Stephen A. Smith has been on your television screen for many years, usually grabbing headlines for his thoughts and takes on the world of sports. Whenever Smith speaks, typically, the world listens.
Sometimes, he’s correct. Other times, Smith’s takes tend to cause an eyebrow raise, and he recently gave thoughts on international superstars in the NBA that would inspire just that.
Stephen A. Smith Doesn’t Think International Players Can Be Face of the NBA
With superstars such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić, and many others dominating the game of basketball, one would feel the path has been laid for international players to lead the NBA.
Smith disagrees with that assessment, however, and was very direct in his thoughts, with co-host Shannon Sharpe seemingly nodding his head in agreement.
"I don't believe an international player can be the face of the NBA. I know they're global iconic figures, their popularity extends globally, but the NBA is an American born sport”
(h/t @BASKETBALLonX )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 18, 2025
“I don’t believe an international player can be the face of the NBA. I know they’re global iconic figures, their popularity extends globally, but the NBA is an American-born sport. It needs to resonate in America, and if it doesn’t resonate in America, then it’s not going to matter to America how you resonate beyond. And that’s just my mentality.”
International Players’ Popularity on the Rise
While Smith’s opinion on international players is his own, we are currently looking at a league that has more international influence and success than ever.
Jokić is the reigning MVP and a recent NBA champion while also being considered the league’s current best player. His success has showcased what international superstars are able to accomplish in the NBA.
Luka Dončić and Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, are two of the most popular superstars in the world and in the top five of the NBA’s best players.
You could argue that Jokić, Antetokounmpo, and Dončić are the three best players in the NBA when healthy. All three are in the top 10 for jersey sales, with Dončić possibly climbing the list now that he is in the Los Angeles market.
This doesn’t even take into account the rise of Victor Wembanyama. The rise of Wembanyama in the NBA is seen as a foregone conclusion that he will dominate and lead the league for years to come. Thus, it might only be a matter of time before he’s seen as the face of the NBA.
Smith is entitled to his opinion, of course, but I can’t help but feel he’s mistaken on this take.
