The debates about international players, mainly Europeans, catching up to their American counterparts, have reached a new level after the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, in which the U.S. stars won the event. It was the league's attempt to put the ASG back where it belongs, but it also revived the narrative about who actually dominates the hardwoods of the Association.
And while it is clear that internationals are taking over, or some might even say they already took over the reins when it comes to the best players in the league, Gilbert Arenas has a rather unique explanation for why that is the case. And, well, according to the former Washington Wizards star, it has something to do with the color of the skin.
"It's one from the country itself is coming here. Like, Greece, it's Giannis. That's it. Jokic… So far, I mean, France, probably France (and Canada), is the closest, but obviously, you can see what color they are. They Black!" Arenas passionately argued in his recent appearance on the "Hoopin' N Hollerin'" podcast.
"People don't understand this, too. I think it's 83% of Euros is Black in the NBA," he added.
Arenas, as eccentric and outspoken as ever, might be a bit off on this one. Sure, there are plenty of guys who are not born on American soil who are Black. Last year's MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , an international from Canada, as well as Victor Wembanyama and Giannis Antetokounmpo , are the first names that come to mind. And they are not just internationals, they are among the very best players in the league today.
However, the conversation cannot stop there. Because if we are talking about Europeans who are currently dominating the league, names like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic immediately enter the discussion as representatives of white Europeans who are also at the very top of the NBA hierarchy. Both have been in the MVP race for several years now, and both have already built resumes that place them among the most impactful players of this era.
But more than that, the European presence in the NBA is much deeper than just the biggest stars. It stretches across rosters around the league, with players filling different roles in their teams. And when you actually look at the numbers, Arenas' claim simply doesn't hold up.
Arenas also argued that beyond the very top-tier stars, Europe hasn't really produced elite playmakers since Tony Parker , Doncic aside. He believes their approach is rooted in necessity: because many European players don't have the same athleticism as Americans, they are taught fundamentals from a very early age. Passing, dribbling and shooting are all drilled into them from a young age.
"So what happens with Euros is this, they are taught fundamentals from an early age, obviously, 'cause they don't have no athleticism. So you gotta teach them how to pass, dribble… All of them are doing the same thing," Agent Zero said.
According to Arenas, this focus on skill development over natural athleticism has helped Europeans succeed in the NBA and erase the narratives that were there for so long.
Whether you agree with Arenas' take or not, it is undeniable that international players have permanently changed the league's landscape, regardless of skin color.
Related: "We're not dads" - Gilbert Arenas reveals the painful reality of NBA fatherhood
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
