Sergio Rodriguez built a reputation as one of the Euroleague’s all-time greats, with a career spanning powerhouse clubs like Real Madrid, CSKA Moscow, and Olimpia Milano, as well as stints in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Rodriguez, who signed his first adidas contract in 2003, spoke to HoopsHype exclusively about his lifelong relationship with the brand, his passion for the game, and the unique culture differences between leagues around the world. He also opened up about his plans post-retirement, what it means to be considered a Euroleague legend, and his pride in seeing international players thrive in today’s NBA.
Sergio Rodríguez poses in front of the Mandela Wall at the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Galería de Cristal on April 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for Laureus)
SR: Right now I’m in a situation where I want to take some time off to reflect on what I want to do. Basketball is my passion and I’ll be involved with basketball. But at the moment I want to focus on the day-by-day, spending more time with my family. Over the last 20 years, I didn’t have really time to do what I wanted. I was playing basketball, and I was enjoying it, but at the same time, when you retire, you need some time to stay a little away to see everything from a different side.
CSKA Moscow’s Spanish guard Sergio Rodriguez holds the trophy after winning the EuroLeague final basketball against Anadolu Efes at the Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria on May 19, 2019. (Photo: LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
SR: Yeah, I played all over the world. I played in Spain, obviously in the United States, Russia, Italy… So I have a pretty good perspective of what basketball around the world means and having the opportunity to play in the NBA was one of my dreams. Then being able to win the Euroleague with Real Madrid, with CSKA Moscow and having the opportunity also to play here in Italy with Milano… Such an amazing, amazing experience. So I feel very lucky about the career that I had. I put a lot of work and I really enjoyed my time playing. It’s been something that growing up I could imagine, but the reality was much better.
Sergio Rodriguez of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on February 20, 2010 in New York. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
SR: You know, I always wanted to play in the NBA, and I always wanted to be with Real Madrid. So having the opportunity to have those situations, being able to go at an early age to the States to keep developing, then coming back to Spain to play with Real Madrid and being able to win a Euroleague, it was an incredible achievement. And then having the opportunity to get back to the NBA, play one season in Philadelphia and afterwards my career through CSKA and Olimpia Milano and finishing in Real Madrid was a great opportunity to say goodbye, to enjoy the last couple of seasons, winning the EuroLeague and winning titles in Spain… So I feel very grateful about the opportunities that I had in my career.
Mar 19, 2017; Philadelphia 76ers guard Sergio Rodriguez dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart defends during the fourth quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers won 105-99. Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
SR: There are big differences. My first time in the NBA was one type of league. Afterward, when I came back to play with Philadelphia, it was a totally different league. There was a difference in the game, in the structure, in the players, coaches, and how they treated the game. More international players also on the second time. I’m super grateful for how I was able to be in different situations and how I was making adjustments to be productive in those situations.
Real Madrid guard Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Llull and Sergio Rodriguez pose after winning the Euroleague Final Four basketball final against Olympiacos Pireus at the Palacio de los Deportes in Madrid on May 17, 2015. (Credit: JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)
SR: That was an amazing honor. I really enjoy playing Euroleague and being in Abu Dhabi next to the guys that I followed follow when I was a kid and some of the teammates that I share teams, some of the opponents that we have many, many games against. So, you know, being considered one of the best players of the competition is a big achievement and I don’t give that for granted.
Sergio Rodriguez dives after a loose ball in front of Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on February 20, 2010, in New York. (Photo: Nick Laham/Getty Images)
SR: I’ve been very lucky in my career to have great teammates around me. It would be very hard to say one or another. And the same with opponents. I have played against some of the best of the history in the NBA: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James… Many, many of the guys that dominated the game for many years. Also here in Europe, we have Kyle Hines, who I play against and with… Vassilis Spanoulis, Juan Carlos Navarro, teammates like Felipe Reyes, Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Lull. So I’ve been very lucky.
Sergio Rodriguez of Spain celebrates making a three-pointer during the Men’s Basketball gold medal game between the United States and Spain on Day 16 of the London 2012 Olympics Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 12, 2012. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SR: Again, it’s tough to choose one, But probably, you know, being in the NBA, winning the three Euroleagues that I had won, playing for Real Madrid, playing for the National Team, Olympic Games of 2012, that we got the silver medal. So there are moments, winning the European Championship and the gold medal at the World Cup in 2006. So there are many moments. And when I see them and reflect on those moments, I feel very grateful.
SR: The level of the rest of the world is getting closer to the one in the U.S. I’m following it as a fan, how amazing it is to have those types of players coming from Europe and being great players in the NBA. I’m looking forward to more players playing there from Europe and I’m enjoying it.
Sergio Rodriguez, Antonio Adan, Karim Benzema and Ricardo Carvalho attend the opening of the new Adidas store at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on February 21, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)
Sergio Rodriguez: I’ve been part of it my whole life. I started wearing adidas when I was a kid. I signed my first contract with the brand in 2003. So, all my life, all my pro career, I played with the Adidas shoes, so I feel part of the family.
Guerschon Yabusele and Sergio Rodriguez speak to campers this morning and run a Q&A at adidas Eurocamp: pic.twitter.com/jEfn7qnd97
— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) June 1, 2025
SR: It’s very special. I came to Treviso in 2003 being a prospect. After that year, I signed with Estudiantes. I started playing with the first team, and then I played for 20 years. I just retired last year. Having the opportunity to come here and see all the kids being in the same situation that I was in 22 years ago is pretty special. So, happy to see them enjoying their time here, and I’m feeling the situation from a different perspective.
