Kevin Wilson Q & A
Q: You have now been in the NBA as a scout in Europe for over 10 years. How has the game changed?
A: The global game is becoming much more athletic, much more competitive than ever before. Kids are developing their skills and are using it now as a career goal where it may not have been in the past. The arenas are getting better, the TV coverage is wider, the quality of play and depth has improved.
Q: Two years ago the talk of the draft were these young European players who went very high. Several have not done well in the NBA so far. What happened?
A: Sometimes the fruit that is picked is too ripe. The only way players get better is with practice, experience and playing time, and in the NBA that is very hard to do. It is not really on the job training. The ones who did not fair well so far are still pretty young, but the clock is ticking.
Q: Will we continue to see an influx of European players?
A: Of course, the NBA is still the crème de la crème and it really is where most want to play. However with the improving landscape, and money, in Europe a few who could play here will stay overseas. That has happened in the past but now there is more opportunity over there.
Q: There are many young Americans who cannot make the NBA level yet and have to choose other options. Is Europe a good fit?
A: It depends on the player and the country but it can be. The biggest opportunity for players in Europe is the ability to play. The young players develop because of the club system and there are Americans who do go over, gain that experience and come back and have thriving careers. But it has to be the right fit, because the lifestyle is different.
Q: Which country has developed it’s game the most in the last five years?
A: Very hard to say because of the overall growth of basketball in Europe. European play is now very deep and pretty well balanced, and each year a new country emerges with a thriving pro league.
Q: How many games do you go to a year?
A: I average at least four games a week in person, 45 weeks out of the year. Being based in Spain the travel is not that difficult usually.
Q: How do you select where to go and when?
A: That is a big part of the job. The planning of where to go is crucial because sometimes clubs “hide” players or rest them from time to time. You have to make a list, target key players and find multiple opportunities to see them play. It is not always easy, but if you work hard at it you can see who you need to see several times.
Q: How do you think hoops will change in the next five year?
A: The game will continue to become more global. We didn’t even talk about the growth in popularity in the Far East and Africa! I also think the European game will start to pick up some more qualities, like physical toughness and play. As it grows in a global scope, it will also be easier to identify and follow talent, which is also a challenge still.
Q: We know that Europe is viewed as the next frontier from the NBA. How is the NBA viewed from Europe?
A: From a players perspective it is the ultimate goal. The fans also have a high regard, but there is also a dichotomy. Fans love the game everywhere, but not necessarily all the pageantry and excess. Still in countries where pro leagues are thriving we are seeing more and more of the pomp and circumstance. So in many ways the NBA is viewed with mixed emotions, although I would say most are very positive.
Q: The Knicks have never had a great European player. Do you think they will?
A: Well that’s why I am here. I think it is a great deal about timing and this year we may be poised to take a player who is not an American with one of our picks. If the opportunity does arise, we will be prepared.
