Wizards’ international foundation coming into focus originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
When Tomás Satoransky entered Tuesday’s contest against the Detroit Pistons, he marked the seventh player born outside the U.S. to appear in a game for the Wizards this season. Washington hopes he will soon be followed by trade deadline acquisition Kristaps Porzingis, who once cleared to return from his knee injury will help the Wizards tie their franchise record set just last year for the most international players to suit up for them in a season.
The Wizards have seen a spike in their international presence in recent years, rostering at least seven such players each of the last three seasons after never playing more than five in a season in their first 58 years of existence. It’s no coincidence that trend has coincided with the tenure of general manager Tommy Sheppard, who’s often tapped into his background in international scouting for roster construction.
“If there’s talent…