OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. (KTUL) — The NBA Finals are highlighting basketball as a truly global game, with key players from countries such as Canada, Germany, and Cameroon, just to name a few, bringing a unique energy to the championship.
Canada boasts the most representation in the Finals, with four Canadians tying the national record for the second consecutive year.
Among the international talent is Isaiah Hartenstein, representing Germany. Hartenstein said, “I think just growing up over there, I mean, you watch how they make it this far. You watched Nowitzki win it. So now, just being able to be in this situation where you can play, not just for Oklahoma City, not just for the name on the back of the jersey, but then also for the country back home. I think it means a lot.”
At the center of conversation in these Finals, continuing the international MVP streak now stretching to seven years, is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Supporting him in this Finals series is fellow Canadian and NBA All-Defensive First Team selection Lu Dort.
“It’s showing that Canada basketball keeps growing. I feel like there’s been a Canadian NBA player in the Finals for the last how many years. Just shows how there’s a lot of talent there. Every time we sacrifice our summer to play with the national team, it prepares us for the whole season. I’m happy that there’s a lot of Canadians on this stage right now,” Dort said.
Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, who played with Team Canada in the Olympics, emphasized the impact of this international momentum, particularly in Canada.
“It’s good for the country. It’s good for the young guys looking up. When I was young, I was looking up to players in the league and seeing the possibility of me playing there and it was always inspiring. So I think it’s good for the country,” Nembhard said.
These international players are proving that basketball knows no borders in the quest for an NBA title.
SIGN UP FOR THE CHANNEL 8 NEWSLETTER
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
