The NBA Goes Global: Ushering in a New Era of Basketball

The National Basketball Association, for the majority of its history, was predominantly composed of players born in the United States. Overseas players were once seen as less skilled and not worth the risk, while American players who ventured to play abroad were viewed as having failed to make it in the NBA, relegated to the minor leagues of basketball. However, times have changed. Currently, one-third of NBA players hail from overseas, upending the notion of foreign-born players as mere benchwarmers from obscure countries. Today, they are the faces of franchises, drafted as lottery picks, and driving the sport into a new era.

So, what sparked this shift in the NBA landscape? How did foreign-born players elevate their skills to match those of their American counterparts? In his book, The (Inter) National Basketball Association, author Joel Gunderson delves into the significant role that international players play in the league's growth. Gone are the days when basketball was solely “America's Game,” as once proclaimed by former commissioner David Stern during the 1985 NBA Draft. The dominance of Team USA in international competitions is no longer a given, thanks to the emergence of global talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Kristaps Porzingis, and others.

The game of basketball has evolved into a universal language, with players from nearly forty countries now represented in the NBA. Teams are no longer hesitant to sign players from abroad and instead embrace their diverse talents. Foreign-born players are now welcomed with open arms, as they bring a unique perspective and skill set to the game. Even for those who arrive with language barriers and unfamiliarity with American culture, their fluency in basketball speaks volumes.

The NBA's international influence has not only expanded the talent pool but also enriched the sport's global appeal. As the league continues to thrive with a diverse mix of players, the future of basketball seems brighter and more inclusive than ever before.

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