Story perspectives
Language Barriers Challenge Coaches and Players at Olympics
2/13/2026
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Story summary
- Kenny Atkinson, the Cleveland Cavaliers coach, faced language barriers while assisting France at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
- Nicolas Batum and Kristaps Porzingis note English is the primary language of basketball.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo and Alperen Sengun had to adapt quickly to English terminology.
- Sengun initially relied on an interpreter.
- Sengun improved his English by immersing himself in situations without assistance, underscoring the NBA's emphasis on communication.
