The NBA is mostly dominated by African-American players these days. But there are many basketball players who are white and were able to stand out because of their technique and playing tactics. We will take a look at the struggles that white players have in the league, as well as some of the best white players of all time.
Who are they?
White players have always been a minority. In recent years, however, their numbers have dwindled even further. As of the 2019-2020 season, only 22 out of the 496 players in the league are white.
This lack of representation is due to a number of factors. For one, the pool of white American basketball talent has shrunk relative to other groups. In the 1970s and 1980s, when NBA dominated by white players, inner-city neighborhoods were often off-limits to whites. This meant that many talented young white players were never discovered or given a chance to play at a high level.
Today, however, blacks and Latinos have increased their presence in the NBA while the number of whites has decreased. This is largely due to the growth of AAU basketball and the globalization of the game. With more blacks and Latinos playing at a high level, there are simply fewer spots available for whites in the league.
Finally, the NBA has become increasingly market-oriented in recent years. With the league’s popularity growing globally, teams are more likely to sign players who will appeal to a wider audience. This often means signing players from Africa or South America, where basketball is extremely popular, rather than signing white American players.
The Struggles
It’s no secret that the NBA is a league dominated by African American players. In fact, according to a recent study, 78% of NBA players are black. That leaves a very small percentage of white players in the league. And while some may argue that race isn’t a factor, the reality is that it does play a role.
White players have always been at a disadvantage. They are often stereotyped as being too slow and not athletic enough to compete with their black counterparts. This has led to many white players being overlooked by scouts and coaches.
As a result, white players have had to work twice as hard to prove themselves in the NBA. They’ve had to overcome obstacles and stereotypes that their black counterparts haven’t had to deal with.
Despite the challenges, there have been some successful white players. Players like Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and Klay Thompson have all had great careers. But for every successful white player, there are dozens more who have struggled to find their place in the league.
The struggles of white basketball players in NBA are real and they are significant. But despite the odds, there are still some who have found success in the league.
Successes
White basketball players have not always been the most successful in the NBA. In fact, prior to the 1950s, there were very few white players in the league at all. However, since then, white players have made great strides in NBA. Here are some of the most successful white players in NBA history:
Larry Bird:
One of the greatest players of all time, Bird led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships in the 1980s. He was a 12-time All-Star and is widely considered one of the best shooters in NBA history.
Steve Nash:
A two-time NBA MVP, Nash was one of the best point guards of his generation. He helped revolutionize the game with his outside shooting and creative playmaking. Nash also won an NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
Dirk Nowitzki:
One of the best European players ever to come to the NBA, Nowitzki led the Mavericks to their only championship in franchise history in 2011. He is a 14-time All-Star and a former MVP.
Pau Gasol:
A two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, Gasol is one of the best big men in the league. He is a six-time All-Star and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2002.
Kyle Korver:
One of the best shooters in NBA history, Korver is currently the league’s all-time leader in three-point percentage. He has played for several teams throughout his career, but has found the most success with the Atlanta Hawks.
Conclusion
It’s no secret NBA is a predominantly black league. In fact, according to a recent study, 74% of players in the NBA are black. This leaves very few opportunities for white players to make it into the league. And of those who do, many struggle to find their place and earn respect from their teammates. It’s a difficult road for white players, but some have persevered and found success.