Top 10 Best European Players Who Played In The NBA

The NBA has a rich history of competing highly skilled athletes against each other in tense games. Ever since it began 75 years ago, it has dominated the global basketball scene. This is one of the reasons why the NBA has seen a great deal of successful players from all parts of the world.

The players are highly impressive in terms of their mental and physical agility. The standards for current rookies continues to get higher thanks to the following players’ careers.

For that reason, it is worth checking out the latest NBA betting odds to make sure that you are using the latest data to generate the most accurate predictions. These are some of the best European players to have made a name for themselves.

Dirk Nowitzki

Firstly, a highly significant part of the NBA to this day is Dirk Nowitzki who is still considered one of the greatest power forwards that the championship has ever seen. Originally from Germany, Nowitzki gained his reputation for demonstrating some of the highest levels of accuracy on a regular basis.

Nowitzki’s enormous amount of success during his career can be seen from the 2007 NBA MVP selection, as well as other key records for the Mavericks franchise.

Pau Gasol

Another highly impressive superstar player appearing in a total of eighteen NBA seasons is Pau Gasol. The Spanish player maintained a career lasting over two decades, and proved himself as an essential member of the LA Lakers.

Having won two NBA titles, Gasol did not stop there, and went on to represent his country in the Olympic Games. As a result, Gasol also has three Olympic medals of his own. This player truly is a global phenomenon who secured enormous gains during his time in the NBA.

Tony Parker

Originally from Belgium, Parker did not waste any time in securing his share of NBA gains. Known as one of the best point guards within the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs greatly benefitted from the addition of the Frenchman. He may be retired, but he still holds many records within the franchise and the NBA as a whole.

Nikola Jokic

A young addition to the list who has already demonstrated a huge amount of potential is Nikola Jokic. The 26-year-old Serbian is a highly valuable player, and has already been named to the All-Star team three times. Jokic has potential to break records and finish his career as a top athlete.

Rudy Gobert

A highly successful defensive French player is Rudy Gobert, who was named Defensive Player Of The Year three times. Gobert is a force to be reckoned with who does not let anything pass unnoticed. The defensive player even has also secured three Olympic medals.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Nicknamed ‘The Greek Freak’, Antetokounmpo gained his reputation for explosive drives to the hoop. He led the Bucks throughout his career, but the 2016-17 season was especially monumental for Antetokounmpo. Leading the Bucks in all five major statistical categories is something that made him stand out as an all-round player.

Luka Doncic

Also known as ‘Luka Magic’, Doncic is a young Slovenian who has already shown his capacity for athleticism that is certain to make him a superstar player during his career.

He has a unique talent that makes him stand out, which can be seen in his early basketball career. Doncic dominated every league and game possible as a teenager in Madrid, which secured him his first NBA Draft.

Arvydas Sabonis

Another player who used his height to his advantage was Arvydas Sabonis, who stood taller than seven feet tall, giving him a huge natural vantage point for his team members. With three Olympic medals under his belt, the Lithuanian was a highly valued center player with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Drazen Petrovic

An essential member of the New Jersey Nets was Petrovic. The Croatian led the franchise to playoffs and was even known for his intense trash-talking to members of the opposing team. Unfortunately, Petrovic passed away at the age of 28, and it is a tragedy that is mourned in European Basketball frequently.

Kristaps Porzingis

Creating a name for himself from the age of six, Porzingis was keen to follow in his parents’ footsteps and become a basketball champion. He was the highest drafted Latvian player in NBA history, and is known for being an outstanding player.

Summary

The NBA has seen a huge selection of nationalities within players, and the diversity of the league should be celebrated. With players from all over the world competing and taking part in world-renowned franchises, the NBA continues to defend its reputation as the most influential basketball championship in the world.

 

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