In recent years, there has been an influx of NBA talents from around the world, especially in Europe. Americans once dominated the NBA league alone, but not any more!
The game has gradually turned into a display where international players are now important assets to the success of their success.
The modern NBA has European topnotch talents like Giannis Antetounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Luca Doncic, who are not only competing but leaving a mark in the league — the All-Star selections and MVP candidates.
Without further ado, let’s explore the dominant European basketball players in NBA courts.
Dirk Nowitzki (Germany)
NBA Ranking: #158 in assists, #94 in steals, #53 in blocks, #26 in rebounds, and #6 in scoring.
For many, Dirk Nowitzki is at the top of European NBA players of all time.
As one of the best defensive forwards in basketball, he took his teams into several playoffs and even won a championship, all without a star companion. He also recreated this in Germany, where he won various medals with a team without top talents.
Among 7-footers, Dirk Nowitzki’s shooting ability from every range and angle, setting his feet, and off the dribble was unparalleled.
Resume/Achievements:
- 14× All-Stars
- 12× All-NBA selections
- 1× European Silver medal
- 1× World Cup Bronze medal
- 1× MVP
- 1× NBA title
- 1× Final MVP
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)
NBA Ranking: #238 in steals, #141 in assists, #106 in blocks, #83 in rebounds, and #71 in scoring
Giannis Antetokounmpo is popularly known as the “Greek Freak” on the court. He’s what anyone would call an NBA sensation—an unstoppable force on the court.
At a young age, he already has an NBA championship and two MVP awards, proof of his versatility and athleticism that makes him one of the dominant European basketball players on NBA courts and a nightmare for opponents.
However, even though he has a shooting weakness, his general gameplay already makes him legendary, and he could go on to be one of the best players of all time.
Resume/Achievements:
- 8× All-Stars
- 6× All-NBA 1st Team selections
- 4× All-Defensive 1st Team Selections
- 2× MVPs
- 1× Final MVP
- 1× NBA title
- 1× Defensive Player of the Year Award
Rudy Gobert (France)
NBA Ranking: #430 in scoring, #58 in rebounds, and #33 in blocks
Rudy Gobert from France is another one of the dominant European basketball players on NBA courts.
As a defense superstar, he has four Defensive Player of the Year awards to his name, making him rank among the most ever, such as Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo.
He is a six-time all-defensive first-team selection, and that’s not all! The Stifle Tower also shines in other areas, as he led the league in rebounds per game in the 2021 to 2022 seasons.
Resume/Achievements:
- 7× All-Defensive 1st team selections
- 4× Defensive Player of the Year awards
- 3× All-Stars award
- 3× All-NBA 3rd team selections
- 2× Eurobasket Bronze medals
- 2× World Cup Bronze medals
- 2× Olympic Silver medals
- 1× All-NBA 2nd team selection
Luka Dončić (Slovenia)
NBA Ranking: #314 in scoring and #191 in assists.
Luka Dončić is considered one of the best NBA players of all time.
He came to America from one of the best European basketball teams to the Atlanta Hawks and then to the Dallas Mavericks, where he won the 2019 NBA Rookie Award of the Year and five consecutive NBA All-Stars selections.
Luka Magic also became the leading scorer in the league—an exceptional talent!
He blends rebounding, playmaking, scoring, and potion to create a special master play. Based on form, NBA’s Wonderboy is expected to join the Greatest of All Time alongside Lebron, Kobe, and Micahel Jordan.
Resume/Achievements:
- 5× All-Stars
- 5× All-NBA 1st team selections
- 1× Conference Finals MVP
- 1× Euroleague Final Four MVP award
- 1× Euroleague MVP award
- 1× Eurobasket Gold Medal
Nikola Jokić (Serbia)
NBA Ranking: #288 in blocks, #286 in steals, #187 in scoring, #107 in rebounds, and #81 in assists.
Nikola plays for the Denver Nuggets and is commonly regarded as one of the best NBA centers ever.
Lauded as “the Joker,” he is proficient in rebounding, scoring, and passing. Though he was drafted in the second round, he has made a name for himself since he is a 3-time NBA MVP, multiple All-NBA selection, and All-Star.
One of Nikola Jokić’s prominent achievements is having the third-most career triple-doubles by an overseas player. Also, he boasts of being the fastest triple-double ever—a real talent!
Resume/Achievements:
- 6× All-Star
- 4× All-NBA 1st team selections
- 3× MVPs
- 1× Olympic bronze medal
- 1× Olympic silver medal
- 1× Conference finals MVP
- 1× Finals MVP
- 1× NBA title
Tony Parker (France)
NBA Ranking: #155 in steals, #57 in scoring, and #20 in assists
Tony Parker ranks among the greatest European basketball players in the NBA due to his signature tear-drop floater move, short paint, and spin move.
However, Tony doesn’t have the range expected from a shooter, and he wasn’t a top-notch defender either, but he ranks as an all-time guard.
In the end, his talent speaks volumes to his solid capability as a lead guard, a feat that isn’t easy for many.
Resume/Achievements:
- 6× All-Stars
- 4× EuroBasket medals
- 4× NBA title
- 3× All-NBA 2nd Team selections
- 1× EuroBasket MVP
- 1× Finals MVP
Summing Up
Outside of America, Europe is the next big thing for the NBA — the hotbed for basketball.
It’s proven by the large number of European basketball players in NBA courts who have made the spotlight over the last three decades. In any list of Dominant NBA players from overseas, about half are often from Europe.
So, maybe next time you hear of the EuroLeague, perhaps give some of the top European-born talents their flowers — they earned it.
FAQs
How many NBA players are from Europe?
According to the NBA’s official website, 64 players from 26 countries are on opening night rosters.
What Balkan players are in the NBA?
Current Balkan players in the NBA include Nikola Jović, Vasilije Micić, and Bogdan Bogdanović.
Who was the first European player in the NBA?
Hank Biasatti, born in Italy and raised in Canada, was the first European-born player to play in the league in 1946. The number of international players rose after the Dream Team formation when NBA players could play in the Olympics beginning in 1992.
