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Former NBA Champion Breaks Down Why Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic Are More “Hungry” for Success Than American Players
NBA has seen an influx of international players coming to the league and dominating it straight up. Players like Giannis, Luka, Jokic, and Embiid are at the forefront of this fresh development for the league. It has also helped the league go international and to increase its footprint around the globe.
In a recent podcast episode, former NBA players Shaheen Holloway and Matt Barnes talked about how international players now showed more fight than American players. They talked about how the AAU culture has affected the players and how international players go through a different grind.
League going international
With initiatives like summer league and G league, NBA has given more opportunities to young players to showcase their talent and have time to sign a contract with an NBA team. Last three MVP for the regular season have all been international players in Giannis and Nikola Jokic. And this season too, one of Giannis, Jokic or Embiid will win the award. This is not including Luka Doncic, who may have the highest ceiling of the three mentioned earlier. In three to four years’ time, we may see a situation where three or four of the best five players in NBA are all international players.
Mar 16, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
More international players’ flourishing in the league will help the NBA in increasing its fanbase and increase its financial muscle. It will also help the league improve its viewership number internationally as it struggles against the NFL in the US.
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Giannis – The best player in the league
Giannis has slowly but steadily improved his game ever since he came into the league. And after winning the NBA Championship last year along with winning the Finals MVP, he staked his claim to being the best player in the league and being the face of the NBA internationally. During the last year of his previous contract with the Bucks, Giannis would repeatedly talk about having a hunger and desire to stay with the Bucks and work hard to win the championship with the Bucks.
Apr 22, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The future of the league has never been brighter and with it being international, Adam Silver can do nothing but smile.
The post Former NBA Champion Breaks Down Why Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic Are More “Hungry” for Success Than American Players appeared first on EssentiallySports.
