The Changing Landscape of International Influence in the NBA
On the eve of the NBA draft, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrated in Oklahoma City, walking shirtless through the streets with a Canadian flag draped around his waist. His demeanor, usually composed and reserved, was infused with genuine happiness and pride. Embracing his superstar status, he exuded confidence as a champion, a prolific scorer, and a multiple-time MVP-both in the regular season and Finals. Notably, he is among the latest international-born players to establish himself as one of the league’s elite, marking a significant shift in the sport’s global reach.
This scene serves as a prelude to the emergence of Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old phenom heralded as the new beacon of American basketball amid an era dominated by international stars. His entry into the NBA symbolizes a broader transformation in the sport’s identity and competitive landscape.
The NBA’s Global Footprint and Its Impact on American Basketball
Despite the sport’s worldwide expansion, the NBA remains fundamentally an American league. Whether the league’s brightest stars originate from New York City, Indiana, Greece, or Serbia, the league’s roots are deeply American. Recent developments, such as the record-breaking $10 billion valuation for a majority stake in the Los Angeles Lakers, underscore basketball’s lucrative global market. Yet, beneath these financial triumphs lies a persistent concern: the potential erosion of American dominance in the sport.
The international influence is undeniable. Over the past five seasons, three of the last five NBA champions have been led by international players-Nikola Jokic from Serbia, Giannis Antetokounmpo from Greece, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from Canada. This trend fuels ongoing debates about the representation of American talent at the highest levels of the game.
The Shifting Power Dynamics in Player Recognition
While the United States continues to boast an unparalleled depth of basketball talent-evidenced by five consecutive Olympic gold medals-the hierarchy of individual achievement is evolving. The MVP award, traditionally dominated by American players, has increasingly been awarded to foreign-born athletes over the past seven years. Since Stephen Curry’s third-place finish in 2021, no American has cracked the top three in MVP voting, signaling a potential shift in the league’s talent landscape.
Cooper Flagg: The Next American Hope
When the Dallas Mavericks selected Cooper Flagg as the first overall pick, he stepped into the spotlight clad in a sharp navy suit, a black tie, and a youthful goatee that added to his charm. Still just shy of his 19th birthday, Flagg has been under the spotlight for years, with his reputation soaring after standout performances with Team USA during Olympic preparations and a stellar college career at Duke, where he earned national player of the year honors as a freshman and led his team to the Final Four.
His transition to the NBA carries significant weight for the perception of American basketball prospects. Flagg’s arrival is seen as a potential counterbalance to the scarcity of American players under 25 who can dominate the league. While Anthony Edwards exhibits MVP-caliber talent, other promising American stars like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant have faced setbacks due to injuries and off-court issues.
The Future of American Basketball Stars
Every era is defined by a select few who shape its identity. Currently, the absence of emerging American superstars has allowed aging icons like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant to maintain their dominance longer than usual. Notably, LeBron, at 38, remains a top-tier player, while Jaylen Brown, at 28, is the youngest American Finals MVP still active in the league. Despite his accomplishments-including a four-time All-Star selection and a historic $300 million contract-Brown is not yet considered a true superstar.
Can Flagg Become the League’s Next Icon?
The question surrounding Flagg is whether he possesses the game and charisma to ascend as the league’s leading figure. While he may not be the once-in-a-decade talent like James or Wembanyama, his combination of skill, drive, and competitive spirit suggests he could carve out a significant legacy.
During his introductory media session, Flagg was asked if he aims to win a championship as a rookie-a feat last achieved by Magic Johnson 45 years ago. His response was optimistic: “Of course. My mindset has always been to be a winner. I’ll give my all to succeed and bring home as many wins as possible.” This attitude reflects his unwavering confidence and desire to excel.
The Charisma and Style of a Rising Star
Though naturally reserved in public, Flagg’s on-court presence radiates intensity and focus. His athleticism is evident in his ability to deliver highlight-reel dunks and intimidating blocks. His style of play transcends racial stereotypes, broadening his appeal and marketability. The question has never been whether he will be a significant player but rather how large his star can become. For American basketball to thrive, Flagg’s potential must extend beyond being a safe pick; he needs to be a transformative figure.
The Broader Narrative: American Basketball’s Identity Crisis
Following Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP win, ESPN and other outlets questioned the state of American basketball, often citing stereotypes about American players being soft or spoiled. However, NBA star Kevin Durant responded on social media, emphasizing that basketball is a universal language. He pointed out that many international stars, including Jokic and Antetokounmpo, have been influenced by American basketball culture, having played high school or college basketball in the U.S.
While the sport faces cultural challenges, criticism that suggests a crisis overlooks the fact that 12 of the 15 players on the 2025 all-NBA teams are Americans. The remaining three-Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic, and Antetokounmpo-are among the league’s best, with Luka Doncic poised for multiple MVP seasons and Victor Wembanyama representing a new, unprecedented talent.
The Internationalization of the NBA
The 2024-25 season saw a record 125 international players on opening night rosters-roughly 25% of the league. Their talent level is so high that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is contemplating a USA-versus-World format for the 2026 All-Star Game, highlighting the league’s global talent pool.
The Need for American Leadership and New Stars
The NBA’s history is rooted in legends who embraced the responsibility of elevating the league’s profile. Today, America faces the challenge of cultivating new stars capable of carrying that torch. Flagg’s fearless approach and competitive nature offer hope that the next chapter of American basketball greatness is on the horizon.
As the league continues to evolve, the world watches eagerly-hoping that the next American superstar will rise to meet the challenge, inspiring a new generation and reaffirming the sport’s American roots amid its global expansion.
