The NBA’s growth and reach have touched an international audience on so many levels over the past couple of decades.
We are seeing more international players than ever, and some of those players are the faces of the NBA.
One former college coach and current NBA assistant coach believes that this trend is going to continue and that it is a wake-up call for American players.
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Why is the international movement a wake-up for American basketball players?
Hawks assistant Mike Brey said, “125 international players on NBA rosters today…word is by 2029 over 50% of league will be internationally born…got to be a wake up for grassroots, high school, college and USA Bball” (Hoop Herald).
This isn’t a negative by any means, but Brey is bringing attention to young players in the NBA and America, conveying that it’s only going to get more competitive over the years.
It’s hard enough to get into the NBA, but now there will be more players in the draft pool, some getting more experience overseas that makes them stand out.
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Since 2019, there have only been international players winning MVP.
This is a new trend and is no coincidence as countries throughout the world are getting better.
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Team USA in Paris last summer put together one of their best Olympic teams ever, and faced some teams like France and Serbia that gave them a run for their money.
Even South Sudan almost beat Team USA in an exhibition in preparation for the Olympics.
The shift that Brey is referring to is clearly happening, and the USA will have to make changes if they want to keep up with that trend.
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