For a nation with a population under 3 million, Lithuania has still been able to make their roar on the basketball court felt around the world, and all the way to the NBA.

Not many people know this, but basketball there is a part of their national identity. This admiration for the sport has produced some great Lithuanian NBA players who’ve fought night after night to be more than mere participants, placing them among Europe’s biggest contributors to the NBA.

So, let’s take a look at the best of these players.

Arvydas Sabonis

NBA Ranking: #856

When talking about Lithuanian NBA players, you just can’t skip Arvydas Sabonis. He’s easily one of the most important international figures in the league’s history.

He went pro in 1981, playing for Žalgiris in Lithuania. It was way too easy for him there, winning three Soviet Premier League titles back to back. In his search for a new challenge, he found himself in Spain.

However, here’s a twist. Before that switch to Spanish basketball, he’d already been selected by the Hawks in the 1985 NBA draft. Much to his dismay, the selection was voided because he was still under 21. By the time the center finally hooped on an NBA court in 1995, he was already an absolute legend in Europe. Even though his prime was behind him, his impact with Portland was still immediate and profound.

Achievements/Resumé

  • Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2011).
  • 1× NBA All-Rookie First Team (1996)
  • 1× Olympic Gold Medalist (1988).
  • 2× Bronze Medalist (1992, 1996).
  • 1× EuroLeague Champion (1995).
  • FIBA’s 50 Greatest Players (1991).

Domantas Sabonis

NBA Ranking: #375

Imagine your father was Arvydas Sabonis. That alone comes with an incredible amount of pressure. That’s the story of Domantas Sabonis, who kept his father’s legendary name in the league.

In 2016, Orlando selected Domantas in the NBA draft, but he never donned an Orlando jersey. He was instantly traded to Oklahoma for Serge Ibaka on draft night.

He made his debut for the side in their season opener, becoming the first Thunder player to debut as a starting five member since Kevin Durant. Not long after, he announced himself properly after he recorded season highs against Miami. That wasn’t enough to keep in Oklahoma, though. He was traded to Indiana after a season. There, Domantas enjoyed five great seasons and was named an All-Star twice.

In his nine years playing on an NBA hardwood, he’s averaged 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Only one other Lithuanian ranks higher than the 29-year-old…

…his own father.

Achievements/Resumé

  • 3× NBA All-Star (2020, 2023, 2024).
  • 1× All-NBA Third Team (2023).
  • 1× NBA Rebounding Leader (2024).
  • 1× NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2017).

Šarūnas Marčiulionis

NBA Ranking: #1042

As much of a pioneer as Arvydas Sabonis certainly is, there’s another Lithuanian who shared the spotlight with him — Šarūnas Marčiulionis. Alongside Sabonis, he was one of first Soviet players to hoop on an NBA paint.

Marčiulionis’s journey into the NBA is one of a kind. During a 1985 game against Athletes in Action, in Vilnius, Marčiulionis struck up a friendship with one of the Donnie Nelson despite the language barrier. Nelson’s father Don Nelson would later be the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, and what he said about Marčiulionis’ obvious skills led the Warriors to draft him in the 6th round of the 1987 NBA draft.

Unfortunately, just like with Arvydas Sabonis, his selection was voided because he was one year older than the age the draft rules ordered. That won’t stop his path into the NBA, though. He would eventually sign a three-year $3.8 million contract with the Warriors. The 6’5” guard was one of the first Europeans to get proper gametime in the NBA, breaking down doors for every international player who followed.

He was a true pioneer, easily making him one of the greatest Lithuanian basketball NBA players and one of the early players who crossed continents to play in the league.

Achievements/Resumé

  • 1× NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1992).
  • 1× Olympic Gold Medalist (1988).
  • 1× Bronze Medalist (1992).
  • FIBA’s 50 Greatest Players (1991).
  • Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2014).

Jonas Valančiūnas

NBA Ranking: #259

For over a decade, Jonas Valančiūnas has been the pinnacle of reliable production on NBA hardwood. The best praise you could possibly give this big man is that he’s been as consistent as they come night after night, season after season.

Valančiūnas went pro playing for Perlas Vilnius back in 2008. He spent some time in Lithuania, where he honed his talents and dominated like no one expected him to.

Valančiūnas was considered a top prospect, and rightfully so. In the summer of 2011, he was selected by the Raptors in the 2011 NBA draft. He wasted absolutely no time in putting the entire league on his alert. In his first game, he dropped 12 points and 10 rebounds in just 23 minutes of action. He put up some crazy numbers night after night for seven seasons straight before leaving Toronto in 2019.

The 33-year-old has dropped 12,532 points in the league, making him the highest scoring Lithuanian NBA player.

Achievements/Resumé

  • 1× NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2013).
  • 1× NBA Teammate of the Year (2023).
  • 1× Lithuanian League Champion (2010).

Žydrūnas Ilgauskas

NBA Ranking: #349

“Big Z” will forever be etched in the hearts of Cleveland Cavaliers fans. The 7’3″ center overcame some serious foot injuries early on to become a legend for the Cavs.

Ilgauskas made his pro debut playing for local club Atletas back in 1993. It didn’t take long before an NBA team requested his elite services. In the 1996 NBA Draft, just three years after his professional debut, he was selected by the Cavs with the 20th overall pick. Unfortunately, though, it would take some time before the fans could see what he was truly made of. He spent the entire 1996-97 season on the NBA’s injury list.

Even after signing a contract extension in 1998 worth up to $70 million over six years, he’d spend the next 2 seasons injured. Finally, in the 2002-03 season, he got some actual consistent gametime and blew the league away. Ilgauskas averaged 17.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in 2002–03. For the next four seasons, Ilgauskas was the first name on the teamsheet each night. The Cavs reached the NBA Finals in 2007 and the Eastern Conference Finals in 2009.

All the adversities he had to overcome alone makes him one of the most important Lithuanian players in the NBA.

Achievements/Resumé

  • 2× NBA All-Star (2003, 2005).
  • 1× NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998).
  • #11 jersey retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Conclusion

What Lithuanian NBA players have managed to do in the NBA regardless of the nation’s obscurity is inspiring. These giants have carried their nation’s flag and passion proudly. All we can do now is wait for what the next generation has in store.

FAQs

How many active Lithuanian nba players are there?

Despite the nation’s history in the league, there are only 2 active Lithuanian players on NBA rosters. Both names feature on our list: Jonas Valančiūnas for the Washington Wizards and Domantas Sabonis for the Sacramento Kings.

Who is the greatest Lithuanian player in NBA history?

Arvydas Sabonis is widely considered the greatest Lithuanian basketball player in history thanks to his global impact, encompassing both his NBA and legendary European career.