One former NBA star believes Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and other European players can bring a big boost to the NBA.
The NBA might be a domestic league in theory, but it features a lot of international talent. As the best basketball league in the world, the NBA is home to players from all over the globe.
Perhaps the biggest sign of the NBA’s international flavor is the MVP award. There hasn’t been an American MVP since 2018, when James Harden lifted the award.
Players like Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are among the best players in the NBA today.
But there has been some concern that the influx of foreign talent in the NBA could harm the development of American players. However, one former NBA star doesn’t see the problem.
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty ImagesTyson Chandler says Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic are elevating the NBA
Tyson Chandler spoke at the 22nd Basketball Without Borders Europe camp in Manchester recently, discussing the growth of the game.
He praised European stars like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic for diversifying the style of play in the NBA and forcing the rest of the league to get better.
“They’re incredible for our game. They are brilliant to watch; all their games are beautiful and different. And I love what it’s doing for the competition of the game.
“Before, if I ran off the top 10 or top 15, it was going to be American-led. Now, you run off that top 10, top 15, and it’s a lot of internationals in there.
“And that’s a beautiful thing for the game because it’s helping evolve the game. Jokic plays the game differently than anybody we’ve ever seen.
“Luka plays the game differently than anybody we’ve ever seen. It’s these players that now are going to give American players something to look at. The game continues to evolve, and there’s always some artist from somewhere.”
Chandler believes NBA must continue global influence
Tyson Chandler added that the growth of the NBA is dependent on more international players joining. The introduction of new basketball profiles will help take the sport further.
“That’s why I think the game needs to be global, because who knows where that artist, that athlete, that inspires the next generation — that revolutionizes the game — comes from.
“Because when you think it can’t be, we keep thinking, ‘Man, there’s more to this game.’ So I’m interested to see where the game continues to go. I’m going to continue to play my part. I love what I’m seeing for the future of the league.”
Currently, several NBA players are representing their countries ahead of the 2025 EuroBasket tournament.
While Luka Doncic suffered an injury with Slovenia, the rest of the NBA players are thriving with their countries.
For fans of these players looking to see them in action, make sure to stay tuned to NBA Analysis for the latest EuroBasket coverage.