Besides the loss of a once-in-a-generation player in Yao Ming, the Chinese center’s reported retirement threatens to siphon off millions of NBA fans in his homeland. With that in mind, here are the top-5 most influential foreign players in NBA history:
5. Tony Parker/Manu Ginobili (Tie) » They’ve been complementary clutch players and leaders who’ve helped San Antonio win multiple titles. Parker is from France with an American name, and Ginobili is from Argentina but gets credit for helping popularize the Euro step.
4. Steve Nash » The current influx of talented young point guards began after Nash won consecutive MVPs. Watching his buddy and former teammate Dirk Nowitzki win a title then watching his countrymen riot in Vancouver must’ve been an awful week for the future Hall of Famer.
3. Vlade Divac/Drazen Petrovic » Divac’s unique Eastern European presence on the Showtime Lakers was the first of its kind. After the amazing ESPN “30 for 30” documentary, he’ll forever be linked with his Yugoslavian teammate, Petrovic, whose career was cut tragically short at age 28.
2. Dirk Nowitzki » The overwhelming validation of the German’s incredible career — and his redefinition of how a 7-footer can play inside and out — will always be linked to LeBron James’ failed first season in Miami.
1. Hakeem Olajuwon » He won a gold medal in 1996 with the U.S., but Nigeria was where Olajuwon’s skills on the soccer field were honed, setting the foundation for the unmatched footwork and array of moves around the basket that helped garner two NBA titles.
