The modern NBA has seen a growing wave of international talent. From Hank Biasatti to Luka Doncic, foreign players have steadily gained prominence. This 2024-25 season clearly highlights that trend because all three MVP finalists: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander come from abroad. Back in the day, LeBron James claimed that two foreign players stood above the rest.
In a 2013 All-Star interview, LeBron James chose Dirk Nowitzki and Drazen Petrovic as the leagueâs best foreign players of all time. Despite Dirksâ pick did not generated any debate, Petrovic did it. As people tend not to recognize his impressive capacities. Even LeBron praised his shooting ability and athleticism. He also noted he was not afraid of anything neither the moment nor the pressure, something that he described as awesome.
In addition, his early death caused many players to tend to forget his imposing ability as in his last season he averaged 22.3 points per game for the New Jersey Nets who were enjoying perhaps Petrovicâs finest hour as he entered his prime. Despite being in the NBA for only 4 years, he managed to impose a legacy that continues to resonate in the minds of the leagueâs most assiduous fans.
Even legendary Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller found a striking way to describe Drazen Petrovic. In an appearance on HuffPost Live, he did not hold back admitting, âTo this day, I tell people he was my hardest cover, and I hated himâŠDrove me absolutely mad with his antics, because he was so good at scoring the basketball right in my face and talking junk right in my ear.â
Former NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki and Drazen Petrovic playing a game.
Are international players overshadowing American players? NBA star opens up about rising debate
The NBA has seen a dramatic shift over the past decade. International players now play a more prominent role than ever. For many, this reflects the leagueâs growing global influence. However, not everyone views the trend favorably. Some critics argue that the rise of international talent may affect American players. Addressing the debate, Kevin Durant offered a candid take on the leagueâs evolving identity.
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âMost of these successful international guys either are influenced heavily by American basketball culture, played high school ball in America, some even went to college here. This whole convo is trash, basketball is a universal language, some people have different dialectâŠAll this s*** is corny,â stated on X, formerly Twitter.
Although many disagree, international stars continue to take center stage. Players like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo now lead the league. However, young Americans are not falling behind. Anthony Edwards, Jayson Tatum, and Cade Cunningham keep pace. With this, the competitiveness of the league increases each day consolidating in the global stage.
