Diversity in the NBA Since the beginning of the history of the National Basketball Association, the number of foreign players has increased exponentially. In fact, a record ninety-two foreign players from 39 different countries and territories were active on NBA rosters at the start of the current season (NBA Tips Off 2013-14 Season with Record International Player Presence » ). In today's game, foreign and international players have become a common site and are fundamental parts of many NBA teams. Since Italian-born, Canadian-raised Henry Biasatti stepped foot on a National Basketball Association court, international talent has become an important part of a now-global NBA. International players such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki have contributed to the league with All-Star selections, Most Valuable Player awards and even NBA Finals Most Valuable Player. There is no doubt that international talent has transformed the NBA into a diverse and ultra-competitive professional sports league. Several foreign basketball players have individually left their mark on NBA courts, in the NBA record books and in the hearts of their fans. Different ethnic groups, races and sports fans in general united, cheering on the heroic efforts of foreign players. These international players raised the level of competition in basketball and found themselves at home in the NBA. Four international players have received the most prestigious award a player can receive in professional basketball, that of NBA MVP. These same four players are undoubtedly future Hall of Famers and were listed among the top 30 international players of all time in a 2013 “Dime Magazine” article (Daruaku). These four players, Steve Nash, Tim Duncan,...... middle of paper ......raft continues to attract more foreign players to the league "with a record 12 native-born first-round picks 'foreigner' in the 2013 NBA draft (Florida). The new crop of foreign players added by the draft ensures that the NBA will remain a diverse league for some time. As international NBA stars continue to become more popular and common in the league, the NBA will experience incredible new talents and global sensations. These players and their impressive contributions to the NBA and its teams will make the league successful with their fierce competitiveness. Future Most Valuable Players and National Basketball Association All Stars from different countries will emerge in professional basketball. Competition in the league appears to be here to stay with a mix of different cultures coming together and challenging each other on the pitch..