With the first evening of NBA games – immediately fireworks with Celtics-Knicks and Lakers-Wolves – the definitive rosters for the opening of the championship were delivered to the League. Among the 540 players who are part of the NBA galaxy overall, 125 international players from 43 different countries are confirmed, both records tied with the result of the previous 2023-24 season. The country with the most representatives is Canada with 21 including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who is given as a possible next MVP.
Europe lands globally in force with 62 players, divided between the 14 of France with Wembanyama and the picks #1 Risacher and #2 Sarr from the last draft ahead of Germany (8) of the Wagner brothers and Serbia (6) of MVP incumbent Nikola Jokic. Australia is also impressive, with its 13 players including the controversial Ben Simmons. Not to mention Africa and its 17 players, 5 of which come from Cameroon, with obviously Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam in clear evidence.
Once the good times of 2014-15 are over when with Bargnani, Belinelli, Datome and Gallinari Italy contributed four players, in this season that has just begun only Simone Fontecchio remains, arriving in 2022. We also remember the other blues who wore NBA jerseys in this century: in 2019-2021 Nicolò Melli (Pelicans, Mavericks), and in 2020-2021 Nico Mannion (Golden State). There is always a remote possibility that Danilo Gallinari finds a job during the ongoing championship, but for now he remains to watch.
2024-10-23 16:56:00