Regarded as most famous men’s professional basketball league in the world, the NBA is one place many ballers from all parts of the world dream of starting their career in professional basketball.
Because of it’s surging global popularity and growing international presence, with games and programming available in 215 countries and NBA merchandise for sale in more than 125,000 stores, it comes as no surprise to see so many international players in the NBA!
During the opening of the 2015-16 NBA season last Saturday, 100 international players from 37 countries and territories were part of the opening night rosters, marking it the second consecutive year that opening night featured at least 100 international players.
At least 10 African and a record of nine Brazilian players were on the opening night rosters. Canada has the most of any country for the second straight year with a record-tying 12 NBA players, while
France comes in second for the second consecutive year with 10.
Australia features a record-tying eight players, while Croatia and Spain round out the top five with four NBA players each.
Last season, the record of international players in the opening roster was 101, with all 30 NBA teams featuring at least one international player. The Toronto Raptors lead the league with seven international players, while the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz each feature six.The Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets field five each, while the rosters of the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks and Orlando Magic each include four.
Here’s a look at of the some international players at the NBA:
Name: Andrew Bogut
Team: Golden State Warriors
Country: Australia
Name: Andrew Wiggins
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Country: Canada
Name: Manu Ginobili
Team: San Antonnio Spurs
Country: Argentina
Name: Pau Gasol
Team: Chicago Bulls
Country: Spain
Name: Serge Ibaka
Team: Oklahoma City Thunders
Country: Congo
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