Stephen A. Smith sparked controversy on First Take when he dismissed the idea of an international player becoming the face of the NBA. Despite the league’s increasing globalization and the rise of foreign-born superstars, Smith made it clear that he believes the NBA must have an American-born face for the game to truly thrive domestically.
“My personal opinion is I don’t believe an international player can be the face of the NBA. I know they’re global, iconic figures. Their popularity extends globally, but the NBA is an American-born sport, and it needs to resonate in America.”
“And if it doesn’t resonate in America, then it’s not going to matter to America how you resonate beyond. And so that’s just my mentality. That’s how I think about it. Not to say they can’t be popular or what have you, but I just think about it that way.”
“Shannon, to your point that you made yesterday—UD wasn’t here when you made it—I understand your point. And you’re absolutely right. You can’t want something more for somebody else than they want for themselves. And I totally get that.”
“But that doesn’t mean I’m not entitled to my wishlist. And my wish is that Anthony Edwards changes his mind. And the reason why is because, I mean, my favorite players are him and Steph Curry. And where I fell in love with Anthony Edwards wasn’t with the dunks or whatever.”
“It was when the playoffs showed up last year, and that brother was giving it to the Phoenix Suns. I mean, that, to me, was the nail in the coffin, UD, because he was talking major smack to his idol, Kevin Durant. And he was going after him.”
“Remember, I’m somebody that feels very, very highly about Devin Booker. I think Devin Booker’s an absolute stud. I watched that brother get on the court against them brothers and just shrink them. I mean, let them know there were levels to it. And I don’t know who told y’all you were on it, but y’all ain’t. And he went at him.”
"I don't believe an international player can be the face of the NBA. I know they're global iconic figures, their popularity extends globally, but the NBA is an American born sport”
(h/t @BASKETBALLonX )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 18, 2025
Smith’s argument centers around the idea that while players like Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama are international icons, they don’t necessarily connect with the American audience the same way homegrown stars do.
He argues that the NBA’s popularity is driven by its domestic market, and for the league to sustain its cultural significance, the face of the game must be someone who appeals primarily to American fans.
This comes at a time when the NBA is searching for its next megastar to carry the league forward as LeBron James and Stephen Curry approach the end of their legendary careers. While international players have dominated MVP conversations—Jokic, Giannis, and Joel Embiid have won the last six MVP awards—Smith believes the true leader of the league needs to be American.
He specifically pointed to Anthony Edwards as his preferred choice, despite the Minnesota Timberwolves guard publicly stating that he doesn’t see himself as the face of the NBA. Smith doubled down on his stance, saying that he wishes Edwards would embrace the responsibility because he has all the attributes of a transcendent superstar.
Smith’s argument highlights an ongoing debate within the NBA: does the future of the league belong to an American-born star or one of the dominant international players?
The league has never seen this level of global talent before, with Luka Doncic looking like a generational offensive force, Giannis Antetokounmpo already an NBA champion and two-time MVP, and Wembanyama emerging as the most hyped prospect since LeBron.
Despite these international stars’ dominance, Smith believes that someone like Edwards or Jayson Tatum is better suited to carry the league forward. While Tatum is a superstar playing for one of the most historic franchises in the Boston Celtics, Smith argues that Edwards has a higher upside due to his electrifying personality, confidence, and ability to take over games.
However, Tatum has been in the league for eight years and is 26 years old, meaning he may have already reached his peak as a player. Edwards, at just 23 years old, has room to grow into an even bigger star, making him the more appealing long-term option.
While Smith’s stance may ruffle feathers, it highlights a larger issue for the NBA: the league is more global than ever, but its biggest market remains the United States. Whether an international player can truly become the face of the NBA remains to be seen, but with the rise of Giannis, Luka, and Wemby, the debate is far from over.
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