Ranking the 15 NBA Players Who'll Have the Most Success Playing Overseas

The prospect of playing overseas became a reality for some players prior to Monday, but now that the union has disbanded, and the season hangs in the balance, it may become a reality for many more.

Taking one's talents overseas is appealing for many different reasons, whether it be to promote a brand, further harness one's skills or serve as a way to make some money in the interim. While the contracts will not be as lucrative, and there are certain restrictions involved, we may see players of all talent levels putting their passports to good use.

Will every athlete succeed playing within a completely different culture? It depends upon what we mean by success.

Success overseas goes beyond the stat lines. Remember, most players are only headed overseas until they can return home; most have an end-goal in their sights. For this reason, success must be measured in terms of those who have the most to gain by playing abroad.

Whether they are merely contemplating such a notion at this point, or already out of the country, some athletes may come to find that playing overseas is the most beneficial use of their time as they wait for the mess that is the NBA to get its act together.

No. 15: Ty Lawson

Ty Lawson is already basking in the glory that is Lithuania, and while that may seem to be an overly strong statement, at this point, it is a haven for the point guard.

Lawson only recently took over full-time floor general duties for the Nuggets, and if he is to develop into the star that Denver thinks he can be, he needs to embrace any opportunity to play competitive ball.

Despite being the unquestioned starter, Lawson has a lot to prove. Having already started in favor of Raymond Felton, he has now forced Andre Miller into a backup role, and needs to show he is truly worth it.

If that isn't enough motivation, then the fact that he stands at only 5'11" should be. He is small, even for a point guard, and needs to show he can be effective despite this.

With so much to prove, success overseas is the only option for Lawson. It presents a perfect opportunity for him to showcase his talents and show the world—not just the NBA—what he is made of.

No. 14: J.R. Smith

J.R. Smith has started to build a strong brand stateside, and it is only growing now that he is already playing in China.

The high-flying guard was already a highly sought after free agent—unofficially, of course—and now looks like a genius agreeing to head overseas, with the NBA lockout alive more than ever.

Not only does Smith extend his global reach by playing in China, but he becomes able to further develop his game. The volatile seven-year veteran has never seemed to be able to breach the plateau into the realm of dominance, and now he has the opportunity to become even more of a focal point than if he were with the Denver Nuggets.

As one of the first ones to take the leap, Smith will be amongst those who takes away the most, in terms of finances, marketability and effectiveness, from his overseas escapades. 

No. 13: Deron Williams

If not for anything else, Deron Williams is a certainty to be successful in Turkey because he basically started a movement.

Williams pushed for decertification from the beginning, and now that the outlook on the season has never been worse, he comes off as the smartest of them all, and he is likely to create a bigger, better name for himself as a result.

As we look toward the free agency binge of 2012, Williams' name doesn't seem to hold as much clout as Dwight Howard's or Chris Paul's. This can all change given that he now has everyone's attention because he was the voice of reason from the beginning of this lockout.

Williams is going to be in the spotlight now more than ever, and it gives him the opportunity to showcase his talents in a way he never could with the Utah Jazz or even back home with the New Jersey Nets.

And this is an opportunity he is not going to waste. Whenever this lockout ends, his stock will have never been higher.

No. 12: Wilson Chandler

Wilson Chandler was thought to be taking a huge risk when he made the jump to China, but now looks like a genius, even more so than J.R. Smith, since he left first.

Chandler is one of the most versatile players in the NBA, but at 24 and with only four years of experience under his belt, he is at a fragile point in his career. He was impressive, but nonetheless struggled with the tumultuous New York Knicks before finally coming into his own with the team last season.

And then he got traded. While he adjusted quite nicely with Denver, Chandler has to keep playing to ensure his skills continue to develop. Switching teams yet again also gives him the opportunity to learn how to adapt to his surroundings better.

Chandler has the tools to be a star, and his overseas experience will help him mature and bring him within reach of his full potential. 

Not to mention it also allows him to start building a brand. That's a win-win-win. 

No. 11: Stephen Curry

The 23-year-old Stephen Curry has kept playing overseas within his pool of options, and rightfully so as he would prove to excel beyond our wildest dreams.

Curry seems ready to take the reins of a Golden State Warriors team who hasn't had anyone handling said reins in years. Like Monta Ellis, he is capable of playing both guard positions, but is more of a chameleon, and able to assume each role more efficiently.

While Curry is one of the deadliest shooters in the game, we must remember that he is only two years removed from college, and missing an entire season could damage his potential to become a superstar.

Playing overseas keeps Curry in a groove and allows him to continue to learn the ins and outs of professional ball. The kid is headed for stardom, a road that playing abroad ensures he won't deviate from.

No. 10: Rudy Gay

Why would Rudy Gay be so successful if he went to play overseas? Because after months of trade speculation and being linked to the term "expendable," the small forward has to have a chip on his shoulder.

Currently, Gay should be proving to the rest of league he was worth every penny the Memphis Grizzlies spent on him last summer, and that he remains an integral part of their future. That's not going to happen anytime soon though.

Playing overseas could be compared to a Major League Baseball team sending a star to the minors to rehabilitate. Gay is coming off a lost season, and while it's ironic he is facing another one, a comeback abroad is better than no one at all.

At 25, Gay is more than capable of returning to form, but still has much to prove nonetheless, and we all now how dangerous a player with something to prove can be.

Gay would light it up if he heads overseas.

No. 9: DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins had a very impressive rookie year in terms of production, but is one of the candidates who is most likely to squander his promise over off-court issues.

Playing overseas is an option Cousins has seriously considered and is one that might be incredibly beneficial to his overall development, in all aspects of his life.

When entering a foreign environment, one his forced to focus on learning the culture, and this applies to playing basketball abroad as well. Should Cousins opt to play in Europe, he may not be as liable to act inappropriately on or off the court.

Now that the danger of the season being cancelled is greater than ever, Cousins has more time to get into trouble. Playing overseas provides him with a distraction, as well as an outlet for his energy. Take a person out of their comfort zone, and you see what they are truly made of.

Cousins is a remarkable athlete, and should he head overseas, he will ironically make the trip without any baggage, becoming both a better player, and person.

No. 8: Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony has achieved immense success over his eight seasons in the NBA, but there seems to be something that is preventing him from being mentioned in the same breath as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Perhaps it because Anthony lacks defensive prowess, or maybe it's simply because the aforementioned players' brands are bigger than his, but whatever the reason, playing overseas can change it.

Taking his talents abroad not only allows Anthony to stay in peak physical condition, but also gives him a chance to work on his defensive shortcomings as well as promote his brand. He is a dominant scorer stateside, and that is unlikely to change anywhere else.

In a different setting, Anthony can have a fresh start and become a multi-faceted player, and stave off the label of one-dimensional for good.

No. 7: LaMarcus Aldridge

Despite LaMarcus Aldridge generating MVP buzz this past season, he receives little recognition for his talents.

Aldridge is a superstar, with a strong role player's reputation, and playing overseas could help change that. The power forward was on pace to make some serious noise next season, and this is momentum he cannot afford to lose even amidst the lockout.

Playing abroad provides Aldridge to further his influence, exposing himself and his game to a whole new demographic. He is talented enough to succeed anywhere that he plays, and after an overseas stint, there would be no qualms about such an argument.

This was supposed to be the year that Aldridge was no longer a well-kept secret, but rather a superstar who commanded respect. With the opportunity to play overseas still presenting itself, there is no reason why this still cannot be the time for him develop a recognized brand.

No. 6: Derrick Rose

Fresh off an MVP award, interest surrounding Derrick Rose is incredibly strong, and this is something he needs to capitalize off of.

After only three years in the NBA, Rose has built himself quite a name, and playing overseas will only increase its global reach.

Additionally, we have to remember that at only 23, Rose is still learning the ins and outs of the game, and while taking a year off from competitive ball may not hurt him, it isn't going to help either.

Based on Rose's performance over these first few seasons, he will do nothing but blow by everyone else on the court, on his way to becoming one of the most productive players there is.

This time around though, any distinction he earns himself, will have a global weight to it. 

No. 5: Dwyane Wade

Unlike his partner in crime, Dwyane Wade seems open to playing overseas.

Wade's brand is already strong, but taking his talents abroad will only increase its clout. However, it also gives him the opportunity to play outside of the big three.

Unlike Chris Bosh, Wade's identity has not disappeared within the Miami Heat's superstar powerhouse, but as long as LeBron James is LeBron James, the spotlight is going to prove elusive.

Wade is the most valuable player on Miami, yet his accolades often take a backseat to James'. Overseas, away from James, Wade will be able to remind the basketball world why he is perhaps the greatest player to never win a league MVP award.

Make no mistake that Wade will be a force wherever he plays, it's just that any success he experiences overseas may earn him a bit more appreciation stateside.

No. 4: Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant has had a dominant four seasons in the NBA, but he has only begun to receive the type of attention that LeBron James does fairly recently.

Durant is a monster of a scorer, who can score from anywhere on the court, and it is highly unlikely any of that would change if he decides to head overseas. However, his scoring accolades will not be his soul means of success abroad, as he is in the early stages of building his brand, and foreign exposure would only help.

Durant, somewhat quietly, has become one of the best players in the game, and his embraceable personality will not only make him a fan-favorite wherever he winds up, but he will get to showcase his talents to a whole new demographic.

Playing abroad provides an opportunity for Durant to stay in game-ready condition, but mostly it's a way for him to continue to dominate the game of basketball while building his overall reputation in the process.

No. 3: Dwight Howard

Think Dwight Howard is the best defender the game has seen? Picture him blocking shots and grabbing boards over in China, where someone Yao Ming's size was literally one in a billion.

With Howard poised to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, the interest surrounding the star center has never been stronger, and he has never played better. His dominance in the low-post is something the league hasn't truly witnessed since Shaquille O'Neal was in his prime.

Wherever Howard may opt to go, there isn't going to be a soul who can prevent him from wreaking havoc in the paint. After all, if there was, said person would have been in the NBA long ago.

Playing abroad will only make Howard seem more dominant, and increase the overall interest in his services next summer.

If that's even possible, of course.

No. 2: LeBron James

LeBron James would dominate overseas just like he does in here, but he doesn't seem inclined to explore overseas options. For a guy who wants to become a billion-dollar athlete, this is somewhat surprising.

James' skill and brand are undeniable, but taking his talents abroad only further both. His dominance on a foreign court only enhances his ability to hold a candle to Michael Jordan, and overseas basketball means more global exposure, which would lead to a wider fan base.

And if that isn't motivation enough, James' public image stands to improve as long as he wouldn't lash out at any reporters. Whether James likes it or not, he is not the most marketable athlete right now.

James will always dominate the stat lines, but a stint abroad would further validate his abilities while helping him establish a more favorable public persona by captivating audiences worldwide.

Not to mention it's a "decision" that is more likely to be universally embraced than his last major one.

No. 1: Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant has been toying with the possibility of playing overseas for quite sometime now, and the dissolving of the union may be just the push he needs to make a major commitment.

At 33, and with 15 seasons under his belt, Bryant remains one of the best players in the game. That being said, he is not immune to uncertainty.

It is unclear as to how much gas Bryant has left tank, and the cancellation of an NBA season is only going to add fuel to that fire. Should the shooting guard opt to play abroad though, he stands to silence many of those who doubt the strength of his knees and ability to dominate overall.

Bryant cannot play forever, but he is still more effective than 99 percent of the league's players. After months of speculation regarding his abilities, he may feel as if he has something to prove though.

And he does.

It is this very notion that made him so dangerous heading into next season. And it is this very notion that makes him liable to light it up overseas just as he would have on his home court.

Bryant has more miles on his body than anyone else on this list, yet after all he has done, there is still no one who stands to gain more, or experience a greater amount of success playing abroad.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.