Over the past 10 years, there's been something undeniable happening in the NBA. International players are dominating. Europe specifically. Let's put it this way, the last time a US-born player won the league MVP was when James Harden took home the hardware in 2018, which was 5, almost 6 years ago.
This year's NBA draft demonstrated the biggest investment in Europe's prospects in recent years, though - the Spurs' selection of France's Victor Wembanyama as the number 1 pick. Don't get me wrong, teams have invested in European hopefuls in the past. First, there was Michael Olowokandi - technically Nigerian, but entering the league via the UK - who was the Clippers' No.1 pic way back in 1998. Then there was Italy's Andrea Bargnani, the first choice of the Raps in 2006. Let's be real (for whatever reason) neither proved to be profitable investments, with both fading into the obscurity that proved to be the fate of many European players who had gone before them.
But the league is different now. The biggest stars have names that American commentators wouldn't have needed to pronounce 20 years ago. Now these names are engraved on MVP trophies and printed on the back of best-selling NBA jerseys.
Victor Wembanyama is by far Europe's strongest no.1 draft pick hopeful to date - and as the 2023-24 season begins this week, we could be in the wake of the most significant European NBA dominance we've seen. These are my (mildly biased) predictions for who'll be taking home trophies in the summer of 2024.
Rookie of the Year - Victor Wembanyama
Most Improved Player Award - Jeremy Sochan
League MVP - Nikola Jokić
Defensive Player of the Year - Giannis Antetokounmpo
Finals MVP - Giannis Antetokounmpo
You heard it here first. The European domination is about to take place. (Don't @ me)
