This season there are only 9 French players left in the NBA and despite very high draft players in the last drafts, the Frank Ntilikina, Killian Hayes, Sekou Doumbouya or Ousmane Dieng more recently, those who have a real role in the league are finally only 3: Evan Fournier, Rudy Gobert et Nicolas Batum.
Pour Tony Parker, who confided in L’Equipeit is the consequence of players who arrive too early in the NBA, without enough experience, and who are finally selected only on a potential, of which we have barely seen a glimpse.
“The Draft doesn’t mean anything today,” said Tony Parker, drafted in 28th position. “We select young people on their potential, but the potential may or may not be realized behind. Before, you did two or three years at university in the United States, or you played at the best level in France before presenting yourself in the Draft. »
It’s crying for French players, who can’t even find a place in the rotation and stay in the league like Théo Maledon, Sekou or Joel Ayayi.
“Yes, and that’s a shame because you can’t force them to stay in France or Europe,” said Tony Parker when asked if the Blues are coming to the big leagues too soon. “I get it, there’s a lot of money to be made in the United States. But the Americans are very strict on recruitment. Out of 400 active NBA players, you have 60 new ones arriving every year, so you only have one chance to make a good impression. Better to arrive prepared. You have to resist the sirens of money, know how to be lucid and leave at the right time, after having accumulated experience. »
Let’s hope that Victor Wembanyama, who is expected to be the highest drafted Frenchman in history, does not experience the same disappointment.
