Mitnick: Top 10 European Prospects for the 2013 NBA Draft

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While basketball continues to grow around the globe, there has been an increasing amount of European talent making an impact on NBA teams. The talent pool is quickly spreading, and teams that are able to recognize the talents of the Alexey Shveds of the world are given a distinct advantage.

While the 2012 draft had a relatively weak European crop, 2013 should prove to be a much stronger group. While it lacks a sure-fire stud in the mold of Dirk Nowitzki or Pau Gasol, there are several intriguing prospects who are both NBA ready and possess a  great deal of upside.

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Internationals conspicuously absent in top international jersey sales

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Nearly 20 percent of the NBA is comprised of international players, including some of the game’s biggest stars.

But when it comes to international jersey sales, American players still dominate.

On the first list of the top 15 international jersey sales released Thursday by the NBA, the top 10 spots went to American players, with tried-and-true veteran Kobe Bryant holding the No. 1 slot.

The list was based on sales at adidas locations outside the United States during the 2011-12 season. Following Bryant were Derrick Rose, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo, Carmelo Anthony, Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant.

Spain native Pau Gasol occupies the 11th spot, followed by by Germany’s Dirk Nowitzki, Amar’e Stoudemire, France’s Tony Parker and Spain’s Ricky Rubio, giving international players four of the top 15 sales slots – but none of the top 10.

The NBA also released the top five jersey sales regionally, which also was dominated by Americans.

In China, it was Bryant, Rose, James, Howard and Rondo.

In Europe, it was Bryant, Rose, James, Garnett and Howard.

In Latin America, it was Bryant, James, Rose, Garnett and Wade.