Initially, the NBA was predominantly composed of American-born players since its establishment on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA). However, there was a turnaround with the arrival of international talents after the 1992 Olympics. This raises the league’s standard and attracts a diverse fan base from all corners of the world. As a result, the NBA has become a premier professional basketball stage for all cultures, skills, and investors. This article will explore how overseas players influence the National Basketball Association and its future.
Early International Players and Their Impact on The NBA
The American Dream Team proved what it takes to have high expectations and laid the foundations for the globalization of basketball. These attracted several reputable investors and sports booking platforms to include gaming options in their offers. Some of these game providers accept deposits as low as $1 and were reviewed in the rundown of the best offers by Wagering Advisors to ensure Canadians have access to safe staking on basketball events. This enables fans to show their passion and support for the sport, breaking the bank. The following are some of the early international players and their impact on the NBA.
Yao Ming (China)
Born on the 12th of Sept, 1980, the former professional Chinese basketball player is one of the top international players to ever grace the NBA. He brought a breakthrough to the sport in China, triggering the game’s popularity in Asia. He was in the NBA All-Star eight times during his career and won other awards, like being part of the NBA All-Rookie first team in 2003.
Two decades later, no one else has attained his feet in the Chinese Basketball Federation. His legacy continues to influence the league and as a result, he is currently the 6th President of the Chinese Basketball Association. Here are some of the notable decorations Yao Ming received while playing in the NBA.
- He got his jersey (number 11) retired by the Houston Rockets.
- All-NBA Second Team twice within 3 years, 2007 and 2009.
Dirk Nowitzki (Germany)
Not everyone is born with the sport flowing through their veins. But Dirk Nowitzki was an exception. He was born to a full athletic family on June 19, 1978. His mother was a professional basketball player (Helga Nowitzki), and his father was a handball player representing Germany internationally (Jörg-Werner).
After 21 years of playing passionately in the spotlight, Dirk Nowitzki is…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hoop Doctors…