West, Dunleavy, and Price made a number of salient points.

Work ethic, and intangibles like heart and perseverance play a part, yes. But length and athleticism are essential. Are the greatest athletes in the world African-Americans? Well, a very high percentage of the best sprinters, leapers, basketball players, baseball players and football players are black. That’s undeniable.

I think Dunleavy hit the nail right on the head when he said: “It all comes down to — key point: who can he guard?”

The NBA is one of the most egalitarian institutions in our society. If you can play, NBA GMs will give you an opportunity to prove you’re the best man for the job.

It seems to me like this isn’t a matter of race at all, but culture.

The culture of other countries bringing up players with work ethic, skills, heart and desire… qualities that often economically disadvantaged people in the U.S. find in themselves as they break away from their circumstances.

The racial demographics that this just happens to apply to is what explains the demographics in the NBA, the all defensive team, etc.