In reflecting upon the success of Basketball Without Borders, Adam Silver added that he wants the NBA to be more involved in the worldwide development of the game.

“There’s nothing more important than continuing to develop that next generation of players. Historically, we played more of a passive role when it came to development of players, whether it was through college system or systems that existed in Europe or other parts of the world. Those players were, in essence, presented to us when they are ready for the draft. I think we’re increasingly of the view that we can have more direct involvement in the development of players. If we get to them, boys and girls, at a younger age, we can begin teaching them not just fundamentals but the values of this game, helping them build character around the game, teaching them about their bodies, and teaching them the importance of nutrition and sleep and stretching and physical fitness,” said Silver.

The NBA recently announced plans to start a 12-team league in Africa.

A recent study also found that nearly a million people in Australia play basketball, more than half of whom are under 25 years old.

Luka Doncic's success has many current and former players weighing in on whether young European prospects are more prepared to play in the NBA than their American counterparts.

“One thing about the European prospects: They are a little bit more fundamentally sound, better than we are. Over there, they practice the basics. Over here, we rely a lot on our talents: jumping, shooting, running. Europeans have always been like that, and Doncic looks pretty good," said Shaquille O'Neal.

Wes Matthews pointed to the differences between a professional European setting and college basketball.

“A lot of rookies in the States right now, they’re young...they’re not quite as seasoned as far as practice times and film sessions and all that kind of stuff. If you would’ve drafted me after my freshman year in college, all I would’ve known is high school, where I could’ve essentially done whatever I wanted to do because I was the best player,” said Matthews.

The debate comes on top of Mark Cuban's comments comparing AAU basketball to Slovenia's basketball system, although Jaren Jackson Jr. defended AAU basketball. 

"I had fun playing AAU. I don’t really look at it like it’s a negative...I would just say, ‘Play more AAU games.’ They’re fun. I like them," said Jackson.