If you know nothing about Serbian NBA, Nikola Jokić alone is proof of a slowly dominating star power in South Eastern Europe.
You might not know it, but basketball is deeply rooted in Serbia. Not only that, but there’s a long history of producing the most remarkable NBA players and coaches from this league.
With two silver medals from the Olympic games and four gold medals in international competitions, it’s clear why the Serbian team is one of the most successful and best in Europe.
So, time to get familiar with the best of the best out of Serbia!
Here are the top 10 most remarkable Serbian NBA players of all time.
Nikola Jokić
NBA Ranking: #177
It’s pretty much an incomplete list without Nikola Jokić.
He’s one of the most remarkable NBA players from overseas to ever play in the NBA and one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Commonly called ‘the Joker’, Nikola Jokić is formidable for his scoring prowess and passing ability from beyond the arc and in the post, making him a nightmare for defenders.
His court dominance and also his style of playing, which entertains, made him a Serbian sensation second only to the tennis legend Novak Djokovic.
Resume/Achievements:
- 6× All-NBA
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 3× NBA Most Valuable Player
- 7× NBA Player of the Month
- 14× NBA Player of the Week
- 1× NBA Finals Most Valuable Player
- 6× NBA All-Star
- 1× NBA Champion
- 1× Olympic Silver Medal
- 1× Olympic Bronze Medal
Vlade Divac
NBA Ranking: #214
Divac, another iconic player, spent much of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings.
Popularly known for his passing ability and spectacular, remarkable court vision, Divac was a center to behold on the court. During his active career, he acted as the fulcrum for his team’s offenses, making him a crucial piece in their successes.
More than just his on-court performance and assist, Divac is also known for his humanitarian and sportsmanship, which made him a global sensation for Serbia.
Resume/Achievements:
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 1× J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship
- 1× NBA Player of the Week
- 1× Olympic Silver Medal
- 1× NBA All-Star
Peja Stojaković
NBA Ranking: #205
As a sharpshooter, Peja Stojaković was renowned for his deadly shots during his career at the Sacramento Kings and other teams.
He was a threat from long ranges and often left his opponents scrambling on the court. Peja had a keen understanding of off-ball movements, therefore creating some truly fine opportunities for his teammates.
His high accuracy from beyond the arc made him highly regarded among the best Serbian NBA basketball players of all time.
Resume/Achievements:
- 1× All-NBA
- 1× NBA Player of the Month
- 2× NBA Player of the Week
- 1× Olympic Appearance
- 3× NBA All-Star
- 1× NBA Champion
Nemanja Bjelica
NBA Ranking: #1263
Famous for being competitive, Nemanja Bjelica since his debut in the NBA, has become a reliable stretch four.
Proficient in creating mismatches with outside shooting, he also has incredible playmaking and ball-handling skills to keep his opponents honest.
Bjelica’s clutch play, focused intensity, and of course, the game-winning shots “Professor Big Shot,” earned him his place among the top Serbian basketball players.
Resume/Achievements:
- 1× NBA Champion
Bogdan Bogdanović
NBA Ranking: #712
The NBA is filled with players extremely proficient in three-pointers, and in such an environment, Bogdan Bogdanović stands out as a lethal threat to opponents from deep.
During his career, he had a 38.4% three-pointer shooter, a score based on 6.5 attempts per game.
Before moving to Hawks, Bogdan Bogdanović spent three seasons in Sacramento, and during his first season in Atlanta, he converted 43.8% out of his 7.6 three-point attempts per game.
What a player!
Resume/Achievements:
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 1× Olympic Bronze Medal
Predrag Danilović
NBA Ranking: #1627
During his days in the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, Predrag Danilović left an unforgettable mark in the NBA.
He was renowned for his ability to create personal shots and lethal shooting strokes.
Saša, as nicknamed during his time on the court, was confident when on the offensive. Though he had a brief NBA career, he is indelible in Serbia’s men’s basketball history.
Resume/Achievements:
- No awards have been received yet
Milos Teodosic
NBA Ranking: #2650
Milos Teodosic had a brief NBA career. However, he remains a top talent in both Europe and Serbia.
Some of his unerasable features include his dazzling no-look passes and court visions.
He could shape his team’s offensive flow and impact games via playmaking, cementing his status as one of Serbia’s top basketball exports.
Resume/Achievements:
- No awards have been received yet
Boban Marjanović
NBA Ranking: #1733
Boban Marjanović’s physical towering features alone is enough to intimidate just about most players on the court.
His combination of soft touch, strength, and size usually left opponents at a loss when they faced him. He could effortlessly score over smaller defenders and dexterously utilize his hands and footwork.
Marjanović’s unique skill set and delightful demeanor on and off the court make him a top figure among Serbian basketball NBA players.
Resume/Achievements:
- No awards have been received yet
Vladimir Radmanović
NBA Ranking: #795
Vladimir Radmanović was impressive for his solid three-point shot.
By combining his size and skill set, which was rare in the early 2000s, he enjoyed a lengthy career as a stretch four. Though his career isn’t as accomplished as others on this list, he was able to average 1.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.7 points per game.
During his play time, his shots were everything, which were 37.8% from three-point range on 3.5 attempts per game.
Resume/Achievements:
- No awards have been received yet
Aleksandar Đorđević
NBA Ranking: #4239
Aleksandar Đorđević, another one of the legendary Serbian NBA players with a short career in the game.
Although his career was brief, it was impactful. He was renowned for his playmaking abilities, visions, and understanding of the game.
His dedication and passion for basketball left an unforgettable market and opened the way for future generations of Serbian basketball players in the NBA.
Resume/Achievements:
- No awards have been received yet
Conclusion — The Best of Serbia
From Nikola Jokić to Boban Marjanovic and Aleksej Pokusevski, these are some of the most remarkable Serbian NBA players from overseas in the game’s history.
Serbian basketball history is still being written, new talents emerging, and one cannot help but think that the future of its NBA is anything but bright.
FAQs
Who is the best Serbian NBA player?
The best Serbian NBA player is Nikola Jokić. He has the most NBA honors and is the third European to win the NBA’s Most Valuable Award, which he won three times in 2020 to 2021, 2021 to 2022, and 2023 to 2024 seasons. Other awards include Six All-NBA Team and six NBA All-Star.
How many Serbian players are in the NBA?
Currently, there are four Serbian players in the NBA: Nikola Jokić, who plays for the Denver Nuggets as a center; Nikola Jović, who plays for the Miami Heat as a forward; Vasilije Micić, who plays for the Charlotte Hornets as a guard; and Bogdan Bogdanović, who plays for the Atlanta Hawks as a guard.
