Diversity in the NBA Since the beginning of the history of the National Basketball Association, the number of foreign players has increased exponentially. As a matter of 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 commonplace and are key parts of many NBA teams. Ever since Henry Biasatti, born in Italy but raised in Canada, stepped onto a National Basketball Association court, international talent has become an important part of a now global NBA. International players like 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 made their mark on the NBA courts, in the NBA record books and in the hearts of their fans. Different ethnic groups, races and sports fans in general joined together, cheering the heroic efforts of players from overseas. These international players have raised the level of competition in basketball and found themselves at home in the NBA. Four international players have been honored with the most prestigious award a player can receive in professional basketball, 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,......center of card......raft continues to bring more foreign players into the league "with a record setting 12 foreign-born first-round picks " in the 2013 NBA Draft (Florida). The new youth of foreign players added by the draft ensures that the NBA will remain a diverse league for a while. As international NBA stars continue to become more popular and common in the league, the NBA will experience incredible new talent and global sensations. These players and their extraordinary contributions to the NBA at large and its teams will make the league prosperous through their fiery competitiveness. Future Most Valuable Players and National Basketball Association All Stars from different countries will emerge in professional basketball. The competition in the league looks set to be here to stay, with a mix of different cultures coming together and challenging each other on the field.