The overseas basketball journey for American players is a complex and eye-opening story – and Jay Williams’ documentary 'Imported' dives deep into this often-overlooked world. Williams, a former NBA guard and the second overall pick in the 2002 draft, has long been curious about what it’s like to take your basketball career abroad. Though a motorcycle accident in 2003 cut his NBA career short and he briefly considered playing professionally in Italy, he never got the chance. But through the documentary "Imported," Williams gained a fresh perspective on the unique challenges and rewards American players face when playing internationally.
Currently streaming on Hulu, "Imported" highlights the experiences of professional basketball players who chose to continue their careers overseas after their NBA or WNBA aspirations didn’t pan out. These Americans share heartfelt stories about their motivation for playing abroad—not just for love of the game, but also to immerse themselves in new cultures, engage with passionate fans, and confront unexpected hurdles like international conflicts and payment disputes.
The film was directed by Fiz Olajide and co-produced by Williams alongside Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo through their company, Improbable Media. It was brought to life by producer Mike Creppy Jr., a former overseas player himself. Alongside Williams, the documentary features voices like former NBA guard Marcus Williams, WNBA draftee Lindsey Pulliam, and ex-Louisville guard Edgar Sosa, offering a wide range of perspectives.
Here’s an insightful Q&A with Jay Williams, 44, where he discusses his involvement with "Imported," his hopes for what viewers will learn, and his thoughts on the evolving landscape of basketball globally.
How did you become part of this project?
Having Giannis Antetokounmpo as a partner gave me extraordinary insight, especially seeing Euro basketball through his eyes and his family's. After my injury, I briefly explored Italy’s leagues and connected with players overseas. I’ve heard all sorts of stories—some truly eye-opening—about playing abroad. From players navigating war zones to struggling to get paid, and adjusting to different playing styles and physical demands, it’s a side of basketball many don't see. Interestingly, European players have dominated MVP awards in the NBA over the last decade, showing how intertwined our leagues are becoming.
Right now, conversations about the next big American star—like Anthony Edwards—often carry extra pressure due to European influence and new international leagues backed by the NBA and figures like LeBron James. This makes it a fascinating and timely moment to explore how overseas basketball differs from what we experience in the States.
Why didn’t you end up playing in Italy?
I had the opportunity and met my team, but unfortunately, after coming back to the U.S., I suffered a dislocated right ankle, which prevented me from going overseas to play.
What message do you want viewers to take away from "Imported"?
Many people wrongly believe that if you don’t play in the NBA, you haven’t succeeded. But ask Trajan Langdon, a former NBA guard who thrived in Moscow, and you’ll hear a different story. International basketball offers growing earning potential and unique business models that differ vastly from the U.S., especially for women’s basketball. I hope viewers understand how the sport operates worldwide, the opportunities it presents, and also the significant challenges.
Each player’s journey overseas is unique, which adds depth to the storytelling. Unlike the U.S., where career paths follow similar patterns, being an American abroad often means dealing with being "imported" into a totally different system, and that experience can differ dramatically.
What was your role in making the documentary?
Mike Creppy, a former overseas player, was central to the storytelling. Listening to his experiences unlocked other stories that formed the backbone of the film. My role was to help produce it, review raw footage, provide feedback, and shape how the story was told.
As a basketball enthusiast, this project was a dream. Covering college and NBA basketball now, I notice more and more influences from overseas styles and trends in the U.S., especially with players being recruited internationally and new rules allowing players from pro leagues to enter college. The landscape of basketball is changing rapidly and in exciting ways.
Should NBA players be more aware of international basketball opportunities?
Absolutely, and I hope fans and players alike recognize the growing influence of international basketball. This is why the NBA is focusing on expanding international leagues like NBA Europe, and why new ventures involving LeBron James are attracting significant investment to improve facilities and venues.
The NBA’s relationship with China is an early example of expanding global revenue streams, and Yao Ming’s impact on the Houston Rockets shows how international talent boosts franchise value. Although the NBA hasn't yet identified major stars in some countries like India, the potential is enormous. For too long, basketball has been viewed through an "America first, world second" lens, but talent and passion worldwide are shrinking that gap fast.
Why is it important to include women’s stories in this documentary?
The experiences of women playing overseas can be even more striking than those of men. Many female players feel more appreciated abroad than in their home countries, yet they face distinct challenges, including concerns about safety and vulnerability in unfamiliar environments. Their playing style is also often quite different internationally. Financially, overseas leagues often offer the best chances for women to earn a living playing the game, but it comes with sacrifices and hardships. The women’s narrative adds vital balance and highlights the contrasts within the basketball world.
What do you foresee for the future of international basketball?
We’re likely to see NBA franchises embedded in Europe, not just leagues branded with the NBA name. Youth basketball worldwide is on the brink of massive change, fueled by private equity investments in sports, which is a trillion-dollar industry. Programs like Overtime Elite are just the start; academies will spread globally, resembling the soccer model—where young players combine education and athletic training from a young age.
I like to think of youth basketball development like martial arts belt systems—players will progress through clear stages, with data and analytics tracking their growth, helping teams and leagues manage talent globally. AI and e-commerce will enhance this ecosystem, making youth basketball more organized and professionalized beyond casual park play.
Reflecting on the documentary, are you more curious about what your career in Italy might have been like?
I do wonder what it would have been like, but at that time, my entire focus was on returning to the NBA, so I didn’t explore other possibilities. Conversations with players like Sue Bird and watching documentaries about Diana Taurasi show both the financial opportunities and personal challenges of playing abroad—being away from family, adapting to new cultures, building new relationships under language barriers, and dealing with ownership structures. It’s often harder than it seems.
The documentary allowed us to honestly portray the grit and complexity of playing overseas, which I appreciate deeply. The experience sounds appealing on paper but living it is a tough, transformative journey.
Marc J. Spears, Senior NBA writer for Andscape, used to dunk effortlessly but hasn’t been able to in years due to persistent knee pain.
