Former NBA Champion Breaks Down Why Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic Are More “Hungry” for Success Than American Players

Published 05/02/2022, 4:30 PM EDT

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.

Article continues below this ad

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.

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.

Watch this story – Vanessa Bryant’s Emotional Birthday Message to Her Daughter Gigi and Her Similarities to Kobe Bryant Will Leave NBA Fans in Tears

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.

Article continues below this ad

The future of the league has never been brighter and with it being international, Adam Silver can do nothing but smile.

Article continues below this ad

“Imagine Thinking Tim Duncan Is Better”: Kobe Bryant Manhandling Spurs Legend in Unearthed Video Triggers Hot Debate

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Nirjhar Sharma is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a sports enthusiast who follows all major sports and has been watching the NBA for the past 7 years now. A firm believer in the 'Greek Freak' being the best player in the league right now, he believes that the Bucks are primed for another championship run unless the injury bug bites them.

Edited by:

Ajinkya Aswale

Former NBA Champion Breaks Down Why Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic Are More “Hungry” for Success Than American Players

League going international

Trending

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

Bucks Injury Report: Game 6 Return for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Looks Plausible After Miraculous Win

Shaquille O’Neal Rallies Against Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and More, Questioning Authority Over NBA Awards

“I’m So Disappointed in Kobe”: Charles Barkley’s Bold Take on Live TV Forced a Midnight Call With Frustrated Lakers Legend

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

Giannis – The best player in the league