Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. In fact, according to some estimations, basketball has approximately 2.2 billion fans worldwide, making it the second most followed sport. However, in its 77-year history, only 4374 players have had the privilege of playing in the NBA. Therefore, the odds are stacked against a young hooper aspiring to make it into the NBA.

However, the lucky few who make it to the NBA are compensated very handsomely. In fact, according to a study conducted by Statista, NBA players on average earn around $10 million as per the 2023-24 season as compared to Euro League’s current US$2 Million – US$5.4 Million. This figure makes NBA players the highest-paid pro athletes in the world. And as per ESPN analyst Shannon Sharpe, it’s exactly this aspect that is the sole motivation for European players. Meanwhile, American players like Michael Jordan are more focused on sporting glory.

During the latest episode of the NightCap podcast, co-host Ocho suggested that basketball is a part of American player’s offseason plans because of their passion. Shannon Sharpe replied to Ocho’s suggestion by saying, “I think the thing is Ocho, is that American basketball players grow up saying I want to be best, I want to be better than (Michael) Jordan. I don’t think European players grow up thinking that. They’re like this is a great opportunity for them. They’re gonna make more money beyond their wildest dreams.”

Shannon Sharpe’s recent comments about European players have caught many fans by surprise. It gets even more surprising when considering the fact that in the last six seasons, all European-born players have won the MVP award and 64 made the opening night rosters this season. The last American to win the MVP award was James Harden back in 2018. So, what pivotal moment in basketball history led to an increase in the participation from European players in the NBA?

Michael Jordan, Dream Team and the 1992 Olympics

After a disappointing performance at the 1988 Olympics, where they only won the bronze medal, Team USA made a significant decision to send NBA players to the Olympics for the first time in 1992. NBA superstars like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing and many more were selected to represent Team USA at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. This stacked roster was labeled the ‘Dream Team’ by fans and media.

NBA icon Dirk Notwitzki remembers that team and that summer vividly. During an interview, he explained the impact the ‘Dream Team’ had on him and his NBA aspirations. He said, “I had just started playing basketball in ’90, ’91. I was about 12, 13. I was just starting to be an NBA fan. MJ just won his first championship in ’91. Then ’92 happens, and I remember I was watching every game. It had a huge impact on me.”

The Dream Team captured the imagination of fans worldwide because of the sheer star power on show. No team in the history of basketball was as stacked as the 1992 Dream Team. Their impact was so far-reaching that European kids started to play basketball instead of soccer. NBA legends like Pau Gasol, Tony Parker and many others believe that the 1992 Olympics were a turning point in their basketball journey. From 23 international players prior to the games, the NBA today witnesses 125.