NBA teams becoming more careful about drafting international players

Foreign talent pool for draft smaller than usual

INDIANAPOLIS — The number of foreign players drafted in the NBA has been dropping.

A record 21 foreign players were drafted in 2003, but the total has dropped each year since. The total fell to 13 last season.

If the mock drafts hold up, that number could dip again during Thursday’s draft.

Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird says the talent pool is smaller than usual.

Ricky Rubio of Spain and Hasheem Thabeet of Tanzania are expected to be among the top five picks. But there are few other sure things from overseas this year.