Sergio Rodriguez He has built a reputation as one of the greatest Euroleague ever, spanning powerhouse clubs such as Real Madrid, CSKA Moscow and Olimia Milano, as well as NBA stints with the Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
Rodriguez, who signed his first adidas deal in 2003, spoke to Hoopsheipe only about his lifelong relationship with the brand, his passion for the game, and unique cultural differences between leagues around the world. He also revealed his retirement plans, what it means to be considered a legend in the Euroleague, and how he takes pride in seeing international players thrive in today’s NBA.
Sergio Rodriguez posed in front of Mandela Wall in Madrid, Spain on April 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for Laureus)
SR: Right now I want to take a little break to reflect on what I want to do. Basketball is my passion and I’m involved in basketball. But at this point, I want to focus on spending more time with my family every day. For the past 20 years I really didn’t have the time to do what I wanted. I played basketball and enjoyed it, but at the same time, when I retire, I need some time a little distance to see everything from another side.
CSKA Moscow Spanish security guard Sergio Rodriguez holds the trophy after winning the final Euroleague basketball against Anadoru Efes at the Fernando Busa Arena in Vitoria on May 19, 2019 (Photo: lluis gene/afp
SR: Yes, I played all over the world. I played in Spain, clearly in the US, Russia and Italy. So, what basketball all over the world means, having the opportunity to play in the NBA was one of my dreams. He then was able to win the Euroleague alongside Real Madrid alongside CSKA Moscow, and also had the opportunity to play for Milan and Italy. So I feel very fortunate about the career I had. I did a lot of work and really enjoyed my time. It was something I could imagine growing up, but reality was far better.
Sergio Rodriguez of the New York Knicks will dribble the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden in New York on February 20, 2010. (Photo: Nick Laham/Getty Images)
SR: You know, I always wanted to play in the NBA, so I always wanted to be with Real Madrid. So I had the opportunity to build these situations, and at a young age I was able to continue developing towards America, and then return to Spain to play with Real Madrid and win the Euroleague. It was an incredible achievement. And getting back to the NBA, playing one season for Philadelphia, then having my career and the opportunity to finish in Real Madrid through CSKA and Olimpia Milano was a great opportunity to say goodbye.
March 19, 2017. Philadelphia 76ers guard Celgio Rodriguez dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart Defense defends in the fourth quarter of the game at Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 105-99. Credit: John Geliebter-USA Today Sports
SR: There is a big difference. My first time in the NBA was one type of league. Then when I came back to play against Philadelphia, it was a completely different league. There was a difference in the game, the structure, the players, the coaches and how they treated the game. There will also be more international players for the second time. I am grateful for the way I was able to fall into a variety of situations and how I had made adjustments to make myself productive in those situations.
Real Madrid guards Rudi Fernandez, Sergiorul and Sergior Rodriguez pose after winning the Euroleague Finals 4 Basketball Finals Finals at Palacio de Los De Portes in Madrid on May 17, 2015.
SR: It was a great honor. I play the Euroleague and really enjoy being in Abu Dhabi next to the people I followed as a kid, and some of my teammates I share with, some of my opponents who have many games that we are against. So being considered one of the best players in the competition is a huge achievement, and I don’t call it a given.
Sergio Rodriguez jumps in after a loose ball in New York on February 20, 2010 in front of Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden. (Photo: Nick Laham/Getty Images)
SR: I have been extremely fortunate to have great teammates around me in my career. It would be very difficult to say anything. And it’s the same as your opponent. I played against some of the best history in the NBA: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James…Many people who have dominated the game for many years. Also, here in Europe, we have Kyle HinesWho I play against and play together… Vassilis Spanoulis, Juan Carlos NavarroLike a teammate Felipe Reyes, Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Lal. So I was very fortunate.
Spain’s Sergio Rodriguez celebrates making a 3-pointer in the men’s basketball gold medal game between the US and Spain, on the 16th day of the London 2012 Olympic Games held at North Greenwich Arena on August 12, 2012.
SR: Again, it’s hard to choose one, but I probably got to join the NBA, win the three Euroleagues I won, play for Real Madrid and win the Silver Medal in the 2012 Olympic Games. So there is a moment when he won the European Championship and gold medal at the 2006 World Cup. So there are many moments. And when I see them and look back at those moments, I am so grateful.
SR: Other world levels are closer to the level in the US that I follow as a fan. How wonderful it is that these types of players come from Europe and are great players in the NBA. I’m looking forward to and enjoying the players playing from Europe that.
Sergio Rodriguez, Antonio Adan, Karim Benzema and Ricardo Carvalho will be attending the opening of their new Adidas store at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on February 21, 2013. (Photo: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)
Sergio Rodriguez: I was a part of my life. I started wearing adidas as a kid. I signed my first contract with the brand in 2003. So, my life, all my professional career, I played with adidas shoes, so I feel part of the family.
Guerschon Yabusele and Sergio Rodriguez are talking to the camper this morning and running a Q&A at Adidas Eurocamp. pic.twitter.com/jefn7qnd97
– Nick Crane (@crainnba) June 1, 2025
SR: It’s very special. I came to Treviso in 2003. After that year I signed with estudiantes. I started playing for my first team and then played for the next 20 years. I just retired last year. I have the opportunity to come here and see all the kids in the same situation as I was 22 years ago. So I’m glad to see them enjoying their time here, and I feel the situation from a different perspective.
