Brooklyn Nets assistant general manager Trajan Langdon may know a few things about international players. After not getting interest from NBA teams following his three-year stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers that ended in 2002, the former Duke Blue Devil shipped himself to Europe, where he prospered for eight years.

When asked about his thoughts on international players and what they learn at a young age, Langdon mentioned that it's learning how to play “the right way.”

“I think there's things that come with the international game that can be found in the states as well. I think the one thing about international basketball that permeates over there is unselfishness and playing for the team.

“I think all kids that grow up training there grow up essentially learn how to play the right way, passing the ball, being efficient, understanding your role, working hard and having a common goal as a team, not wavering on that, being coachable. Those are the different things that you can find with international players that I think you can find with international players that I think at this point lack somewhat in American players.

The 40-year-old front office executive also added that there is a growing need for European flavor, adding a different look to a team.

“When you sprinkle in some international talent, hopefully that can influence your young players, regardless of where they're from and to help make your culture stronger and your team better.”

The San Antonio Spurs may be used as a prime model for this approach due to the success that the team has enjoyed for the longest time. While Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich‘s contributions are immeasurable, it is also hard to deny that the presence of international talent has made life easier for the Spurs. Interestingly enough, Langdon was a Spurs scout for three years.

The Nets possess foreign players on their current roster, with the likes of Luis Scola, and Bojan Bogdanović, veterans that are heavily relied on to influence their young teammates. Having played with a lot of players around and their diversified skill sets, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Langdon continue to influence the team’s top brass to sign more international players in the years to come.