One of the observations fans might have as they devour a full slate of NBA action (and hopefully are able to take advantage of free league pass) is the fact that there are a great deal of international players littered across NBA rosters.
There are 113 internationally born players on NBA rosters at the moment, basically a fourth of the NBA’s total players. There were 24 international players in 1996, that is an almost 500% increase in 20 years.
There are players from 41 different countries or territories and for the 3rd consecutive year there is at least one international player on every roster in the NBA on opening night. The Jazz are the most internationally heavy team in the NBA with seven international players, almost half of their roster.
It is an interesting time for international talent, as many of the stars who helped the NBA truly become the worldwide league that it is are in the twilight of their career such as Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobili and even Tony Parker. The mantle will be on young stars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Rudy Gobert and Kristaps Porzingis among others, to be the new stars of the league from an international perspective.
The international effect on the NBA game hasn’t just been seen in the composition of the league, but has completely changed the style of the league as well. Twenty years ago the NBA was big men driven and centered around one on one and post-up play, fast forward to 2016 and the traditional center is almost a dinosaur at this point. Big men who can shoot, handle the ball, are quick and have positional flexibility are the name of the game for success in the NBA.
Be thankful for the effect that an international invasion has had on the NBA. It has helped create a much more entertaining and team-oriented game. That is a big reason that the league is in as good of a place financially, talent wise and perception wise that it potentially has ever been.
