ANALYZING EVERY FOREIGN PLAYER IN THE NBA

From the hills of New Zealand to the African desert to tropical South America and everywhere in between basketball continues to grow as a global sport. Thats no more apparent than in the NBA, the worlds premier basketball league, where more than 100 non-American players suited up for the official start of training camp on Tuesday. To start the 2012-13 season, a record 84 players were on NBA rosters from 37 different countries. This season could surpass both of those numbers, as NBA training camps feature 104 players from 40 different countries. So, who are these guys? We looked at every international player in the NBA and analyzed their place in the NBA this year. They range from household names like Dirk Nowitzki and Manu Ginobili, to training camp hopefuls adored in their home countries, such as Sudans Mac Koshwal of the Philadelphia 7 6ers and Angolas Carlos Morais of the Toronto Raptors. France boasts the most NBA players with 10, and Canada is right behind with nine players, including 2013 top pick Anthony Bennett. We used each players FIBA affiliation rather than their birth place, as the two dont always match up. Cleveland Cavaliers star Kyrie Irving, for example, was born in Australia, but he plays for Team USA, so hes not included here. But Chicagos Joakim Noah, who was born in New York, counts for France because thats the country he plays for internationally. And if you see a discrepancy or a mistake, please dont hesitate to point it out players are constantly switching teams and country allegiances. This is as up-to-date as we could make it by Oct. 1, the official start of NBA training camp. After each players details is a projected NBA role for this season, ranging from project (meaning he may not make the final roster) to superstar (one of the leagues 15 best players), and then a paragraph analysis of his current place in the league.

Atlanta Hawks

Pero Antic, Macedonia, 31, PF/C, 6-11/260, reserve The NBAs oldest rookie, Antic has proven to be a versatile player in the international game. Hell compete to crack the back end of Atlantas relatively deep big-man rotation. Gustavo Ayon, Mexico, 28, PF/C, 6-10/250, reserve After an impressive summer leading Mexico to the championship game of the FIBA Americas, the NBA journeyman will work for scrap minutes in a crowded Atlanta backcourt. Al Horford, Dominican Republic, 27, PF/C, 6-10, 250, star A shoulder injury derailed his 2012-13 season, but Horford should once again lead the Hawks with his polished play on both ends of the floor. Hell adjust to playing with new paint-mate Paul Millsap. Dennis Schroder, Germany, 19, PG, 6-1/168, rotation Hawks think they got a steal at No. 17 in this years draft. Schroders frenetic game is mature for his age, and some scouts see him as a star in the making. Hell log minutes behind starter Jeff Teague this year.

Boston Celtics
Vitor Faverani, Brazil, 25, PF/C, 6-11/235, reserve El Hombre Indestructible, recently signed to a 3-year deal, and will have a chance to earn minutes this season for the rebuilding Celtics, but hell need to improve his defensive understanding. Kelly Olynyk, Canada, 22, PF/C, 7-0/238, prospect Celtics covet the 2013 No. 13 pick, whose scoring ability should translate to the NBA. Hell struggle on defense, but the lottery-bound Celtics will live with that this season.

Brooklyn Nets
Andrei Kirilenko, Russia, 32, F, 6-9/235, sixth man The Nets have title aspirations, and theyll need Kirilenkos versatility off the bench hes the teams best wing defender to have a chance. Kirilenko wont start but will play big minutes. Tornike Shengelia, Georgia, 21, F, 6-9/240, prospect

Shengelia underwent knee surgery in July and spent his offseason rehabbing. After spending much of last season in the D-League, hell likely do the same this year for the win-now Nets. Mirza Teletovic, Yugoslavia, 27, PF, 6-9/255, reserve A strong international player and 2012 mid-level exception signing, Teletovic never found his confidence or consistent minutes with the Nets. With so many new faces in town, thats unlikely to change this year.

Charlotte Bobcats
Bismack Biyombo, DR Congo, 21, C, 6-9/245, starter His strong defense and rebounding skills are likely to improve with another year, and practicing and playing next to polished post-scorer Al Jefferson wont hurt Biyombos still-developing offensive game. Jeff Taylor, Sweden, 24, SF, 6-7/225, rotation While far less heralded than No. 2 overall pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Taylor was the Bobcats best wing defender last season. The second-year Taylor will continue to earn glue minutes for Charlotte this season.

Chicago Bulls
Luol Deng, United Kingdom, 28, SF, 6-9/220, star As the Bulls best defender, Deng is tasked with guarding guys like LeBron James, Paul Pierce and Carmelo Anthony on a nightly basis. Its a contract year for Deng, as talks with the Bulls about an extension broke down in September. Joakim Noah, France, 28, C, 6-11/235, star Fresh off his first all-star appearance, Noahs defense, rebounding and overall energy as well as his underrated ball skills on offense are essential to the Bulls success.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Anthony Bennett, Canada, 20, F, 6-8/240, prospect

The Cavs surprisingly took Bennett No. 1 in Junes NBA Draft because of his unique blend of size and scoring ability. Hell have to work for his minutes, though, as the Cavs are jammed at power forward and Bennett will certainly struggle initially on defense. Sergey Karasev, Russia, 19, G/F, 6-7/203, prospect Karasev missed summer league to compete for Russia at the World University Games, where he earned MVP honors. He has NBA skills, but his still-developing body isnt ready for NBA action yet. Tristan Thompson, Canada, 22, PF, 6-9/227, starter He bizarrely switched his free-throw shooting hand from right to left this offseason, but it seems to have worked: He shot 78 percent in international play. Thompson hopes to make another jump this year after showing much improvement in his second season. Anderson Varejao, Brazil, 30, PF/C, 6-11/260, starter In the last three seasons, Varejao has played in just 81 games while missing 149. Hes a valuable role player, and hes been cleared for training camp, but his health is an always -lingering concern.

Dallas Mavericks
Jose Calderon, Spain, 32, PG, 6-3/211, starter The Mavs paid the Spaniard upwards of $30 million for a 4-year contract this summer because of his stabilizing presence at point guard. Hes efficient and distributes the ball well, two traits that are especially valuable when paired next to new teammate Monta Ellis at shooting guard. Samuel Dalembert, Haiti/Canada, 32, C, 6-11/250, starter Dalembert will be tasked with the defensive role Tyson Chandler filled for the Mavericks in their 2010-11 championship season, and at a minimal contract, hes a good value. With the Mavericks deep bench, they can be easy with the 32-year-olds minutes. Gal Mekel, Isreal, 25, PG, 6-3/190, prospect Just the second Israeli-born player to join the NBA, Mekel signed a 3-year guaranteed deal with Dallas this summer. Hell mix it up with fellow rookies Shane Larkin and Ricky Ledo for the scrap point guard minutes. Fab Melo, Brazil, 23, C, 7-0/255, project

Its highly unlikely Melo makes the final roster for the Mavericks, who have a relatively crowded backcourt and no available roster spots. Dirk Nowitzki, Germany, 35, PF, 7-0/245, superstar After an injury-plagued, playoffs-less season, Nowitzki the greatest European to ever wear an NBA jersey -- is back to full strength entering this season. Even at his advanced age, hes one of the greatest scorers in the league, and he should see less double teams with Monta Ellis in town.

Denver Nuggets
Evan Fournier, France, 20, SG, 6-6/200, role player With Andre Iguodala and Corey Brewer gone, theres opportunity for Fournier to break out for the fast-paced Nuggets. The sharp-shooter is expected to compete with Randy Foye to start at shooting guard for the Nuggets. Danilo Gallinari, Italy, 25, F, 6-10/225, starter Recovering from an ACL tear, Gallinari will miss all of training camp and the early portion of the season. When healthy, hes a versatile scorer from inside and outside, but knee injuries are always unpredictable. Timofey Mozgov, Russia, 27, C, 7-1/250, rotation The Nuggets showed faith in Mozgov when they dealt Kosta Koufus to Memphis this summer. Mozgov skipped EuroBasket this year to focus on his new role in Denver, where hell be backing up JaVale McGee at center.

Detroit Pistons
Luigi Datome, Italy, 25, SF, 6-8/215, prospect He outplayed Italian teammate and NBA veteran Marco Bellinelli at EuroBasket, and after signing a two-year deal with Detroit, hopes to break into the Pistons rotation this season. Hes the reigning MVP of Lega Basket Serie A, Italys top basketball league. Jonas Jerebko, Sweden, 26, F, 6-10/230, reserve

Jerebkos minutes have decreased every year since starting 73 games as a rookie in 2009 -10. And he was outright benched last season. Much of that was because the Pistons have improved around him, and with Josh Smith in town, sparse minutes are a real possibility again this year.

Golden State Warriors

Andrew Bogut, Australia, 28, C, 7-0/260, starter Bogut said he feels 100 percent heading into training camp, and his health is essential to the Warriors success. They hope to contend for a championship this year, and they need his dominant defense at the rim against the Wests best squads. Festus Ezeli, Nigeria, 23, C, 6-11/255, reserve A torn ACL suffered last season will keep Ezeli sidelined until at least until midseason. If he returns healthy enough to contribute, hell battle for backup frontcourt minutes with Jermaine ONeal and Draymond Green. Ognjen Kuzmic, Serbia, 23, C, 7-1/231, prospect Kuzmic, who refused to play for his berth-country, Bosnia at EuroBasket, signed with the Warriors this year after six seasons in Europe. Hell be a deep reserve for the Warriors, who have title aspirations. Nemanja Nedovic, Serbia, 22, G, 6-3/195, The European Derrick Rose, as some call him because of his athleticism and similar physique, hopes to bring some energy off the bench. He played well for Serbia at EuroBasket 2013, including a 17-point showing against Tony Parker and France.

Houston Rockets
Omer Asik, Turkey, 27, C, 7-0/255, rotation Reportedly upset when the Rockets signed Dwight Howard in free agency, Asik is one of the hottest names on the rumor mill and could be traded before February. Until then, hell back up Howard to form the best center rotation in the NBA, and maybe play a little power forward opposite Howard. Omri Casspi, Israel, 25, SF, 6-9/225, rotation

The Rockets signed Casspi as shooting depth to surround their ball-dominating stars, but his shooting has worsened every year of his career, and he struggled at EuroBasket 2013 for Israel. The Rockets have a knack, though, for utilizing players who were underperforming elsewhere. Francisco Garcia, Dominican Republic, 32, G/F, 6-7/195, reserve Garcia is a veteran presence who can knock down open shots at both wing positions. And as he showed at times in this years FIBA Americas, he can still score when called upon. For the contending Rockets, though, hell mostly be a practice body. Donatas Motiejunas, Lithuania, 23, C, 7-0/225, prospect It wouldve been nice to play more minutes, but EuroBasket was a nice experience for D-Mo, as his Lithuanian team fell to France in the championship game. With the Rockets power forward position wide open, Motiejunas will look to break into the frontcourt rotation alongside Dwight Howard and Omer Asik.

Indiana Pacers
Ian Mahinmi, France, 26, C, 6-11/230, rotation Like last season, Mahinmi will soak up the backup minutes behind Roy Hibbert, although newcomer Luis Scola may cut into that time. Mahinmi, who skipped EuroBasket this year, showed improvement defensively last season under coach Frank Vogel, and hes blossomed from NBA fringer to serviceable backup big man. Luis Scola, Argentina, 33, PF, 6-9/245, rotation Scola was the only major NBA player to attend the FIBA Americas, and he led Argentina to the semifinals before losing to Mexico. Now hell focus his attention on Indiana, a team he joined this summer in hopes of contending for a ring. The crafty Scola will come off the bench behind David West and Roy Hibbert.

Los Angeles Lakers

Eric Boateng, United Kingdom, 27, C, 6-10/260, project

After spending last season in Germany and the year before in Greece, Boateng received a training camp invite to Los Angeles. Hes a long shot, at best, to make the final roster. At EuroBasket, his Great Britain squad didnt make it out of pool play. Dan Gadzuric, Netherlands, 35, C, 6-11/240, project Signed the day before training camp, the NBA journeyman will almost certainly not make the Lakers final roster. Hes spent the last three seasons between the D-League, China, Venezuela and shortsting NBA signings. Pau Gasol, Spain, 33, F/C, 7-0/250, star With Kobe Bryant recovering from a knee injury, the Lakers will depend on Gasols offense more than ever before. Even at 33, hes one of the most-skilled big men in the NBA. He skipped EuroBasket to ensure his health for the Lakers, and theyre going to need it if they want to keep their playoff streak alive. Elias Harris, Germany, 24, F, 6-8/240, prospect After playing well at summer league for the Lakers, the undrafted rookie earned a roster invite from the Lakers. Only $100,000 of his contract is guaranteed, but that could give him an edge over the slew of other roster hopefuls at the Lakers training camp. Steve Nash, Canada, 39, PG, 6-3/180, starter Long retired from international play, Canadas GOAT will give it another go with the Lakers after a rather disastrous 2012-13 season. Nash can still produce when healthy he mostly wasnt last season and the Lakers will need his playmaking, especially with Kobe Bryant recovering from knee injury. Robert Sacre, Canada, 24, C, 7-0/260, reserve The last overall pick in the 2012 draft, Sacre bounced between the Lakers and their D-League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, last season. But with Dwight Howard headed to Houston, the Lakers signed Sacre to a 3-year deal this summer and expect him to garner some playing time.

Memphis Grizzlies
Nick Calathes, Greece, 24, G, 6-6/213, prospect

After leaving college early to play in Greece although still garnering a second-round NBA draft choice by the Mavericks Calathes will finally join the NBA this season. While firmly behind Mike Conley on the depth chart, Calathes blend of size and stat-filling ability could earn him the backup point guard role over Jerryd Bayless. Marc Gasol, Spain, 28, C, 7-1/265, star Gasol was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year last season and made the EuroBasket alltournament team this summer. Hes entering his prime as a premier defender, an all -around contributor and one of the worlds best big men. He led the Grizzlies to a franchise -high 56 wins last season and expectations are high again. Kosta Koufos, Greece, 24, C, 7-0/265, rotation The Ohio-born Koufos put together his best season as a pro last season for Denver, starting 81 games and helping Denver to the playoffs. This year, after foregoing EuroBasket this summer, hell back up Marc Gasol and perhaps play a little power forward with Gasol up high or down low.

Miami Heat
Joel Anthony, Canada, 31, C, 6-9/245, reserve While hardly spectacular, Anthony has carved out a niche for himself as a hard-working, off-thebench complement to Miamis staple of scorers. A quality locker room guy, hell groom and push incoming big man Greg Oden, while continuing to play minutes with the second unit.

Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece, 18, G/F, 6-9/205, prospect The Greek freak rose from obscurity to a mid-first round draft pick because of the potential he displayed in Greeces second-tier league last season. The Bucks signed him to a rookie-scale contract, so hell spend this year on the Bucks bench, though the competition jump from A2 to the NBA is as wide as his wingspan. Carlos Delfino, Argentina, 31, G/F, 6-6/230, sixth man

A valuable contributor for the Rockets last season, Delfinos dependable outside game joins a crowded Milwaukee perimeter. Hes a glue guy, and at a reasonable $3.25 million salary, hes also a trade asset if things go South for the Bucks. Ersan Ilyasova, Turkey, 26, 6-10/235, starter With an influx of foreign talent joining Milwaukees roster including free agents Zaza Pachulia and Carlos Delfino Ilyasova is the only foreign-born player left from last year. His Turkey team went 1-4 at EuroBasket, but his 21 points led Turkey over Sweden for its only victory of the tournament. Zaza Pachulia, Georgia, 29, 6-11/275, rotation The Bucks signing of Pachulia this summer was a bit puzzling after they just paid Larry Sanders and Eryan Ilyasova in subsequent offseasons, but theres no doubt Pachulia brings energy and savvy to any frontcourt. Hell likely back up both power forward and center this season. Miroslav Raduljica, Serbia, 25, 7-0/250, prospect While Raduljica is technically a rookie, hes been a pro player for seven years for Serbian basketball factory FMP and a number of other European clubs. Hes yet to fully realize the potential shown early in his development, but hell learn playing behind the super-athletic Larry Sanders and crafty Zaza Pachulia.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Jose Barea, Puerto Rico, 29, PG, 6-0/175, rotation Now the unequivocal leader of the Puerto Rico national team, he led his team to the semifinals of the FIBA Americas this summer. Barea should continue to play big for his size entering a contract year and there are rumblings he hopes to re-join Dallas next summer. Gorgui Dieng, Senegal, 23, C, 6-11/245, reserve Fresh off an NCAA championship and Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors at Louisville, Dieng could contribute defensively and on the boards right away, especially for a team with some ambiguity in its second unit. Bojan Dubljevic, Montenegro, 21, PF/C, 6-9/235, project

The second-to-last pick in this years NBA Draft, Dubljevic signed an extension with Valencia Basket of Spains top-tier league. The contract has a $1 million NBA buyout, something the Wolves might use if he keeps playing like he did at this years EuroBasket. Nikola Pekovic, Montenegro, 27, C, 6-11/290, starter He broke out as one of the Western Conferences best centers last season, and the Timberwolves rewarded him with a five-year, $60 million deal. Paired with Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love, the Wolves could be one of the seasons most improved teams (if they can stay healthy). Ricky Rubio, Spain, 22, PG, 6-4/180, starter Look for a big jump from Rubio this season, as the phenoms ACL tear is fully behind hi m and he possesses more weapons around him than ever before. If Rubio can improve his outside shooting, he can be one of the NBAs premier point guards. Alexey Shved, Russia, 24, G, 6-6/182, rotation After a solid rookie campaign with Minnesota, Shved starred individually for Russia at EuroBasket, averaging 16.4 points and 4.8 assists. The Timberwolves will depend on Shved more this season for playmaking off of the bench. Ronny Turiaf, France, 30, C, 6-10/250, rotation With his France national team days likely behind him, Turiaf now enters the twilight years of his career as a physical, dependable reserve big man. Hell spend this year backing up Nikola Pekovic and challenging rookie Gorgui Dieng at practice.

New Orleans Pelicans

Al-Farouq Aminu, Nigeria, 23, F, 6-9/215, rotation Aminu, who was born in America but played for Nigeria at the 2012 Olympics, lost his starting job to newcomer Tyreke Evans, but his defense and athleticism will be vital to the Pelicans, especially with their two wing starters Evans and Eric Gordon being relatively undersized.

New York Knicks

Andrea Bargnani, Italy, 27, PF/C, 7-0/255, starter

After seven mostly underwhelming seasons with Toronto, the Knicks gave up a first-round pick and several players for the former No. 1 pick. Playing a complementary role should help Bargnanis efficiency numbers, as well as the Knicks offense, and his defensive deficiency can be covered up somewhat by playing next to Tyson Chandler. Ike Diogu, Nigeria, 30, PF/C, 6-9/250, reserve The 30-year-old journeyman whose journey took him to the Chinese Basketball Association last season hasnt appeared in an NBA game since January 2012. The Knicks have three available roster spots, but Diogu making the squad is a long shot. Pablo Prigioni, Argentina, 36, PG, 6-3/185, rotation As a rare rookie in his mid-30s, Prigioni was a pleasant surprise last season, earning a starting role in March and into the playoffs. One of the greatest European players of his generation, his defensive peskiness and energy will once again be valuable for New York. Beno Udrih, Slovenia, 31, PG, 6-3/205, reserve Years of losing in Sacramento, Milwaukee and Orlando contributed to Udrih signing the veterans minimum with the contending or at least would like to be contending Knicks in August. An underappreciated facilitator, Udrih could earn some spare minutes, especially when Raymond Felton plays some shooting guard.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Steven Adams, New Zealand, 20, C, 7-0/255, prospect Possessing fantastic size and rare athleticism, Adams was thought too raw to log minutes for the title-contending Thunder anytime soon. But he played well at summer league, especially on defense, and now enters training camp looking for reserve minutes right away. Serge Ibaka, Spain, 24, C, 6-10/245, starter Born in the Republic of the Congo, Ibaka moved to Europe at 17 and considers Spain his home basketball country. Ibaka is still improving. He posted career highs for points and rebounds last season, and hes one of the best shot blockers in the NBA and hes nowhere near full potential. Thabo Sefolosha, Switzerland, 29, G, 6-7/225, rotation

Internationally, Sefoloshas Switzerland basketball program has yet to qualify for anything of note since the 1950s. But in America, hes a key member of a perennial NBA power. His combination of wing defense and three-point shooting will again be important for OKC alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Hasheem Thabeet, Tanzania, 26, C, 7-3/265, reserve While Thabeet gets notoriety for being a busted draft pick at No. 2 in 2009, he contributed to the Thunders rotation last year, appearing in 66 games. He should log regular season minutes again this year, although hell be getting pressure from Pittsburgh rookie Steven Adams.

Orlando Magic
Andrew Nicholson, Canada, 23, PF, 6-9/250, rotation While his body and game still need work, Nicholson displayed some offensive skill in an up-anddown rookie season. He struggled on defense, and his rebounding should be better for his size. But he has potential, which was on display when he averaged 15.1 points at FIBA Americas. Romero Osby, Germany, 23, PF, 6-8/240, prospect Osby signed a non-guaranteed deal in September and will be competing for a roster spot with a slew of non-roster training camp invitees. With an influx of power forwards in Orlando, Osby has his work cut out for him, but his strong showing in summer league didnt hurt. Hedo Turkoglu, Turkey, 34, SF, 6-10/220, reserve Turkoglu isnt attending training camp, as the Magic work with Turkoglus agent to buy out his contract. Once a star in Orlando, Turkoglu is a shell of his former self -- which was never more clear than at EuroBasket -- and its best for both sides if the relationship ends sooner than later. Nikola Vucevic, Montenegro, 22, C, 7-0/240, starter Vucevic helped ease Magics loss of Dwight Howard and have some people think they even won the trade. Vucevic averaged 13.1 points and 11.1 rebounds last season, forcing the rebuilding Magic to make him an essential part of their future plans.

Philadelphia 76ers
Solomon Alabi, Nigeria, 25, C, 71/250, project

Having struggled to find an NBA role since being drafted in the second round in 2010, Alabi split time between the D-League and the Greek League last season. He was signed as a training camp body, but if theres an NBA roster he could make, its the lottery-bound Sixers, who have several injuries in their already-weak frontcourt. Mac Koshwal, Sudan, 23, PF/C, 6-10/255, project The former DePaul standout would have to really show something to make the Sixers final roster, despite the injuries to Sixers big men Kwame Brown and Arnett Moultrie. Tim Ohlbrecht, Germany, 25, PF/C, 6-11/240, reserve His contract is unguaranteed entering training camp, but with Arnett Moultrie out until at least January, Olbrecht has a chance to make a weak 76ers squad. The two-time German League All-Star was named to the D-League All-Star team last year.

Phoenix Suns
Goran Dragic, Slovenia, 27, PG, 6-3/190, starter With his country hosting EuroBasket 2013, Dragic led Slovenia to a fifth-place finish and a spot at the FIBA World Championship in 2014. Now he returns to Phoenix, where hes the teams engine. Dragic played well in his first season as a starter, and with Eric Bledsoe now at the other guard position, he should be even better. Marcin Gortat, Poland, 29, C, 6-11/240, starter Coming off a quick elimination at EuroBasket, Gortat enters a contract year aware that hes on the trading block. The Suns are trying to get younger Jared Dudley, Luis Scola and Caron Butler having all been traded and heralded rookie big man Alex Len is behind Gortat on the depth chart. Gortats skills could really help a contender this spring. Viacheslav Kravtsov, Ukraine, 26, C, 6-11/254, reserve Kravtsov led all of EuroBasket in blocks with two per game, helping Ukraine to a sixth-place finish and its first World Cup appearance in two decades. He has the makings of a serviceable backup big man if he continues to develop. Alex Len, Ukraine, 20, C, 7-1/255, prospect

The Suns consider Len a cornerstone of their future plans. The lottery pick, who had minor ankle surgery this summer, displayed great defensive skills at Maryland, and he possesses soft hands around the basket that should develop into offensive production in time. He was one of the most highly touted picks of the 13 draft.

Portland Trail Blazers

Nicolas Batum, France, 24, G/F, 6-8/200, starter Batums 17 points and formidable defense led France to a win over Lithuania in the EuroBasket championship, as the 24-year-old continues to get better and better. Having signed a 4-year deal with Portland last summer, the stout Batum will patrol the teams wing and defend opponents best players for years to come. Victor Claver, Spain, 25, F, 6-9/224, reserve Claver averaged 6.1 points and 5.1 boards at EuroBasket for Spain, which was a France overtime loss away from the championship game. The young forward now resumes his role as an end-ofbencher for the Blazers. Joel Freeland, United Kingdom, 26, F, 6-10/225, reserve He bounced between the Trail Blazers and the Idaho Stampede last season, and that could be in the works again this year. But hell enter the season on the Blazers roster and will probably spend most nights as the 11th or 12th man.

Sacramento Kings
Luc Mbah a Moute, Cameroon, 27, F, 6-8/230, starter One of the better defenders in the world, Mbah a Moute was traded to the Kings from Milwaukee for a mere second-round pick because of his offensive limitations. At this point, you wonder if the offense will ever come around, but the Kings can certainly use his ball-stopping ability. Hamady NDiaye, Senegal, 26, C, 7-0/235, project The Rutgers product spent most of last season with Tianjin RongGang of the Chinese Basketball Assocation, and as just a training camp body in Sacramento, NDiaye could again spend this season overseas.

Greivis Vasquez, Venezuela, 26, G, 6-6/211, starter His countrys only NBA representative, Vasquez couldnt play at FIBA Americas because of surgery on his right ankle. But hes healthy now, and after last seasons breakout campaign in New Orleans, Vasquez helps form an all-new perimeter trio in Sacramento with Luc Mbah a Moute and rookie Ben McLemore.

San Antonio Spurs

Aron Baynes, Australia, 26, PF/C, 6-10/260, reserve An unknown a year ago having played in four different countries and the D-League before logging playing time with San Antonio Baynes put himself on the radar with a first-round playoff start against the Lakers, when he clamped down Dwight Howard. Baynes will fight for reserve minutes this season. Marco Belinelli, Italy, 27, G, 6-5/195, rotation Its about time Belinelli joined the Spurs and their collection of European and South American talent. Belinelli was signed to the mid-level exception this year to replace Gary Neal as a backup wing to Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard. He averaged 13.6 points at EuroBasket. Nando de Colo, France, 26, G, 6-5/200, reserve Overshadowed by his more heralded French teammates, de Colo played efficiently at EuroBasket and played a role in Frances championship. The former French League MVP will look for minutes behind Tony Parker this season. Boris Diaw, France, 31, PF, 6-8/235, rotation Like several of his teammates, Diaw didnt get much of an offseason, between a seven-game NBA Finals and a EuroBasket championship. Diaws game has aged well, as the veteran figures to be another key cog in the Spurs machine. Manu Ginobili, Argentina, 36, G, 6-6/205, rotation One of the best global basketball players of all-time having won a Euroleague title, an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal Ginobili was the first of the Spurs big three to show considerable signs of aging. But he can still show flashes of greatness, as we saw in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat.

Cory Joseph, Canada, 22, G, 6-3/185, reserve Joseph was one of the best players at FIBA Americas this summer, averaging 16.1 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists. While he wont have that same green light in San Antonio, hell provide some energy off the bench on the Spurs deep roster. Patty Mills, Australia, 25, G, 6-0/185, reserve Mills still enjoys folk hero status on the international stage after leading all scorers even Kevin Durant and LeBron James -- at the 2012 Olympics. But at this point, hes just a bench guy for the Spurs, barring injury. Tony Parker, France, 31, PG, 6-2/185, superstar In last seasons NBA Finals series loss, Parker was at many times the best player on the floor. At this summers EuroBasket, he was at all times the best player on the floor. Parker is playing the best ball of his career at 31, and hes the biggest reason San Antonio will once again contend for a championship this year. Tiago Splitter, Brazil, 28, C, 6-11/240, starter Despite a so-so NBA Finals showing, the Spurs rewarded Splitter with a 4-year, $36 million deal this summer. The former Spanish ACB League MVP will man the center position in San Antonio for years to come.

Toronto Raptors
Carlos Morais, Angola, 27, G, 6-4/200, project Morais led all players with 21 points and 12 rebounds as Angola defeated Egypt for the Africa Championship back in August. Morias will compete for the Raptors last roster spot, and if he makes the team, hell be the first Angolan player to make an NBA roster. Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania, 21, C, 6-11/231, starter The Raptors are excited about Valanciunas who helped Lithuania to a second-place finish at EuroBasket and earned summer league MVP honors this summer and showed that by trading away Andrea Bargnani. Valanciunas is primed to become an NBA star after an excellent rookie season.

Utah Jazz
Andris Biedrins, Latvia, 27, PF, 7-0/242, rotation In the final year of a rather regrettable six-year, $54 million deal he signed with Golden State in 2008, Biedrins was traded to Utah so the Warriors could sign Andre Iguodala. While Biedrins' skills have declined since his golden years in Golden State, hes still a serviceable backup. Rudy Gobert, France, 21, C, 7-1/235, prospect The No. 27 selection in this years NBA Draft has spent the last three years with Cholet Basket, one of the best teams in the French League. The young Jazz are certainly bound for the lottery, and theyll look to see what they have with Gobert this year. Enes Kanter, Turkey, 21, C, 6-11/248, starter While still only 21, this is the year for Kanter to make the jump from potential to production, as the Jazz have paired him with Derrick Favors as the unquestioned frontcourt starters. The Jazz may not be great this year, but theyll be fun to watch. Scott Machado, Brazil, 23, PG, 6-1/205, prospect Born in Queens, N.Y., of Brazilian descent, Machado spent last season shuffling between NBA benches and D-League lineups. Hes just a training camp body with Utah, but the team has a roster spot available, and Machado is a candidate to fill it.

Washington Wizards
Pops Mensah-Bonsu, United Kingdom, 30, F, 6-9/235, project The Wizards have 15 players under guaranteed contract, so Pops is mostly joining training camp for the exposure. He last appeared in the NBA in 2011, and has bounced around overseas since, most recently with Olimpia Milano of the top Italian league. Nene, Brazil, 31, PF/C, 6-11/250, starter Nenes health has been an issue since Washington traded for him in March 2012, but hes stills a quality big man whos essential to the teams playoff aspirations. The Wizards young nucleus can benefit from Nenes veteran presence.

Kevin Seraphin, France, 23, C, 6-9/275, rotation Seraphin stayed home from EuroBasket to work on his skills and conditioning entering a contract year. And while it wasnt easy for him to watch his French teammates hoist the trophy, Seraphin has slimmed down and looks ready for a productive year as the teams first big man off the bench. Jan Vesely, Czech Republic, 23, PF, 6-11/240, prospect Veseley shined individually at EuroBasket, averaging 17 points and a tourney-high 11.2 boards in five games. He fell out of favor last season in Washington, but he showed confidence and energy in Slovenia the Wizards would appreciate.