"If Americans don't get their act together, the front offices are going to be invested more into the European players" - Former NBA champion highlights European players' work ethic
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins believes the top players in the league today are international players. The NBA brings together the best basketball players in the world. In recent years, we have seen some top international talents ply their trade in the league. It's a reason why NBA teams have continued to invest their efforts in scouting players from all over the globe.
Numerous international players have taken the NBA by storm in recent years. Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are three of the best players in the league.
Speaking recently on an episode of the "DNBA show," Perkins praised the current crop of international players in the NBA, saying that they have some of the top players in the league today.
Perkins said:
"When I look at Jokic, when I look at Giannis, when I look at Luka and I even look at Embiid, okay, those are four of the top seven players in the NBA in my opinion and they are European players. But I look at how they carry themselves, right. They show up to work every day.
"They are always available unless they have some type of serious injury. They play every minute, they never disappoint fans and they never get into trouble. They're always about family so they're bringing a certain level of culture right?"
Perkins continued to praise the international players for their mindset and the way that they carry themselves. He also mentioned how NBA front offices may be more interested in investing in European players because of their work ethic. He continued:
"I think they're okay with two separate groups because if you watch them Giannis has already said I don't want to work out with guys. Luka is over there doing his own thing, Jokic is over there riding horses and working out. Like, they don't care, they actually embraced that.
"When I look at their mentality and the way they approach the game...if Americans don't get their act together, the front offices are going to be invested more into the European players."
International players continue to thrive in the NBA
Many already believe that the first pick in next year's draft will be French prospect Victor Wembanyama. The 18 year old looks like a special talent and he played for France in the U19 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Perkins' comments will surely draw plenty of attention from the basketball world. The NBA is a global brand where many international players impress at the highest level.
NBA teams have not only found superstars, but also plenty of impactful rotation pieces, overseas.
With basketball players around the world showing their ability to play in the NBA, the international crop in the league will continue to grow. That only means good things for the game of basketball, as the competition and marketability will blossom.