Foreign or International players are consistently getting into the NBA, and their numbers are steadily growing.
This could mean that basketball, a game invented in the US is becoming more popular in many parts of the world and the skills of international players are improving.
In the 1991-1992 season, only 23 international players were included in NBA team rosters, and they came from 18 countries. In 2013-14, 92 foreign players from 39 countries played in the NBA.
In the 2013 -2014 or two seasons ago, the NBA had in its many team rosters 102 international players from 37 countries. NBA fans are thrilled to see foreign players play against best in the NBA.
This year, in the 2016-17 season, a record 113 foreign players from a record 41 countries will be donning NBA uniforms. The likes of Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are still on the active list of players.
Many of the international players are familiar to NBA basketball fans since they also play representing their countries in international leagues like the FIBA. Players from Australia and France were the most recognizable since the teams they represent are strong contenders for the FIBA championship tournament.
On opening night of the 2016-17 season, the NBA will be featuring 61 international players mostly coming from Europe. This year, 30 teams will have at least one foreigner as a team member.
The countries with the most number of players in the NBA are: Canada with 11, followed by France with 10, Brazil with 9, and Australia has 8.
Among NBA teams, the Utah Jazz has the most foreign players with seven. Followed by Orlando Magic, Oklahoma Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors with six each. The New Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers have five international players each.
International Players in the NBA are surely here to stay, and many more will come in the future.
