I think that you underrate the 'talent' of the European players. Why is it that we consider a big man that posesses an accurate jumper from the perimeter (think Larry Byrd) as remarkable here in the States. The Europeans Leagues are loaded with them.
The problem with the NBA is that the courts have destroyed the feeder system. The really good high school talent is already looking at the NBA, either directly or after getting a cup of coffee in college. They are missing 3 - 4 years of development.
"I think you underrate the 'talent' of the European players."
Amen to that. Amazing that the ability to shoot the ball is not considered talent. I've often contended that NBA players are the most overrated athletes in the world. The range of skills they possess is incredibly limited. They can jump. Whoop dee doo. Hell, their major "skill" is being tall.