NBA: Top 10 international players in the league

Gone are the days when basketball was an American – centric game. It has slowly, but steadily evolved into an international one. Global interest in the NBA soared after the legendary dream team, formed in 1992, took part in the London Olympics.

Most teams rely on at least one international player to carry them across the finish line. At the start of the 2012-13 season, there were 84 foreigners in the league.

This list ranks the top 10 international players in the league, right now. So, the 2012-13 factors heavily into a player making it to this list.

10. Steve Nash

Steve Nash #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers

The dime dropper from Canada is probably one of the greatest international players in NBA History. A two time MVP, eight time All-Star, the 39-year-old currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The reason for his place being so low in this list is that, Nash’s performance has dropped a few notches this season. He averaged 10+ assists per game and 15+ PPG for most of his career. Last season, Nash averaged just below 7 APG and 13 PPG. He also suffered from injuries which limited him to just 50 games this season.

Nash, still remains one of the supreme floor generals and best passers in the league. He’s missing just one accolade though – an NBA championship ring. The current state of the Lakers’ team doesn’t hold a lot of promise in this aspect. Nash will retire soon and one’s pretty sure that he’s a definite future Hall of Famer.