Don Wade of the Memphis Commercial Appeal runs an article on players from Europe and elsewhere coming into the NBA.

He comments on the preference the league has for taller players from outside North America.  Guards don't seem to be at such a premium.

Most teams are picking up a European player, with Dallas having perhaps led the way.  But there are numerous other examples.  For example, San Antonio has three foreign players protected, with the best being 6'6" guard Emanuel Ginobili of Argentina.

So why do people refer to players from Argentina or China as "European"?  Anyway, it's a good look at the emergence of players from outside North America.