Stephen A. Smith Doesn’t Believe “International Players Can Be the Face of the NBA,” Urges Anthony Edwards to Reconsider

When Adam Silver stepped into the role of NBA Commissioner in 2014, one of his goals was to turn basketball into a global game.

A decade later, mission accomplished.

Though many of the best players are foreign-born, like Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, NBA analyst Stephen A.

Smith believes international players cant breach the line to become the face of the NBA.The conversation stems from Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards thoughts on becoming the face of the league.

The 23-year-old vocalized his distaste for accepting the mantel of being the poster boy of the NBA.

He believes other players have the necessary skills to carry the burden of that responsibility.Smith took to ESPNs First Take to share his disagreement with Edwards opinion.

He urged the three-time All-Star to reconsider his mindset while boldly claiming international players could never own that role.

He said,I dont believe an international player can be the face of the NBA.

I know theyre global iconic figures, their popularity extends globally, but the NBA is an American-born sport.The popular sports media personality didnt mince his thoughts.

He defended his argument by stating a potential face of the NBA needs to resonate with America.

Due to the cultural divide with foreign-born players, he believes that will never be able to happen.In Smiths defense, he didnt state the problem without raising a solution.

Smith is aware he cant change Edwards mind.

However, he urges the Timberwolves star to reconsider, since he has the star power along with the personality to flourish as the new front man.Smith has never been on board with an international player being the face of a leagueThe NBA isnt the only major sports league experiencing dominance from foreign-born players.

The MLB has notoriously abundant international talent, and the face of the league is already an international player, Shohei Ohtani.

While Smith can acknowledge the Dodgers mega stars greatness, he believes his front man status is damaging baseball.Ohtani has transcended the sport with his two-way ability as a pitcher and a hitter.

However, in 2021, Smith didnt hold back on his concern for crowning Ohtani with this honor.

He said,The fact that you got a foreign player that doesnt speak English, that needs an interpreter, believe it or not, I think contributes to harming the game to some degree, when thats your box-office appeal.Historically, the face of the major American-based sports are athletes who were born in the US.

But the times are changing.

Smith may just have to accept it if fans gravitate toward an international player.The post Stephen A.

Smith Doesnt Believe International Players Can Be the Face of the NBA, Urges Anthony Edwards to Reconsider appeared first on The SportsRush..

This article has been shared from the original article on thesportsrush, here is the link to the original article.