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Kevin Durant pushed back against the idea that international stars have moved the NBA beyond American influence. While several international players headline today’s league, Durant argued that their rise is still deeply connected to the basketball culture and system built in the United States.
Kevin Durant Sends Blunt Message to Fans Celebrating NBA’s Global Takeover
For years, the narrative surrounding the NBA’s evolution has centered on a global shift. Players like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander now lead MVP races.
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Hence, regular-season leaderboards, and award ballotings, critics and analysts often frame this era as the moment international basketball overtook the American model. However, Durant sees it differently.
On Boardroom, the two-time NBA Champion and Finals MVP challenged the premise that foreign stars operate outside the umbrella of American influence.
Feb 26, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) passes in front of Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
“It’s about time,” KD said. “They been coming into the league since the 80s The real arguments should be who are they influenced by? Most of these dudes are influenced by who? Americans. It’s cool getting MVPs and stuff but who did you watch? You see Jokic, Porzingis, Shai, all these dudes with Iverson jerseys coming up…. They trynna play like us too.
You look at Shai, is he an international player? His pipeline for being a NBA player came from the American system. Where’d he go to college? Where’d he go to high school?”
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The game has expanded globally. However, the style, tempo, and cultural rhythm of basketball remain fundamentally American. Hence, as long as the world’s best players grow up wearing Allen Iverson jerseys and studying American film, the heart of the game isn’t going anywhere.
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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kevin-durant-drops-bold-truth-045837001.html
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Publish date : 2026-08-29 04:58:00
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