever in any sport and one of the best basketball player ever,pity he didn’t try in NBA.

[@thomasmisirgis8210]

just ... Respect ...nothing else!

[@nikosz66]

Respest to this unique GreekAmerican basketball player ,who above all is a humble human .

[@ultraspyrofans9995]

ΝΙΚΟΣ ΓΚΑΛΗΣ ΟΕ ΟΕ ΟΕ

[@81giorikas]

Nikos thank you, you saved my son. I mean, all of the hall of fame speeches are interesting, but this was very warm and special. I can't say I'd expect a similar speech by jordan lol, oh my god what a trainwreck but...suitable that was, this is humility and respect towards the game itself. Thanks nikos galis for everything. By the way 32.1 ppg?!!!

[@AcidRainAgain]

The Greatest!

[@spyreytos]

Undisputed GOAT of European Basketball

[@elianalia1082]

My Idol

[@andrzejzborowski4920]

The biggest Red Auerbach mistake that he didn't keep him in Boston...

[@washcloud]

...depending on viewpoint, this was arguably the best decision Red ever made.

[@kolak0303]

Legend

[@Progressive90]

ΤΙ ΤΗΝ ΕΚΑΝΕ ΤΗΝ ΜΠΑΛΑ Ο ΘΕΟΣ, ΤΙ ΤΗΝ ΕΚΑΝΕ ΤΗΝ ΜΠΑΛΑ ΘΕΟΣ! #6 Ευχαριστούμε για όλα Νίκο Γκάλη!

[@comandante791]

EZJaeger τι γυρναη τι γυρναη και τον μπαουκ τον γαμαη τι τιν εκανε τη μπαλα ο θεος🙏🙏

[@comandante791]

εισε θεος εισε θεος εισε θεος μοναδικος

[@user-zb9ep2do3u]

Γεια Σου Κ.Νικο.!! Μας Έκανες Περήφανους.!! Και σε Ευχαριστούμε Πάρα Πολύ Για Τις Μαγικές Στιγμες Που Μας Χάρισες.!!! Πανάξια Μπήκες Στο Χωλ-Οφ Φαιημ.!!!

[@giorgossoudianos9866]

Ως Παναθηναϊκός πιστεύω ότι πρόκειται για τον καλύτερο παίκτη που πέρασε ποτέ από την ομάδα μαζί με Dominic Wilkins και Διαμαντίδη. Και τρέφω βαθύ σεβασμό για την αγάπη που έχει για τον Άρη. Galis=Hellas=Basketball

[@giorgalletos]

NICK THE LEGEND !!

[@B0uff0s]

its hard to put in words what this man means to Greeks and EU basketball I was glad to be there and see him play.

[@john1mat]

the greatest

[@konstantin.ko.073]

That guy scored 50 points against MJ

[@grinder2401]

Nick Galis together with the Dragon (aka Panagiotis Giannakis, another Greek basketball legend) and the rest of the guys in the Greek National basketball team not only changed the basketball history in Greece, but the history of sports in the country in general with the great success in the 1987 Eurobasket tournament. Moreover, this went even further by having a strong social impact in Greece at the time, so it wasn't only sports and basketball in particular. For all these accomplishments he's rightfully THE greatest of all time! Nick Galis we thank you! Νίκο Γκάλη σ' ευχαριστούμε :)

[@tsangarisjohn]

Legend!!!

[@avid5660]

Νικο Γκάλη Συγχαρητήρια και σ' ευχαριστώ για τις αναμνήσεις. Ένας Τιτάνας του ευρωπαικου μπάσκετ.

[@johncarbohol9814]

4:38. Check out the legend Larry Bird.

[@docsbuying]

🇬🇷👍❤️ class act! What a gentleman.

[@KokkimelonChannel]

Εισαι θεος, είσαι θεός μοναδικός....

[@user-nv4qt6xp2d]

you are a beast!!!