Longtime NBA executive Tommy Sheppard offered detailed insight into the league’s international evolution and its growing focus on Europe during an appearance on the Fullcourt Passport podcast hosted by Ric Bucher and Bostjan “Boki” Nachbar.
Sheppard, who spent 30 years working across the Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards organizations, framed the NBA’s current landscape as a direct result of decades of global integration rather than a sudden shift.
“I’m not going to call it an invasion,” Sheppard said. “I’m going to call it the best players on the planet are in the NBA.”
Sheppard pointed to the league’s changing demographics as evidence. “When you came in the league, there were 73 international players from 34 countries,” he said. “Now there’s 135 from 46 countries.”
He emphasized that nationality has become irrelevant at the highest level of competition. “I don’t care about where you’re from,” Sheppard said. “I just care what’s the best players on the best league on the planet.”
Sheppard noted that international stars have long shaped the NBA’s competitive balance. “Those guys were every bit as good as some of the guys playing now,” he said, referencing Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, and Yao Ming.
He credited developmental structures overseas for preparing players earlier. “European basketball academies were far more advanced than a lot of our high school programs,” Sheppard said.
According to Sheppard, scouting has evolved alongside development. “What you really need to do is fingerprint players,” he said. “Not necessarily the box score, but high IQ, self-awareness, and how they handle stress.”
The conversation also turned toward the NBA’s growing interest in Europe as a market. “I think a huge chunk of fans of the NBA are actually outside the United States,” Sheppard said.
That global audience has fueled league-wide discussions about expansion. “That’s why you see the NBA really focused more than ever with this relationship with FIBA to try to get an NBA Europe together,” he said.
Sheppard cautioned that success would require collaboration. “You’re a visitor here,” he said. “It would be really wise to get the wisdom of the top basketball people in Europe.”
He raised concerns about pricing, infrastructure, and player welfare. “Are they going to bring their NBA prices to Europe?” Sheppard asked. “That’ll be the first big eye-opener.”
Sheppard also addressed competitive culture, including relegation. “That pressure is a fantastic indicator of what a player can do,” he said. “I love that.”
On timing, Sheppard stressed patience. “I’d look at it as a big 10-year investment,” he said. “You’re not going to launch and have success the first year.”
Despite the challenges, Sheppard expressed confidence in league leadership. “Adam Silver cares deeply,” he said. “They want to make it right.”
