The NBA is in great hands when it comes to talent. Whether it is older players near the end of their careers, players in the prime of their careers or young players on the rise, the league is littered with star players.
In recent years, the game has gone global, reaching international markets the NBA wouldn’t have dreamed of reaching years ago. In fact, the last five MVP awards have gone to international players with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic winning it twice and Joel Embiid taking it home last season.
Prior to that stretch, the last time an international player took home the MVP award was Dirk Nowitzki for the 2006-07 season. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if another Dallas Mavericks international player wins sooner than later as Luka Doncic is knocking on the MVP door as well.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jayson Tatum, Paul Pierce, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Boston Celtics Updates
The last American player to win the award was James Harden during the 2017-18. Even at the height of his career, Harden was never considered the best American player in the NBA. That distinction would have gone to someone such as LeBron James or Stephen Curry.
In the opinion of Paul Pierce, the best American-born player now is Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics. He believes Tatum has surpassed Kevin Durant and James, with Curry being the only player an argument could be made for.
“Right now, the best American in the league is Jayson Tatum… I’m just looking around, and I think he’s passed Kevin Durant, I think he’s passed LeBron. The only argument is Steph,” Pierce said.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Jayson Tatum, Paul Pierce, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Boston Celtics Updates
That is certainly a bold take from the former Celtics star. Tatum is playing at an MVP level right now, but he has yet to achieve anything like the aforementioned three stars have. There is certainly a chance he gets to that level, but the fact three players as tenured as James, Durant and Curry are even in the discussion speaks volumes to the impact they continue to have.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
