NBA Legend Explains Why Capitalism Ruined American Player Development

Former NBA MVP Steve Nash spoke about the American crisis in the NBA in recent years.

NBA Legend Explains Why Capitalism Ruined American Player Development

Steve Nash (Image credits - Firstsportz)

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It is good to see former NBA stars such as Steve Nash and Blake Griffin talk about the American crisis in the NBA on the NBA on Prime broadcast. The last American to win the league MVP award was James Harden in the 2017-18 season.

Since then, Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greek) has won two, Nikola Jokic (Serbian) has won three, Joel Embiid (Cameroonian back then) in 2023 and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canadian) are all the non-Americans to be crowned as league MVPs over the years.

Even in the 2025-26 campaign, the top-three contenders for the MVP award are Jokic, SGA and Luka Doncic (Slovenian), who are more than likely to extend the streak of non-Americans winning the award. It is a clear sign that Europeans have taken over the NBA in the last few years, which has been a cause of concern for American basketball players. A lot of the fingers have been pointed at AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball for prioritizing more games to increase their profits over player development.

AAU basketball has been pivotal to American basketball over the years. For the last few decades, it has provided young and aspiring players with development and national exposure. Several NBA superstars such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have played AAU basketball. Former NBA players Kendrick Perkins and Richard Jefferson had a huge argument on how youth basketball in the States are lagging behind in player development.

With LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant at the backend of their careers, it is clear that the NBA are looking for a new face. To be the face of the league, it is important to be the best or one of the top players in the league, and, unfortunately, no American players fit into that criteria. Many believe that the next face of the league will be French center Victor Wembanyama. Steve Nash spoke about the developmental difference between American and European players.

This is about structure. It’s pay to play in the States. Capitalism is wonderful. It’s not great for player development. In Europe, to play, it’s free. You go to your local club. The kid’s leaving for the next club. Everyone’s here for the long term to develop, more or less. There are amazing coaches here, but they have a structure over there where you stick with your coaches, more or less, and you learn to play the game the right way.

The issue of skill development has been ongoing for some time now. Former NBA players including the late Kobe Bryant have been critical of AAU Basketball in recent years. Due to the large number of games, the young players are not able to hone their skills and develop their games.

Fans react to Steve Nash’s statements on youth basketball in America

NBA fans were quick to react to Nash’s critical statements about how capitalism is ruining youth basketball in America, taking to social media to express their opinions, with some agreeing and others not.

Kendrick Perkins on Europeans taking over the NBA

With less than a month to go before the trade deadline, it was expected that Antetokounmpo would be the big star to be traded. But the Greek star has shut down his trade rumors and has committed himself to the Milwaukee Bucks.

The first big trade was Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards. A trade no one would have dreamed of four years ago, as he was the face of the franchise. Another player very likely to be traded soon is Ja Morant. Again, deemed the face of the Memphis Grizzlies, but it appears that their relationship has run its course.

Kendrick Perkins
Kendrick Perkins (Image credits – ESPN)

Perkins was critical of the American players in the NBA on the Road Trippin’ podcast.

This is where we have a real problem with American athletes. We just saw Trae Young get traded to the Wizards, the Wizards had to give up absolutely nothing. That was basically a salary dump for the Hawks. Moving to Ja Morant, three years ago we was just talking about Ja Morant being the face of the f****** league.

Perkins went on to speak about how stars from Europe have proven to be better assets than Americans.

When we talk and we say, ‘Oh, hey man, these European guys are coming in and they’re taking over our league’. They’re not only taking over our league and setting the example on the floor. They’re taking over our league and setting the example off the floor. Jokic? We don’t have problems with him off the floor. Giannis? No problems with him off the floor. Luka? No problems with him whatsoever. Wemby.

It is unfortunate to see players like Young and Morant on the move, considering the promise they showed in the initial years of their careers. But one thing is true. American or international, franchises are starting to get brutal about creating their championship window.

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