In this article, we break down the top 10 international NBA players of all-time, and break down some of their best achievements.
NBA basketball has become one of the most-watched sports in the world. The league has produced some of the greatest players ever, from Michael Jordan to LeBron James.
Basketball was originally played by men only, but women started playing the game in the 1970s. Today, women play basketball at every level, from high school to college to professional leagues.
NBA basketball has become one of America’s favorite sports. You can find the best NBA odds here. The league has produced great players over the years, from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant. But the top international players in the NBA also bask in the spotlight, and we went on and listed their names down below.
Who are the Top 10 International NBA Players of All-Time?
Basketball has truly become a global sport, and it’s no wonder why these international players were able to put their names among the greatest figures in NBA history.
10. Rudy Gobert – France
Rudy Gobert is still in his prime years as he is just turning 30 this June, but he has already collected tons of individual accolades so far. Gobert, who has played for the Utah Jazz since 2013, is already a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time NBA All-Star.
9. Dirk Nowitzki- Germany
Dirk Nowitzki is considered one of the best power forwards in NBA history. He is also known as “The German Sniper” because of his ability to score from outside. In 2011, he led his Dallas Mavericks team to a successful NBA title bid.
9. Manu Ginobili- Argentina
Manu Ginobli is a four-time NBA champion and a one-time Olympic gold medalist. He is one of the most decorated international players of all time, especially considering his heroic feats in leading Argentina to successful FIBA tournament runs.
8. Yao Ming – China
Standing at a lengthy 7-foot-6 frame, Yao Ming partnered his towering height with his skills. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star with the Houston Rockets, but his career was cut short due to consecutive injuries that took away his ability to perform at a high level.
7. Luka Doncic – Slovenia
Luka Doncic is still very young at 23 years of age, but he was already named to three NBA All-Star teams and two All-NBA First Team selections. Doncic, who was also the 2019 NBA Rookie of the Year, is undoubtedly chartering his course towards becoming the best international player in NBA history.
6. Pau Gasol – Spain
Pau Gasol is a two-time NBA champion and six-time All-Star. He was named an All-Star in each of his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. His finesse and skill as a big man were amazing sights to behold.
5. Tony Parker – France
A valuable member of the San Antonio Spurs Big 3 that also featured Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, it is without any uncertainty that Tony Parker was an essential cog in the team’s successful championship runs. Parker won the NBA Finals MVP in 2007 and has six NBA All-Star appearances under his belt.
4. Nikola Jokic – Serbia
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets has been a revelation in the past few years, carving his name as one of the best all-around big men in NBA history. He was the league MVP in 2021, and he has already been on four trips to the NBA All-Star Game.
3. Steve Nash – Canada
Steve Nash is one of the best point guards in basketball, having won two MVP awards and notching eight All-Star appearances in the NBA. It’s a shame that he never won a championship during his heyday with the Phoenix Suns, but there’s no doubt that Nash has established himself as one of the top international players in NBA history.
2. Dirk Nowitzki – Germany
Dirk Nowitzki is considered one of the best power forwards in NBA history. He is also known as “The German Sniper” because of his ability to score from outside. In 2011, he led his Dallas Mavericks team to a successful NBA title bid.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Greece
With two Most Valuable Player trophies, one Finals MVP plum, and an NBA Defensive Player of the Year title, Giannis Antetokounmpo has steadily put himself at the top of the best international NBA players of all time. Giannis also led the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship, cementing his legacy even more.
