Nba European Best Players of All Time

Morgan Wolf

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been considered the premier professional basketball league in the world. In recent years, however, the NBA has been expanding its reach beyond the United States and into Europe. With teams from Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and other countries now competing in the league, NBA Europe has become an increasingly important part of the overall basketball landscape.

For fans of the game, NBA Europe offers an exciting opportunity to experience the best of the sport from across the globe. From its star players to its unique rules and regulations, NBA Europe has something to offer basketball fans of all ages.

Table of Contents

1. Evan Fournier

Small forward

Evan Fournier Career

  • 2× LNB Pro A Best Young Player (2011, 2012)
  • 2× LNB Pro A Most Improved Player (2011, 2012)
  • LNB All-Star (2012)

Evan Fournier was born in 1992 and is from Saint-Maurice, Val-de-Marne, France. He played high school basketball at INSEP (Paris, France) before being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2012.

After spending two seasons with the Nuggets, he joined the Orlando Magic as a free agent in 2019. Evan has spent most of his career playing for French teams but has also represented Spain on occasion.

Known for his shooting ability from both guard positions and small forward spots, Fournier is one of the NBA's top players heading into the 2020 season Evan Fournier is a talented shooting guard who has spent his entire career playing for the Orlando Magic.

In his first two seasons with the team, he was named to both the LNB Pro A Best Young Player and Most Improved Team lists, and in 2012 he made it onto the LNB All-Star roster. 

He has represented France at several tournaments, most notably at this year's Summer Olympics where they reached the semi-finals before losing to Spain.

With over 6'6" of height and explosive leaping ability, Evan Fournier is an imposing player on either end of the court; whether driving to the basket or knocking down wide-open shots from long range. 

As one of only a few players still under contract with Orlando through 2021, Evan Fournier will be looking to continue developing as one of basketball's top stars in years to come.

Also Played For: eurobasket, fiba basketball world cup

2. Sabrina Ionescu

New York Liberty

Career

  • WNBA All-Star (2022)
  • All-WNBA Second Team (2022)
  • NCAA all-time leader in career triple-doubles
  • Only NCAA player with career 2,000 points, 1,000 assists and 1,000 rebounds (in women's and men's)
  • Naismith Player of the Year (2020)
  • AP Player of the Year (2020)
  • USBWA Player of the Year (2020)
  • Senior CLASS Award (2020)
  • Honda Sports Award (2020)
  • 3× Nancy Lieberman Award (2018–2020)
  • 2× John R. Wooden Award (2019, 2020)
  • 2× Wade Trophy (2019, 2020)
  • 3× Pac-12 Player of the Year (2018–2020)
  • USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2017)

Sabrina Ionescu was born on December 6, 1997 in Walnut Creek, California. She played collegiately at Oregon and was drafted 1st overall by the New York Liberty in the 2020 WNBA draft.

Sabrina has been a key part of the Liberty's success over the past two seasons and is primed for even more this year with new head coach Bill Laimbeer leading the way. 

Sabrina is known for her excellent ball-handling skills and shooting accuracy from long range, making her a threat both offensively and defensively.

Outside of basketball, Sabrina enjoys spending time with friends and family during free time. 

Sabrina Ionescu is an inspiring figure to many young girls who have seen her achieve so much as a professional athlete while still maintaining strong ties to her roots Sabrina Ionescu is a skilled player who has been successful in both the WNBA and NCAA.

Sabrina Ionescu was named AP Player of the Year in 2020, Honda Sports Award in 2020, and Nancy Lieberman Award in 2018-2020. In 2019 and 2020 she won three awards as Pac-12 Player of the Year, USBWA National Freshman of the Year, and Wade Trophy respectively. 

She is also a three time John R Wooden award winner, as well as two times recipient of the Wade Trophy which highlights her dominance at both collegiate level and WNBA, play thus far into her career.

Also Played For: wnba

3. Goran Dragić

Point guard

Goran Dragić Career

  • 2004–2006: Geoplin Slovan
  • 2006–2007: Murcia
  • 2007–2008: Union Olimpija
  • 2008–2011: Phoenix Suns
  • 2011–2012: Houston Rockets
  • 2011: Saski Baskonia
  • 2012–2015: Phoenix Suns
  • 2015–2021: Miami Heat
  • 2021–2022: Toronto Raptors
  • 2022: Brooklyn Nets
  • 2022–2023: Chicago Bulls
  • 2023–present: Milwaukee Bucks

Dragić was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia on 6 May 1986. He started his career with Geoplin Slovan before moving to Murcia and then Union Olimpija. Dragić has played for the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs in his playing career thus far.

He is currently a member of the Atlanta Hawks following the conclusion of the 2017–18 season. Dragić has averaged 14 points per game throughout his NBA career thus far while shooting around 44% from three-point range. 

Goran Dragić is a 7-foot-tall Croatian professional basketball player who has played for the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Saski Baskonia, and the Miami Heat.

He was drafted by the Suns with the 4th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. He won an Olympic gold medal as part of Team Croatia at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics after defeating Spain 108-93 in the final game. 

In 2017, he signed a five-year contract extension with his current team, the Chicago Bulls worth $171 million dollars (with an annual salary of $25 million). 

This makes him one of only 2 players to ever sign a 5-year max deal worth over $150 million without playing any games for that team before signing it (the other being LeBron James).

Dragić is also known for his spectacular dunks and 3-point shot which have seen him named All-NBA Third Team twice (in 2014 and 2018) and win two EuroBasket MVP awards - once in 2017 when. 

Croatia beat France 95-68 in the finals, and again in 2020 when they defeated Serbia 111-92 to clinch their first title since the 2007 championship run.

Also Played For: point guard, nba 2k19

4. Vlade Divac

Center

Vlade Divac Career

  • NBA draft 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26th overall
  • Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
  • Playing career: 1983–2005
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 12, 21
  • 1983–1986: Sloga
  • 1986–1989: Partizan
  • 1989–1996: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 1996–1998: Charlotte Hornets
  • 1999: Crvena zvezda
  • 1998–2004: Sacramento Kings
  • 2004–2005: Los Angeles Lakers
  • NBA All-Star (2001), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1990), No. 21 retired by Sacramento Kings, FIBA Korać Cup champion (1989), Yugoslav League champion (1987), Yugoslav Cup winner (1989), Mister Europa Player of the Year (1989), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), Olympic Order (2016)
  • Points: 13,398 (11.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 9,326 (8.2 rpg)
  • Blocks: 1,631 (1.4 bpg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • FIBA Hall of Fame as player
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Summer Olympic Games, : 1988 Seoul: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1990 Argentina: Team, : 1986 Spain: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 1989 Yugoslavia: Team, : 1991 Italy: Team, : 1987 Greece: Team, Universiade, : 1987 Zagreb: Team, FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, : 1987 Italy: Under-19, European Championship for Cadets, : 1985 Bulgaria: Under-16, Representing FR Yugoslavia, Summer Olympic Games, : 1996 Atlanta: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 2002 Indianapolis: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 1995 Greece: Team, : 1999 France: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Yugoslavia
  • Summer Olympic Games
  • : 1988 Seoul: Team
  • FIBA World Cup
  • : 1990 Argentina: Team
  • : 1986 Spain: Team
  • FIBA Eurobasket
  • : 1989 Yugoslavia: Team
  • : 1991 Italy: Team
  • : 1987 Greece: Team
  • Universiade
  • : 1987 Zagreb: Team
  • FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup
  • : 1987 Italy: Under-19
  • European Championship for Cadets
  • : 1985 Bulgaria: Under-16
  • Representing FR Yugoslavia
  • Summer Olympic Games
  • : 1996 Atlanta: Team
  • FIBA World Cup
  • : 2002 Indianapolis: Team
  • FIBA Eurobasket
  • : 1995 Greece: Team
  • : 1999 France: Team

Vlade Divac is a Serbian professional basketball player who has played for various clubs throughout his career including KK Partizan, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings.

He was part of the senior Yugoslav national team that won bronze medals at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia and he also competed at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics.

 After retiring from playing professionally, he served as president of KK Partizan between 2006 and 2008 before serving as president of Serbia's Olympic Committee between 2009 and 2017.

In 2014, he was named an honorary citizen of Belgrade following his contributions to sport in his home country over several decades Vlade Divac was a dominant center in the NBA throughout the 1990s and 2000s. 

He is one of only two players to win both an MVP award (1997) and a Finals MVP award (2002). Divac also won five championship rings with the Lakers, Hornets, and Serbian national team.

In 2007, he became head coach of his former team, the Lakers, but resigned after just three seasons due to health concerns. Since retiring from playing basketball in 2005, Divac has worked as a sports administrator for various organizations including FIBA Europe and Euroleague Basketball Association.

Also Played For: sacramento kings, los angeles lakers

5. Peja Stojaković

Peja Stojaković Career

  • NBA draft 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
  • Selected by the Sacramento Kings
  • Playing career: 1992–2011
  • Position: Small forward
  • Number: 8, 16
  • 1992–1993: Crvena zvezda
  • 1993–1998: PAOK
  • 1998–2006: Sacramento Kings
  • 2006: Indiana Pacers
  • 2006–2010: New Orleans Hornets[a]
  • 2010–2011: Toronto Raptors
  • 2011: Dallas Mavericks
  • NBA champion (2011), 3× NBA All-Star (2002–2004), All-NBA Second Team (2004), 2× NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2002, 2003), No. 16 retired by Sacramento Kings, FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2001), FIBA EuroLeague Top Scorer (1998), Greek Cup winner (1995), Greek League MVP (1998), 2× Greek All Star Game MVP (1996 II, 1997), 2× Mister Europa Player of the Year (2001, 2002), Euroscar Player of the Year (2001), FR Yugoslavian League Most Valuable Young Player (1993)
  • Points: 13,647 (17.0 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 3,782 (4.7 rpg)
  • Assists: 1,408 (1.8 apg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing FR Yugoslavia, FIBA World Cup, : 2002 Indianapolis: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1999 France: , : 2001 Turkey:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing FR Yugoslavia
  • FIBA World Cup
  • : 2002 Indianapolis:
  • FIBA EuroBasket
  • : 1999 France:
  • : 2001 Turkey:

Peja Stojaković was a highly productive small forward in the NBA for over a decade. He started his career with Crvena Zvezda before moving on to PAOK and then the Sacramento Kings.

In 2006, he joined Indiana Pacers where he won an Eastern Conference title and made it to the Finals once more in 2008. After spending one season with Memphis Grizzlies, Stojaković returned to Indiana in 2011 as a free agent, retiring after that year's playoffs despite playing well into his 40s.

Peja Stojaković was a cornerstone of the New Orleans Hornets during their 2006-2010 seasons. He averaged 18.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game over that period. 

After being traded to Toronto in 2010, Stojaković helped lead them to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history and eventually won an NBA championship with Dallas in 2011.

A two-time All-Star, he also received MVP honors at EuroBasket 2001 and 2002 while playing for Greece's national team. In addition to his prowess on the court, Stojaković is well known for his humanitarian work off it; he has raised money for numerous charities throughout his career both domestically and internationally.

Also Played For: dallas mavericks, new orleans pelicans

6. Domantas Sabonis

Power forward

Domantas Sabonis Career

  • 2012–2014: Unicaja Málaga
  • 2012–2013:Clínicas Rincón
  • 2016–2017: Oklahoma City Thunder
  • 2017–2022: Indiana Pacers
  • 2022–present: Sacramento Kings

Sabonis was drafted 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2016 NBA Draft. He played for two teams in Europe before joining Lithuanian side Unicaja Málaga in 2012.

Sabonis helped his team to win the Spanish League championship and EuroLeague title during his time there. He joined Sacramento Kings as a free agent at the end of the 2017–18 season and made an immediate impact on their roster with 15 points per game average over 20 appearances that season.

In 2018–19, he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds over 38 games while helping them make it to the playoffs, where they eventually lost against Golden State Warriors 4-1 in the first round.

 Sabonis is considered one of Lithuania’s most promising young players and has been called up several times to represent his country at the international level including at FIBA World Cup 2019.

Qualifiers (where they finished second behind Serbia) and EuroBasket 2021 qualification campaign (they narrowly missed out on qualifying for their first-ever major tournament).

In the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sabonis led Lithuania's national team to a Bronze medal finish after losing 2-0 against eventual champions USA in the quarterfinals. 

His was also Sabonis' Olympic debut aged just 22 years old which makes him one of only four players under 23. Who has won an Olympic medal with their respective countries - alongside Andre Iguodala (USA), Pau Gasol (Spain) & Serge Ibaka(France).

Also Played For: fantasy basketball, gonzaga bulldogs men's basketball

7. Andrei Kirilenko

Power forward

Andrei Kirilenko Career

  • NBA draft 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24th overall
  • Selected by the Utah Jazz
  • Playing career: 1997–2015
  • Position: Power forward / Small forward
  • Number: 47, 15
  • 1997–1998: Spartak St. Petersburg
  • 1998–2001: CSKA Moscow
  • 2001–2011: Utah Jazz
  • 2011–2012: CSKA Moscow
  • 2012–2013: Minnesota Timberwolves
  • 2013–2014: Brooklyn Nets
  • 2015: CSKA Moscow
  • NBA All-Star (2004), NBA All-Defensive First Team (2006), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2004, 2005), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002), NBA blocks leader (2005), EuroBasket MVP (2007), EuroLeague MVP (2012), All-EuroLeague First Team (2012), EuroLeague Best Defender (2012), EuroLeague Top Rebounder (2012), EuroLeague Block Leader (2012), 2× FIBA Europe Men's Player of the Year (2007, 2012), Euroscar Player of the Year (2012), 4× Russian Player of the Year (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008), Russian League MVP (2000), Russian League All-Symbolic First Team (2012), 2× VTB United League champion (2012, 2015), VTB United League MVP (2012), VTB United League Final Four MVP (2012), VTB United League Hall of Fame (2019), FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (1999)
  • Points: 9,431 (11.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 4,352 (5.5 rpg)
  • Assists: 2,169 (2.7 apg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Russia, Summer Olympic Games, : 2012 London: , EuroBasket, : 2007 Spain: , : 2011 Lithuania:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Russia
  • Summer Olympic Games
  • : 2012 London:
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2007 Spain:
  • : 2011 Lithuania:

Andrei Kirilenko is a Russian-American power forward and small forward who played in the NBA for 13 seasons. Kirilenko was drafted 24th overall by the Utah Jazz in 1999, and he spent most of his career with them before moving to CSKA Moscow in 2011.

He averaged 18 points per game during his 10 years with Utah, but he became more known for his defensive abilities after joining CSKA Moscow, where he won three Russian League titles and two EuroLeague championships. 

In 2015, Kirilenko retired from professional basketball following a stint with the Brooklyn Nets that coincided with Russia's successful bid to host the 2018 FIBA World Cup.

Andrei Kirilenko has since started working as an ambassador for Nike Russia, helping promote their products across the country Andrei Kirilenko was a versatile player who could play multiple positions on the court. 

He started his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves and played there for six seasons before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets. After spending two seasons with the Nets, he signed with CSKA Moscow in 2015 where he continued to produce offensively until retiring in 2018.

Andrei Kirilenko is a three-time Russian League MVP and four-time Russian Player of the Year recipient, as well as a EuroBasket MVP and EuroLeague Top Rebounder.

Also Played For: utah jazz, 2003–04 nba season

8. Bojan Bogdanović

Forward

Bojan Bogdanović Career

  • NBA draft 2011 / Round: 2 / Pick: 31st overall
  • Selected by the Miami Heat
  • Playing career: 2004–present
  • 2004–2005: Zrinjski Mostar
  • 2005–2009: Real Madrid
  • 2005–2006:Zrinjski Mostar
  • 2006–2008:Real Madrid B
  • 2008–2009: Murcia
  • 2009: Real Madrid B
  • 2009–2011: Cibona
  • 2011–2014: Fenerbahçe Ülker
  • 2014–2017: Brooklyn Nets
  • 2017: Washington Wizards
  • 2017–2019: Indiana Pacers
  • 2019–2022: Utah Jazz
  • 2022–present: Detroit Pistons
  • NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2015), Turkish League champion (2014), Turkish Supercup winner (2014), Turkish Cup winner (2013), All-Turkish League First Team (2014), 2× All-Turkish League Second Team (2012, 2013), Turkish League All-Star (2013), Turkish League All-Imports Team (2014), Croatian League champion (2010), Croatian Cup champion (2009), All-Croatian League First Team (2011), Croatian League All-Star (2010), Croatian League All-Domestic Players Team (2011)

Bojan Bogdanović was born on April 18, 1989, in Mostar, SR Bosnia and Herzegovina. He played college basketball at Real Madrid where he averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds per game over three seasons.

Bogdanović was drafted by the Miami Heat with the 31st overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and has since played for several teams including Zrinjski Mostar (2004–2005), Real Madrid (2005–2006) and Detroit Pistons (2017-present).

Bojan is a versatile small forward who can score from anywhere on the court, having been labeled as one of the most skilled players in Europe during his playing days. Bojan Bogdanović was born on February 2, 1992, in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He played college basketball for the Real Madrid B team of the Spanish Liga ACB from 2006 to 2008 before joining Murcia of the same league.

After two seasons with Murcia, Bogdanović joined Fenerbahçe Ülker of the Turkish Super League in 2009 where he made an immediate impact by helping his team win back-to-back titles in his first two seasons there.

In 2011, Bojan Bogdanović signed with Croatian club Cibona but left after one season due to injury problems; he would later join fellow Turkish side Fenerbahçe again in 2014 where he played until 2017 when he moved to Brooklyn Nets and then Washington Wizards (both NBA teams). 

On July 10th 2019, Bojan Bogdanovic officially announced that he is signing with Indiana Pacers for a three-year deal starting from 2020–21 NBA Season.

Also Played For: real madrid baloncesto, small forward

9. Mehmet Okur

Power forward

Mehmet Okur Career

  • NBA draft 2001 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38th overall
  • Selected by the Detroit Pistons
  • Playing career: 1997–2011
  • Position: Center / Power forward
  • Number: 13
  • Coaching career: 2015–present
  • NBA champion (2004), NBA All-Star (2007), 3× Turkish League Champion (1999, 2000, 2002), 4× Turkish Cup Champion (1999–2002), 2× Turkish Presidential Cup Champion (1999, 2000)
  • Points: 8,561 (13.5 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 4,436 (7.0 rpg)
  • Assists: 1,089 (1.7 apg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Turkey, FIBA European Championship, : 2001 Turkey: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Turkey
  • FIBA European Championship
  • : 2001 Turkey: Team

Mehmet Okur is a Turkish center who played in the NBA from 2001-2011. He was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 38th overall pick and spent most of his career there, averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game.

In 2015 he became an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz where he has remained ever since. Mehmet Okur was born on May 26, 1979 in Yalova, Turkey, and began playing basketball at a young age before moving to Europe to play professionally.

After retiring as a player, Mehmet Okur turned to the coach and currently works as an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz Mehmet Okur, who was born in Turkey and played for the Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, and New Jersey Nets.

in his career, is a three-time Turkish League Champion (1999, 2000, 2002) and two-time Turkish Presidential Cup Champion (1999, 2000).

Mehmet Okur retired from playing basketball in 2012 after spending time with Türk Telekom as their head coach. Mehmet Okur's most notable achievement as a player was winning an NBA championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.

10. Ricky Rubio

Point guard

Ricky Rubio Career

  • NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
  • Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Playing career: 2005–present
  • 2005–2009: Joventut Badalona
  • 2009–2011: FC Barcelona
  • 2011–2017: Minnesota Timberwolves
  • 2017–2019: Utah Jazz
  • 2019–2020: Phoenix Suns
  • 2020–2021: Minnesota Timberwolves
  • 2021–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), EuroLeague champion (2010), EuroCup champion (2008), Liga ACB champion (2011), 2× Copa del Rey champion (2010, 2011), FIBA EuroChallenge champion (2006), Mister Europa Player of the Year (2008), EuroLeague Rising Star (2010), ACB Defensive Player of the Year (2009), ACB Most Spectacular Player (2010), 2× All-Liga ACB Team (2008, 2010), ACB Rising Star Award (2007), 3× FIBA Young Player of the Year (2007–2009), FIBA World Cup MVP (2019), FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship MVP (2006)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2019 China: , EuroBasket, : 2009 Poland: , : 2011 Lithuania: , : 2013 Slovenia: , : 2017 Turkey:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Spain
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2008 Beijing: Team
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • World Cup
  • : 2019 China:
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2009 Poland:
  • : 2011 Lithuania:
  • : 2013 Slovenia:
  • : 2017 Turkey:

Ricky Rubio was born on 21 October 1990 in El Masnou, Spain. He played for Joventut Badalona from 2005 to 2009 and FC Barcelona from 2009 to 2011. In 2011, he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves and has remained with them since then.

Rubio is a Point Guard and has been playing in the NBA since 2005. With the Utah Jazz, he made it to the semi-finals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs before being eliminated by Golden State Warriors in five games; this was his first playoff appearance as a player for Utah Jazz.

Ricky Rubio is currently a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers Ricky Rubio is a two-time EuroLeague champion and FIBA EuroChallenge MVP.

He was drafted second overall by the Timberwolves in 2010, and has since played for the Suns, Cavaliers, and Wolves. Ricky Rubio is known for his passing skills and ability to create shots for others on the court. At 26 years old, he remains one of the most promising young players in basketball.

Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers, minnesota timberwolves

11. Lauri Markkanen

Forward-center

Lauri Markkanen Career

  • College: Arizona (2016–2017)
  • NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
  • Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Playing career: 2014–present
  • 2014–2016: HBA-Märsky
  • 2017–2021: Chicago Bulls
  • 2021–2022: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 2022–present: Utah Jazz
  • NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018), 5× Finnish Player of the Year (2017–2021), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC, SN (2017), First-team All-Pac-12 (2017), Pac-12 All-Freshman team (2017)

Lauri Markkanen was born on May 22nd, 1997 in Vantaa, Finland. He is a small forward and power forward who played college basketball for Arizona. In 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Markkanen with the 7th overall pick in the NBA draft.

Since entering the NBA in 2014, Lauri Markkanen has established himself as one of the top players in the league. He is averaging 21 points and seven rebounds per game this season with his team, Utah Jazz Lauri Markkanen was born in 2002 and is a Finnish basketball player.

He played college basketball for the University of Arizona from 2014 to 2016, where he was named First-team All-American by both AP and NABC. In 2017, he joined the Chicago Bulls but only appeared in 6 games before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February 2018. 

After spending time with the Cavs and Utah Jazz, Lauri signed with Märsky of Finland's top league in March 2021 and has been their starting center ever since.

Notable achievements during his career include multiple Finnish Player of the Year awards as well as an NBA All-Rookie First Team selection at just 22 years old this year.

Also Played For: chicago bulls, arizona wildcats men's basketball

12. Dražen Petrović

Shooting guard

Dražen Petrović Career

  • NBA draft 1986 / Round: 3 / Pick: 60th overall
  • Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
  • Playing career: 1979–1993
  • Number: 4, 9, 10, 5, 44, 3
  • 1979–1983: Šibenka
  • 1984–1988: Cibona
  • 1988–1989: Real Madrid
  • 1989–1991: Portland Trail Blazers
  • 1991–1993: New Jersey Nets
  • All-NBA Third Team (1993), 2× EuroLeague champion (1985, 1986), EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1985), FIBA European Selection (1987), 4× Euroscar (1986, 1989, 1992, 1993), 2× Mr. Europa Award (1986, 1993), 2× FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1987, 1989), 2× FIBA Saporta Cup Finals Top Scorer (1987, 1989), FIBA Korać Cup Finals Top Scorer (1988), Spanish League Top Scorer (1989), Spanish Cup winner (1989), Spanish Cup Final Top Scorer (1989), Yugoslav League champion (1985), 3× Yugoslav Cup winner (1985, 1986, 1988), FIBA World Championship MVP (1986), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (1989), Best Athlete of Yugoslavia (1985), Yugoslav Sportsman of the Year (1985), Croatian Sportsman of the Year (1985, 1986), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), Olympic Order (1993), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), No. 3 retired by Brooklyn Nets, No. 10 retired by Cibona
  • Points: 4,461 (15.4 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 669 (2.3 rpg)
  • Assists: 701 (2.4 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • FIBA Hall of Fame as player
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Olympic Games, : 1984 Los Angeles: Team, : 1988 Seoul: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1986 Spain: , : 1990 Argentina: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1987 Greece: , : 1989 Yugoslavia: , Universiade, : 1983 Edmonton: , : 1987 Zagreb: , European U18 Championship, : 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18, Representing  Croatia, Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Yugoslavia
  • Olympic Games
  • 1984 Los Angeles: Team
  • 1988 Seoul: Team
  • FIBA World Cup
  • 1986 Spain:
  • 1990 Argentina:
  • FIBA EuroBasket
  • 1987 Greece:
  • 1989 Yugoslavia:
  • Universiade
  • 1983 Edmonton:
  • 1987 Zagreb:
  • European U18 Championship
  • 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18
  • Representing  Croatia
  • Olympic Games
  • 1992 Barcelona: Team

Petrović was a Croatian shooting guard who played in the NBA for ten seasons. He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with 60th overall pick in 1986 and spent three seasons there before moving to the New Jersey Nets.

Petrović is best known for his time at Cibona where he won two Yugoslav Championships and one EuroLeague Championship, as well as being named MVP of both tournaments in 1988.

 Petrović died from cancer at age 28 in 1993, just months after helping Croatia win their first-ever Olympic gold medal basketball game against Yugoslavia.

Dražen Petrović was a prolific scorer in the European leagues, winning multiple awards. He also excelled at EuroBasket competition, where he won two consecutive MVPs and three championships with Yugoslavia. 

After playing for several teams in Europe, Petrović eventually joined Real Madrid and helped lead them to back-to-back NBA titles in 1988–1989.

Also Played For: brooklyn nets

13. Hedo Türkoğlu

Power forward

Hedo Türkoğlu Career

  • NBA draft 2000 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16th overall
  • Selected by the Sacramento Kings
  • Playing career: 1996–2015
  • Position: Small forward
  • Number: 5, 14, 15, 26, 19, 8
  • 1996–2000: Efes Pilsen
  • 2000–2003: Sacramento Kings
  • 2003–2004: San Antonio Spurs
  • 2004–2009: Orlando Magic
  • 2009–2010: Toronto Raptors
  • 2010: Phoenix Suns
  • 2010–2014: Orlando Magic
  • 2014–2015: Los Angeles Clippers
  • NBA Most Improved Player (2008), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2001), Turkish League champion (1997), 2× Turkish Cup champion (1997, 1998), 2× Turkish Presidential Cup champion (1998, 2000), Turkish Basketball League Best Forward of the Year (2000)
  • Points: 11,022 (11.1 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 3,971 (4.0 rpg)
  • Assists: 2,832 (2.8 apg)
  • Medals, , Representing  Turkey, EuroBasket, : 2001 Turkey: National team, FIBA World Cup, : 2010 Turkey: National team
  • Representing  Turkey
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2001 Turkey: National team
  • FIBA World Cup
  • : 2010 Turkey: National team

Hedo Türkoğlu was born on March 19, 1979, in Istanbul, Turkey. Hedo played for the Efes Pilsen and Sacramento Kings between 1996-2000 before joining the Orlando Magic in 2003.

He won two championships with the Magic (2004 and 2009) and also competed in the NBA Finals twice (2006 and 2010). In 2015 he signed with Turkish club Fenerbahçe but retired from playing shortly after due to an injury.

Currently, Türkoğlu is a member of the advisory board at his former team's basketball academy as well as a television commentator for matches in Europe Hedo Türkoğlu, who was born in Turkey, played for the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic from 2010-2014 before playing for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2014-2015.

He is best known for his time with the Phoenix Suns where he averaged 11.1 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game over his four seasons there. Hedo also won two Turkish Cup championships (1997, 1998) as well as a Turkish Presidential Cup championship (1998, 2000).

 Following his NBA career, Hedo signed with Beşiktaş of the Turkish Basketball League in February of 2016 and has since been averaging 15 points and 6 rebounds per game.

Also Played For: orlando magic

14. Nikola Vucevic

Center

Nikola Vucevic Career

  • High school: Stoneridge Preparatory, (Simi Valley, California)
  • College: USC (2008–2011)
  • NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16th overall
  • Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
  • Playing career: 2011–present
  • 2011: Budućnost
  • 2011–2012: Philadelphia 76ers
  • 2012–2021: Orlando Magic
  • 2021–present: Chicago Bulls
  • 2× NBA All-Star (2019, 2021), Montenegrin League champion (2011), Montenegrin Cup champion (2011), AP mention All-American (2011), First-team All-Pac-10 (2011), Second-team All-Pac-10 (2010)

Nikola Vucevic was born in Morges, Switzerland on 24th October 1990. He played college basketball for the USC Trojans before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2011 NBA draft.

Nikola is a center and has been playing in the NBA since 2011. In 2013, he signed with the Orlando Magic and helped them reach the playoffs that year. Nikola is an efficient player both offensively and defensively and is well known for his shotblocking ability.

Nikola Vucevic is a 7 foot center for the Orlando Magic. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011 and has since played for the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls. 

Vucevic is a two-time NBA All-Star, Montenegrin League champion, Montenegrin Cup champion, and AP mention All-American who led his team to an appearance in the 2019 NBA Finals where they were defeated by The Golden State Warriors 4 games to 2.

Nikola Vucevic is known as one of the best low post players in basketball with great court vision and passing ability which makes him difficult to defend One aspect of his game that often goes unnoticed however is his rebounding; he averages 13 rebounds per contest over his career (stats at Basketball Reference).

Also Played For: center basketball, university of southern california basketball

15. Moritz Wagner

Forward-center

Moritz Wagner Career

  • College: Michigan (2015–2018)
  • NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25th overall
  • Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
  • Playing career: 2014–2015; 2018–present
  • 2014–2015: Alba Berlin
  • 2018–2019: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2018: →South Bay Lakers
  • 2019–2021: Washington Wizards
  • 2021: Boston Celtics
  • 2021–present: Orlando Magic
  • Second-team All-Big Ten (2018), Big Ten tournament MVP (2018)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Germany, FIBA Europe U18 Championship, : 2014 Bulgaria: National team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Germany
  • FIBA Europe U18 Championship
  • : 2014 Bulgaria: National team

Moritz Wagner was born in Berlin, Germany on April 26th 1997. He played college basketball for Michigan and joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 as a first round pick (25th overall).

Moritz has spent most of his career playing with the Los Angeles Lakers but he also had short stints with Alba Berlin (2014-2015) and the Milwaukee Bucks (2018-2019). Moritz is known for his powerful dunks and averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game over three seasons with Laker squad.

Wagner, Moritz was born in Germany and played collegiately at the University of Michigan. Wagner came to prominence with his performance for Team Germany in the FIBA Europe U18 Championship where he led his team to a championship victory. 

After graduating from college, Wagner joined the Washington Wizards as an undrafted free agent and has since developed into one of their key players.

In 2020, Wagner will enter his fourth season with the Orlando Magic and is widely considered one of the best young big men in the league.

16. Marcin Gortat

Marcin Gortat Career

  • NBA draft 2005 / Round: 2 / Pick: 57th overall
  • Selected by the Phoenix Suns
  • Playing career: 2002–2020
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 13, 4
  • 2002–2003: ŁKS Łódź
  • 2003–2007: RheinEnergie Cologne
  • 2007–2010: Orlando Magic
  • 2007–2008: →Anaheim Arsenal
  • 2010–2013: Phoenix Suns
  • 2013–2018: Washington Wizards
  • 2018–2019: Los Angeles Clippers
  • German League champion (2006), 3× German Cup champion (2004, 2005, 2007), German Champions Cup champion (2006)
  • Points: 7,951 (9.9 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 6,407 (7.9 rpg)
  • Assists: 915 (1.1 apg)

Marcin Gortat is a Polish center who has spent his entire 10-year NBA career with the Washington Wizards. He was drafted in 2005 by the Phoenix Suns, and has since established himself as one of the better centers in the league.

Marcin Gortat is known for his toughness and rebounding ability, which have helped him to amass over 13,000 points and 4,500 rebounds during his career. 

In 2020 he announced that he would be retiring from professional basketball following the season finale against Toronto Raptors Marcin Gortat has been a key player for the Washington Wizards over the past few seasons.

He is an excellent rebounder and passer, which has helped lead his team to success. Marcin Gortat was originally drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2007, but he spent most of his time with the Anaheim Arsenal before joining Phoenix Suns in 2010. 

In 2013, Gortat joined Washington Wizards and has continued to be one of their key players ever since then. His shooting abilities have also contributed a lot to their success.

Marcin Gortat will be playing for Los Angeles Clippers next season after spending two years with Washington Wizards and eight years overall in NBA league.

Also Played For: nba 2k18

17. Rik Smits

Center

Rik Smits Career

  • College: Marist (1984–1988)
  • NBA draft 1988 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
  • Selected by the Indiana Pacers
  • Playing career: 1988–2000
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 24, 45
  • 1988–2000: Indiana Pacers
  • NBA All-Star (1998), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1989), FIBA European Selection (1987), ECAC Metro Newcomer of the Year (1985), 3× All ECAC Metro First team (1986, 1987, 1988), ECAC Metro tournament MVP (1986), 2× ECAC Metro Player of the Year (1987, 1988), No. 45 retired by Marist Red Foxes
  • Points: 12,871 (14.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 5,277 (6.1 rpg)
  • Blocks: 1,111 (1.3 bpg)

Rik Smits was a dominant center in the NBA for nearly two decades. He had an impressive career record, winning three MVP Awards and six All-Star Games. However, he is perhaps best remembered for his rivalry with Shaquille O'Neal.

After leaving the NBA Rik has continued to play internationally, most recently in Spain's Liga ACB league. Rik Smits was a five-time All-ECAC Metro first team selection and two time Player of the Year. Rik Smits played 12 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Toronto Raptors where he won an NBA championship in 1998.

After his playing days were over, Rik Smits became a television commentator for both Dutch and Belgian basketball broadcasts.

Also Played For: indiana pacers

18. Detlef Schrempf

Detlef Schrempf Career

  • High school: Centralia (Centralia, Washington)
  • College: Washington (1981–1985)
  • NBA draft 1985 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
  • Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
  • Playing career: 1985–2001
  • Position: Small forward / Power forward
  • Number: 32, 11, 12
  • Coaching career: 2005–2007
  • 3× NBA All-Star (1993, 1995, 1997), All-NBA Third Team (1995), 2× NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1991, 1992), German Player of the Year (1992), Third-team All-American – NABC (1985), 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (1984, 1985)
  • Points: 15,761 (13.9 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 7,023 (6.2 rpg)
  • Assists: 3,833 (3.4 apg)
  • FIBA Hall of Fame as player

Schrempf was a two-time All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Mavericks in 2001. He played for Washington from 1981 to 1985, then spent ten seasons with Dallas before retiring in 2001.

Schrempf started his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Mavericks in 2005, later becoming head coach of their D-League affiliate Las Vegas Vipers from 2007 to 2010. 

In 2013 he rejoined the Mavericks' staff as an assistant general manager under Donnie Nelson, and served in that role until he was fired during the 2016–17 season due to poor team performance Detlef Schrempf is a retired professional basketball player who played most of his career in the NBA.

He was born on September 28, 1966, in Braunschweig, Germany and grew up playing basketball with friends. Schrempf first came to prominence as a member of the Dallas Mavericks during the 1985–1989 seasons where he helped lead them to two consecutive NBA Finals appearances and an NBA championship in 1989. 

After retiring from play, Schrempf became head coach of the German national team and led them to their best ever performance at EuroBasket 2007 where they reached the semifinals before being eliminated by Spain.

Detlef Schrempf currently resides in Seattle with his wife and children.

Also Played For: seattle supersonics, oklahoma city thunder

19. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Small forward

Giannis Antetokounmpo Career

  • NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
  • Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
  • Playing career: 2011–present
  • 2011–2013: Filathlitikos
  • 2013–present: Milwaukee Bucks
  • NBA champion (2021), NBA Finals MVP (2021), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020), 6× NBA All-Star (2017–2022), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021), 4× All-NBA First Team (2019–2022), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019–2022), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017), NBA Most Improved Player (2017), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2022), Euroscar Player of the Year (2018)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a dominant player in the NBA. He was drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 and has since become one of their key players.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994 in Athens, Greece. His father played basketball professionally and his brother alsoplays basketball professionally.

Antetokounmpo started playing professional basketball for Filathlitikos aged just 16 years old and quickly established himself as one of Europe's best young prospects.

In 2011, he was signed by the then-struggling Milwaukee Bucks and made an instant impact on the team - averaging 17 points per game over his first two seasons with them.

In 2016, he led Greece to its first ever appearance at an Olympic Games medal podium when they finished fourth overall at Rio de Janeiro – earning him selection to Team EuroBasket 2017 where he helped lead them to silver medals once again.

With averages of 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists per game across all competitions this season (2018/19), Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably one of the most consistent players in both European AND North American leagues – making him an extremely difficult opponent for any opposing player.

Also Played For: milwaukee bucks, bleacher report nba

20. Nikola Jokić

Center

Nikola Jokić Career

  • NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
  • Selected by the Denver Nuggets
  • Playing career: 2012–present
  • 2012–2015: Mega Basket
  • 2015–present: Denver Nuggets
  • 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2021, 2022), 4× NBA All-Star (2019–2022), 3× All-NBA First Team (2019, 2021, 2022), All-NBA Second Team (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), 2× Serbian Player of the Year (2018, 2021), ABA League MVP (2015), ABA League Top Prospect (2015)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Serbia, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, U19 World Championship, : 2013 Czech Republic: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Serbia
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • U19 World Championship
  • : 2013 Czech Republic: Team

Nikola Jokić was born on February 19, 1995, in Sombor, Serbia. He played for Mega Basket in 2012 and then moved to the Denver Nuggets in 2015. Nikola is a center who averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game last season with the Nuggets.

He has been selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge this year as part of All-Star Weekend festivities. Nikola Jokić is a Serbian professional basketball player who has been playing in the NBA since 2016. 

He was drafted 6th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2016 and won two championships with them during his first three seasons there.

In 2019, he was named MVP of the playoffs after leading his team to an improbable comeback against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also made 3 consecutive All-Star appearances from 2019-2021 and has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the league regardless of position. 

Nikola Jokić is married to Anka Mladenovic, a tennis player, and they have one child together - a daughter Milena.

Also Played For: denver nuggets, western conference

21. Danilo Gallinari

Small forward

Danilo Gallinari Career

  • NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
  • Selected by the New York Knicks
  • Playing career: 2004–present
  • 2004–2005: Casalpusterlengo
  • 2005–2006: Nuova Pavia
  • 2006–2008: Olimpia Milano
  • 2008–2011: New York Knicks
  • 2011: Olimpia Milano
  • 2011–2017: Denver Nuggets
  • 2017–2019: Los Angeles Clippers
  • 2019–2020: Oklahoma City Thunder
  • 2020–2022: Atlanta Hawks
  • 2022–present: Boston Celtics
  • Italian League MVP (2008), 2× Italian League Best Player U-22 (2007, 2008), EuroLeague Rising Star (2008)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing Italy, FIBA Europe U20 Championship, : 2007 Italy: , FIBA Europe U18 Championship, : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro: U-18 Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing Italy
  • FIBA Europe U20 Championship
  • : 2007 Italy:
  • FIBA Europe U18 Championship
  • : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro: U-18 Team

Danilo Gallinari is a 34-year old power forward who has played in the NBA since 2004. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2008 and spent six seasons with them before moving to Olimpia Milano in 2011.

In total, he has played for Casalpusterlengo (2004–2005), Nuova Pavia (2005–2006), New York Knicks (2008–2011) and Olimpia Milano (2011 onwards). With an average of 20 points per game over his career, Gallinari is one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history.

He won two Italian League championships with Olimpia Milano during his time there and also lifted silverware at the EuroLeague Final Four tournament in 2014 where he led Italy to their first ever title medal at that level. 

Now playing for Denver Nuggets, Danilo will be looking to help them retain their place as one of the top teams in North America this season.

Also Played For: los angeles clippers

22. Marc Gasol

Center

Marc Gasol Career

  • High school: Lausanne Collegiate School, (Memphis, Tennessee)
  • NBA draft 2007 / Round: 2 / Pick: 48th overall
  • Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
  • Playing career: 2003–present
  • 2003–2006: FC Barcelona
  • 2006–2008: CB Girona
  • 2008–2019: Memphis Grizzlies
  • 2019–2020: Toronto Raptors
  • 2020–2021: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2021–present: Bàsquet Girona
  • NBA champion (2019), 3× NBA All-Star (2012, 2015, 2017), All-NBA First Team (2015), All-NBA Second Team (2013), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2013), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2013), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2009), Liga ACB champion (2004), FIBA EuroCup winner (2007), ACB Most Valuable Player Award (2008), All-ACB Team (2008), LEB Oro Final Four MVP (2022), Euroscar Player of the Year (2014)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, World Cup, : 2006 Japan: Team, : 2019 China: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 2009 Poland: Team, : 2011 Lithuania: Team, : 2007 Spain: Team, : 2013 Slovenia: Team, : 2017 Turkey: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Spain
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2008 Beijing: Team
  • : 2012 London: Team
  • World Cup
  • : 2006 Japan: Team
  • : 2019 China: Team
  • FIBA Eurobasket
  • : 2009 Poland: Team
  • : 2011 Lithuania: Team
  • : 2007 Spain: Team
  • : 2013 Slovenia: Team
  • : 2017 Turkey: Team

Marc Gasol is a Spanish center who has played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, and Girona of the Liga ACB since 2003. 

He is one of the most decorated players in European basketball history, having been named EuroLeague MVP twice (2013–14 and 2017-18), as well as three times winner of the La Liga Best Forward Award (2008–09, 2010–11, 2011-12).

In 2013 he joined Pau Gasol on Barcelona's all-time scoring list with 24,364 points in 542 games. At age 37 he remains one of the best centers in the NBA and signed a four-year/$144 million contract extension with Memphis earlier this season. 

Marc Gasol was born January 29th, 1985 in Barcelona to parents from Galicia; his father José Máximo García was also a professional basketball player.

Who competed internationally for Spain at various levels including FIBA Europe Cup Winner Cup with the FC Barcelona team that featured future Hall-of-Famer Lluís Vives.

Also Played For: memphis grizzlies, toronto raptors

23. Pau Gasol

Power forward

Pau Gasol Career

  • NBA draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
  • Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
  • Playing career: 1998–2021
  • Position: Power forward / Center
  • Number: 16, 17
  • 1998–2001: FC Barcelona
  • 2001–2008: Memphis Grizzlies
  • 2008–2014: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2014–2016: Chicago Bulls
  • 2016–2019: San Antonio Spurs
  • 2019: Milwaukee Bucks
  • 2021: FC Barcelona
  • 2× NBA champion (2009, 2010), 6× NBA All-Star (2006, 2009–2011, 2015, 2016), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2011, 2015), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2009, 2010), NBA Rookie of the Year (2002), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002), All-EuroLeague Second Team (2001), 3× Liga ACB champion (1999, 2001, 2021), Spanish King's Cup winner (2001), Spanish King's Cup MVP (2001), ACB Finals MVP (2001), 2× FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2008, 2009), 2× Mister Europa Player of the Year (2004, 2009), 4× Euroscar Player of the Year (2008–2010, 2015), FIBA World Cup MVP (2006), FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (2014), 2× FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2009, 2015), 3× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2003, 2009, 2015)
  • Points: 20,894 (17.0 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 11,305 (9.2 rpg)
  • Assists: 3,925 (3.2 apg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Summer Olympics, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2006 Japan: Team, EuroBasket, : 2009 Poland: Team, : 2011 Lithuania: Team, : 2015 France: Team, : 2003 Sweden: Team, : 2007 Spain: Team, : 2001 Turkey: Team, : 2017 Turkey: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Spain
  • Summer Olympics
  • : 2008 Beijing: Team
  • : 2012 London: Team
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • World Cup
  • : 2006 Japan: Team
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2009 Poland: Team
  • : 2011 Lithuania: Team
  • : 2015 France: Team
  • : 2003 Sweden: Team
  • : 2007 Spain: Team
  • : 2001 Turkey: Team
  • : 2017 Turkey: Team

Pau Gasol is a retired professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association for 16 seasons. He was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2001 and spent his entire career with them.

Pau Gasol is a two-time NBA champion, winning titles with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008 and 2009 before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014. He also won a championship with the Chicago Bulls in 2016. 

In 2020, Pau Gasol will join FC Barcelona as their new center fielder and leader on both sides of the ball.

Given his experience playing at such a high level, he will be an important part of Barça's bid to win La Liga and Europe's top club competition, the UEFA Champions League.

Pau Gasol is a Spanish basketball player who has played for the Milwaukee Bucks and FC Barcelona. He is a two-time NBA champion and six-time All-Star.

Pau Gasol was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2002, but he only spent one season with them before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he won his first championship in 2006.

 In 2008, Pau Gasol signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and helped them win three championships between 2010 and 2013, including their most recent title in 2016.

Pau Gasol announced his retirement from professional basketball after playing for Spain at the World Cup this year, winning MVP honors as a result.

Also Played For: 2009–10 nba season, nba 2000s

24. Jonas Valančiūnas

Center

Jonas Valančiūnas Career

  • NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
  • Selected by the Toronto Raptors
  • Playing career: 2008–present
  • 2008–2010: Perlas Vilnius
  • 2010–2012: Lietuvos rytas Vilnius
  • 2012–2019: Toronto Raptors
  • 2019–2021: Memphis Grizzlies
  • 2021–present: New Orleans Pelicans
  • NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2013), LKL champion (2010), 2× LKL Most Improved Player (2011, 2012), LKL MVP (2012), LKL Player of the Year (2012), 2× LKL blocks leader (2011, 2012), VTB United League rebounding leader (2012), 3x LKL All-Defensive Team (2010–2012), LKF Cup winner (2010), 3× LKL All-Star (2010–2012), 2× LKL All-Star Game MVP (2011, 2012), 5× Lithuanian Player of the Year (2011, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2021), 2× FIBA Young Player of the Year (2011, 2012), All-EuroCup First Team (2012), EuroCup Rising Star (2012), FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2011)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Lithuania, EuroBasket, : 2013 Slovenia: , : 2015 France: , World U-19 Cup, : 2011 Latvia: Team, European U-18 Championship, : 2010 Lithuania: Team, European U-16 Championship, : 2008 Italy: Team, : 2007 Greece: Team, European Youth Olympic Festival, : 2007 Serbia:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Lithuania
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2013 Slovenia:
  • : 2015 France:
  • World U-19 Cup
  • : 2011 Latvia: Team
  • European U-18 Championship
  • : 2010 Lithuania: Team
  • European U-16 Championship
  • : 2008 Italy: Team
  • : 2007 Greece: Team
  • European Youth Olympic Festival
  • : 2007 Serbia:

Jonas Valančiūnas is a center for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. He was drafted fifth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2011 and has since played for Memphis Grizzlies, Lietuvos Rytas Vilnius, and Toronto Raptors.

Valančiūnas is one of only two players (the other being DeMarcus Cousins) to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in an individual game twice during his career.

 In 2019 he signed with Memphis Grizzlies until 2021 after spending time with Toronto last season where he averaged 11 points and eight rebounds per game before having surgery on his right ankle which sidelined him for six weeks.

Despite this setback, he finished fourth in voting for the Most Improved Player Award behind James Harden (Houston Rockets), Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors), and Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers).

25. Bogdan Bogdanović

Shooting guard

Bogdan Bogdanović Career

  • NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27th overall
  • Selected by the Phoenix Suns
  • Playing career: 2010–present
  • 2010–2014: Partizan
  • 2014–2017: Fenerbahçe
  • 2017–2020: Sacramento Kings
  • 2020–present: Atlanta Hawks
  • NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2018), EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team (2020), EuroLeague champion (2017), All-EuroLeague First Team (2017), 2× EuroLeague Rising Star (2014, 2015), 2× Turkish League champion (2016, 2017), Turkish Cup winner (2016), Turkish President's Cup winner (2016), Turkish League Finals MVP (2017), Turkish Cup Final MVP (2016), 2× Adriatic League champion (2011, 2013), All-Adriatic League Team (2014), 2× Serbian Player of the Year (2017, 2019), 4× Serbian League champion (2011–2014), 2× Serbian Cup winner (2011, 2012), Serbian League Playoffs MVP (2014), FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (2019)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Serbia, EuroBasket, : 2017 Turkey: , Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: , U19 World Championship, : 2011 Latvia: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Serbia
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2017 Turkey:
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • World Cup
  • : 2014 Spain:
  • U19 World Championship
  • : 2011 Latvia: Team

Bogdan Bogdanović was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2014. He has played for Partizan, Fenerbahçe and Sacramento Kings since 2010. Bogdan Bogdanović is a shooting guard who can score from anywhere on the court.

His nickname is "Bogda". Bogdan Bogdanović is a Serbian professional basketball player who most recently played for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. He has spent his entire career playing in Serbia, with stints in Turkey and Adriatic League clubs before joining the Atlanta Hawks this past season.

Bogdanović has won multiple titles with various Serbian teams, including two league championships and a Serbian Cup win. He was named to both the All-EuroLeague First Team and EuroLeague Rising Star Teams in 2017 after an impressive year where he averaged 16 points per game in Europe's top competition.

Bogdanović was also one of Serbia's key players at the FIBA World Cup where he led his team to their first ever appearance in the tournament’s final stages, scoring 23 points off the bench against France during their semi-final match up en route to eventual runners up spot overall.

Also Played For: atlanta hawks, shooting guard

26. Nicolas Batum

Small forward

Nicolas Batum Career

  • NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25th overall
  • Selected by the Houston Rockets
  • Playing career: 2006–present
  • 2006–2008: Le Mans Sarthe
  • 2008–2015: Portland Trail Blazers
  • 2011: SLUC Nancy
  • 2015–2020: Charlotte Hornets
  • 2020–present: Los Angeles Clippers
  • 2× LNB Pro A Best Young Player (2007, 2008), French Basketball Player of the Year (2021), Albert Schweitzer Tournament MVP (2006), FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship MVP (2006), , As Director of ASVEL Basketball Operations:, , LNB Pro A champion (2019), French Cup champion (2019)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  France, Summer Olympics, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 2014 Spain: , : 2019 China: , EuroBasket, : 2013 Slovenia: , : 2011 Lithuania: , : 2015 France: , U-18 European Championship, : 2006 Greece: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  France
  • Summer Olympics
  • : 2020 Tokyo: Team
  • FIBA World Cup
  • : 2014 Spain:
  • : 2019 China:
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2013 Slovenia:
  • : 2011 Lithuania:
  • : 2015 France:
  • U-18 European Championship
  • : 2006 Greece: Team

Nicolas Batum is a French small forward and power forward who has played in the NBA since 2008. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets, but only played for them for one season before moving to Portland Trail Blazers.

In Portland, he made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 14 points per game and winning Rookie of The Year honors. 

He continued his progress in subsequent seasons, becoming an All-Star twice and helping the Blazers make it to the playoffs each time they entered (they were knocked out on both occasions).

In 2018 he moved to Charlotte Hornets where he has been relatively successful so far - despite playing under difficult circumstances due to injuries - averaging 18 points per game over 36 appearances thus far in 2020/21 campaign Nicolas Batum was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2008. 

Nicolas Batum played for ASVEL from 2006 to 2010 and then moved on to play with the Charlotte Bobcats where he has been since 2011.

He won a French League championship with ASVEL in 2007, an Albert Schweitzer Tournament MVP award in 2006, and helped lead France to a gold medal at the European Under-18 Championship that same year. 

In 2016, he joined the Portland Clippers as their director of basketball operations and has continued his success there since then, helping them win two LNB Pro A championships (2019) and reach the 2019 French Cup final.

Also Played For: charlotte hornets

27. Boris Diaw

Power forward

Boris Diaw Career

  • High school: INSEP (Paris, France)
  • NBA draft 2003 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21st overall
  • Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
  • Playing career: 2001–2018
  • Position: Power forward
  • Number: 32, 13, 3, 33
  • 2001–2003: Pau-Orthez
  • 2003–2005: Atlanta Hawks
  • 2005–2008: Phoenix Suns
  • 2008–2012: Charlotte Bobcats
  • 2011: JSA Bordeaux
  • 2012–2016: San Antonio Spurs
  • 2016–2017: Utah Jazz
  • 2017–2018: Levallois Metropolitans
  • NBA champion (2014), NBA Most Improved Player (2006), 2x French League champion (2001, 2003), French League French Player's MVP (2003), All-French League First Team (2003), French League Rising Star (2002), 2x French Cup champion (2002, 2003)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  France, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: , EuroBasket, : 2013 Slovenia: , : 2011 Lithuania: , : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro: , : 2015 France: , FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, : 2000 Croatia: U-18 Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  France
  • World Cup
  • : 2014 Spain:
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2013 Slovenia:
  • : 2011 Lithuania:
  • : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro:
  • : 2015 France:
  • FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship
  • : 2000 Croatia: U-18 Team

Diaw is a French power forward who has played in the NBA for 13 seasons. Diaw was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2003 and has spent most of his career with them, winning three championships while playing alongside stars such as Tony Parker and Tim Duncan.

He joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2015 after spending two years with the Paris Saint-Germain team. Diaw retired from professional basketball at the end of 2018 to take up a role as president of Metropolitans 92, a club based in his home town of Cormeilles-en-Parisis.

Diaw is a versatile player who has played both on the front court and at Shooting Guard. Diaw was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2003 and played for them until 2005 when he was traded to Phoenix Suns. 

Diaw then spent two seasons with Charlotte Bobcats before joining Bordeaux of France's National Basketball League (LNB) in 2011 where he won back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

Diaw made his NBA debut with San Antonio Spurs in 2008 and helped lead them to their first championship title that season, becoming just the second European player to do so (after Vlade Divac). He then joined Utah Jazz but left following the 2017 season after playing a total of nine years in the league.

Overall, six of which were with Spurs. Boris now plays for Levallois Metropolitans where he has led them to 2 French Cup titles this year as well as being named MVP of both competitions thus far.

Also Played For: san antonio spurs

28. Arvydas Sabonis

Center

Arvydas Sabonis Career

  • NBA draft 1986 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24th overall
  • Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
  • Playing career: 1981–2004
  • Number: 11
  • 1981–1989: Žalgiris
  • 1989–1992: Fórum Valladolid
  • 1992–1995: Real Madrid
  • 1995–2001: Portland Trail Blazers
  • 2001–2002: Žalgiris
  • 2002–2003: Portland Trail Blazers
  • 2003–2004: Žalgiris
  • FIBA Club World Cup champion (1986), FIBA European League champion (1995), 3× USSR League champion (1985–1987), 2× ACB League champion (1993, 1994), LKL champion (2004), Spanish Cup winner (1993), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), 6× Euroscar Player of the Year (1984, 1985, 1988, 1995, 1997, 1999), 2× Mr. Europa Player of the Year (1985, 1997), 4× Lithuanian Sportsman of the Year (1984–1986, 1996), EuroBasket MVP (1985), FIBA European League Final Four MVP (1995), EuroLeague Regular Season MVP (2004), EuroLeague Top 16 MVP (2004), All-EuroLeague First Team (2004), 2× Spanish League Finals MVP (1993, 1994), 2× Spanish League MVP (1994, 1995), 2× Spanish All-Star Game MVP (1991, 1992), 2× EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (1986, 1995), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1996), No. 11 retired by Žalgiris Kaunas, FIBA European League Rebounding Leader (1993), EuroLeague Rebounding Leader (2004), EuroLeague Blocking Leader (2004), EuroLeague PIR Leader (2004)
  • Points: 5,629 (12.0 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 3,436 (7.3 rpg)
  • Assists: 964 (2.1 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • FIBA Hall of Fame as player
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Olympic Games, Representing  Soviet Union, : 1988 Seoul: Team, Representing  Lithuania, : 1992 Barcelona: Team, : 1996 Atlanta: Team, World Cup, Representing  Soviet Union, : Colombia 1982: , : Spain 1986: , EuroBasket, Representing  Soviet Union, : 1983 France: , : 1985 West Germany: , : 1989 Yugoslavia: , Representing  Lithuania, : 1995 Greece: , European Championship for Cadets, Representing  Soviet Union, : 1981 Greece: Under-18
  • Men's basketball
  • Olympic Games
  • Representing  Soviet Union
  • 1988 Seoul: Team
  • Representing  Lithuania
  • 1992 Barcelona: Team
  • 1996 Atlanta: Team
  • World Cup
  • Representing  Soviet Union
  • Colombia 1982
  • Spain 1986
  • EuroBasket
  • Representing  Soviet Union
  • 1983 France
  • 1985 West Germany
  • 1989 Yugoslavia
  • Representing  Lithuania
  • 1995 Greece
  • European Championship for Cadets
  • Representing  Soviet Union
  • 1981 Greece: Under-18

Arvydas Sabonis was one of the most popular players in NBA history. He won four titles with Portland and is also a two-time All Star. 

Sabonis had an impressive body of work throughout his playing career, averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds per game over 18 seasons.

His nickname "The Baby Bull" comes from his fierce play on the court, as well as his imposing size at 7' 3". After retiring from playing, Sabonis became a successful coach with Žalgiris Milano and Real Madrid before being hired by Portland in 2011. 

Arvydas Sabonis will always be remembered for his tremendous basketball skills, which helped him win countless championships both as player and coach Arvydas Sabonis was a Lithuanian-born international basketball player.

Arvydas Sabonis played for the Portland Trail Blazers from 2002 to 2003 and then with Žalgiris from 2003 to 2004. He won two championships with Žalgiris, in 2004 and 2005, before retiring after the 2006 season. 

In his career he averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game, making him one of the most successful European players ever. 

He has been honoured by several organisations, including being named FIBA's 50 Greatest Players of all time in 1991 and receiving six Euroscar Awards (the equivalent of an MVP award).

After retirement he served as head coach of Panathinaikos between 2008 and 2012 but was dismissed after failing to win any games in 2012–13 season.

Also Played For: portland trail blazers, liga acb

29. Jusuf Nurkić

Center

Jusuf Nurkić Career

  • NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16th overall
  • Selected by the Chicago Bulls
  • Playing career: 2012–present
  • 2012–2014: Cedevita
  • 2013: →Zadar
  • 2014–2017: Denver Nuggets
  • 2017–present: Portland Trail Blazers
  • NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2015), Croatian League Finals MVP (2014), All-Croatian League Second Team (2014)

Nurkić was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2014 and has since played for the Trail Blazers. Nurkić is a powerful center who can score in multiple ways. He has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at international level, including at the 2016 Olympics where he helped his country to a silver medal.

In 2019, Nurkić signed with Portland as part of an agreement that will see him play for their G League team before returning to the NBA later that year. 

Nurkić was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina on February 2, 1994. He first gained recognition playing for Cedevita in the Croatian League, where he won two championships (2012-13 and 2013-14).

Nurkić then moved to Zadar before joining the Denver Nuggets in 2014. In 2017, Nurkić joined the Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent. During his time with Denver and Portland, Nurkic has been an integral part of both teams' success.

He has averaged 12 points and 8 rebounds per game over his three seasons in the NBA thus far. As one of Europe's most promising young stars, there is no doubt that Jusuf Nurkic will continue to make waves on the international stage for years to come.

30. Luka Dončić

Dallas Mavericks

Luka Dončić Career

  • NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
  • Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
  • Playing career: 2015–present
  • 2015–2018: Real Madrid
  • 2018–present: Dallas Mavericks
  • 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), 3× All-NBA First Team (2020–2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2019), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019), EuroLeague champion (2018), EuroLeague MVP (2018), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2018), All-EuroLeague First Team (2018), 2× EuroLeague Rising Star (2017, 2018), EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team (2020), Euroscar Player of the Year (2019), 3× Liga ACB champion (2015, 2016, 2018), Liga ACB MVP (2018), All-Liga ACB First Team (2018), 2× ACB Best Young Player (2017, 2018), 3× ACB All-Young Players Team (2016–2018), 2× Spanish King's Cup winner (2016, 2017), 2× Trofeo Costa de Sol champion (2016, 2017), FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (2015), EB Next Generation Tournament champion (2015), EB Next Generation Tournament MVP (2015), Slovenian Sportsman of the Year (2018)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Slovenia, EuroBasket, : 2017 Turkey:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Slovenia
  • EuroBasket
  • 2017 Turkey

Luka Dončić is a Slovenian point guard who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018. He has played for Real Madrid since 2015 and most recently played with the Dallas Mavericks in 2018.

Dončić has been praised for his shooting ability, athleticism, and passing skills. In 2019 he led Spain to a silver medal at the European Championships and was named MVP of the tournament. 

He is one of only five players in history to score over 2,000 points in both the Euroleague (regular season) and Liga ACB (Spanish league) play simultaneously.

In 2020 he signed an extension with Dallas that will keep him there through 2023-24 seasons Luka Dončić was born in February of 1998, making him just 19 years old when he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award. 

Luka is a 7-footer who plays both forward positions and has been compared to former Yugoslavia great Dražen Petrović. 

He played for his hometown team Zagreb before being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2016 and subsequently traded to the Orlando Magic.

In 2018, Luka led Croatia to their first-ever European Championship title, becoming only the fourth player (after Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Dirk Nowitzki) to win a FIBA World Cup medal as well as a EuroLeague championship medal. 

After two seasons with Orlando, Luka moved on again this summer signing with Barcelona where he will join up with fellow Croatian Dario Saric.

Also Played For: basketball, nba playoffs best player

31. Kristaps Porziņģis

Washington Wizards

Kristaps Porziņģis Career

  • NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
  • Selected by the New York Knicks
  • Playing career: 2012–present
  • 2012–2015: Sevilla
  • 2012–2013: →Sevilla B
  • 2015–2019: New York Knicks
  • 2019–2022: Dallas Mavericks
  • 2022–present: Washington Wizards
  • NBA All-Star (2018), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), EuroCup Rising Star (2015), 2× ACB All-Young Players Team (2014, 2015)

Porziņģis was born in Latvia, and he played basketball for Liepāja's Jelgava-Riga BC before being drafted by the New York Knicks in 2015. 

Porziņģis has averaged 14.3 points and 6 rebounds per game over his NBA career, including a season with the Washington Wizards where he averaged 13.8 points and 7 rebounds per game.

Porziņģis is known for his athleticism, as well as his shooting ability from outside of the arc (he has made over 300 three-point shots in his career). In 2018, Porziņģis helped lead Latvia to their first ever FIBA World Cup appearance – they were eliminated in the group stages however.

 Kristaps Porziņģis will be playing out the remainder of his contract with Washington Wizards this year before potentially moving on to another team next season Porziņģis was a highly touted prospect coming out of Latvia and was expected to be a top pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

However, he fell to the Knicks at number 17 overall and has since developed into one of the most promising players in European basketball. Porziņģis is second all-time in total points scored by a Latvian player in international play (1,394), trailing only Arvydas Sabonis. 

He has also averaged 20.3 points per game over his career with Sevilla, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards squads respectively. In 2018, Porziņģis won an All-Star Game MVP award after leading Eastern Conference team 111–105 victory over the West squad.

That same year he helped lead his Lithuanian national team to their first EuroBasket championship since 2000 when they defeated Spain 71–64 in the final match played at Bilbao BILBAO BC GIRONA.

Also Played For: nba, new york knicks

32. Toni Kukoč

Toni Kukoč Career

  • 1985–1991: Jugoplastika
  • 1991–1993: Benetton Treviso
  • 1993–2000: Chicago Bulls
  • 2000–2001: Philadelphia 76ers
  • 2001–2002: Atlanta Hawks
  • 2002–2006: Milwaukee Bucks

Toni Kukoč is one of the best players to ever play in the NBA. He was a six time All Star and won two championships with the Chicago Bulls. Kukoč played for several different teams during his career, but he is most well-known for his time with the Chicago Bulls.

Kukoč was born in Split, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia but moved to America when he was young and started playing basketball there. 

After playing college ball at Jugoplastika (Croatian national team) he entered the NBA in 1990 and quickly became one of its stars. 

He retired from professional basketball in 2006 after spending 11 seasons with three different teams - Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat - all winning titles along the way..

Toni Kukoč is a former professional basketball player who played for several teams in Europe and the United States. 

He was most notable for his time with the Chicago Bulls, where he won three NBA championships. Kukoč was born in Yugoslavia but played for various European teams before joining the Bulls in 1993. 

He helped lead Chicago to its first championship win that year and then repeated as champions in 1996 and 1998. After leaving Chicago, Kukoč spent some time with other teams before retiring from playing professionally in 2003 at age 36.

Since retirement, he has worked as a commentator for Slovenian television networks Sport Klub Ljubljana and Mladina TV Koroška during game broadcasts. 

In 2008, Toni Kukoč was one of 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors chosen by FIBA Europe magazine editors following the conclusion of the 2007–08 season.

Also Played For: fiba

33. Juan Carlos Navarro

Spain men's national basketball team

Juan Carlos Navarro Career

  • NBA draft 2002 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40th overall
  • Selected by the Washington Wizards
  • Playing career: 1997–2018
  • Position: Shooting guard
  • Number: 11, 2
  • 1997–2007: FC Barcelona
  • 2007–2008: Memphis Grizzlies
  • 2008–2018: FC Barcelona
  • NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2008), 3× All-Europe Player of the Year (2009–2011), Mister Europa Player of the Year (2010), EuroBasket MVP (2011), 2× EuroLeague champion (2003, 2010), EuroLeague MVP (2009), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2010), EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (2010), EuroLeague Top Scorer (2007), 5× All-EuroLeague First Team (2006, 2007, 2009–2011), 2× All-EuroLeague Second Team (2012, 2013), EuroLeague 2000–10 All-Decade Team (2010), EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team (2020), EuroLeague Legend (2014), FIBA Korać Cup champion (1999), 8× Liga ACB champion (1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014), 7× Spanish Cup winner (2001, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2018), 5× Spanish Supercup winner (2004, 2009–2011, 2015), Spanish League MVP (2006), 3× Spanish League Finals MVP (2009, 2011, 2014), Spanish League Top Scorer (2007), 4× All-Spanish League Team (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010), 3× Spanish Supercup MVP (2009–2011), No. 11 retired by FC Barcelona (2019), EuroLeague all-time leader in three-pointers made
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Summer Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 2006 Japan: , EuroBasket, : 2009 Poland: , : 2011 Lithuania: , : 2003 Sweden: , : 2007 Spain: , : 2001 Turkey: , : 2017 Turkey: , FIBA U19 World Cup, : 1999 Portugal: U19 Team, FIBA Europe U18 Championship, : 1998 Bulgaria: U18 Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Spain
  • Summer Olympic Games
  • : 2008 Beijing: Team
  • : 2012 London: Team
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • FIBA World Cup
  • : 2006 Japan:
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2009 Poland:
  • : 2011 Lithuania:
  • : 2003 Sweden:
  • : 2007 Spain:
  • : 2001 Turkey:
  • : 2017 Turkey:
  • FIBA U19 World Cup
  • : 1999 Portugal: U19 Team
  • FIBA Europe U18 Championship
  • : 1998 Bulgaria: U18 Team

Juan Carlos Navarro is a Spanish shooting guard who played in the NBA for 16 seasons. He began his career with the Washington Wizards, and spent time with the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Memphis Grizzlies before signing with Barcelona in 2018.

In Spain he has been team manager of FC Barcelona since 2019. Juan Carlos Navarro was born on June 13th 1980 in Sant Feliu de Llobregat near Barcelona, Spain. 

At 6' 4" tall and weighing 201 pounds he started playing basketball at an early age and quickly developed into one of Europe's best shooters outside of the NBA/BASKETBALL league system..

His talent was first recognized when he won a gold medal as part of Spain’s under-16 national team at the 1995 FIBA European Championship held in Italy where they finished as runners up to Serbia . After impressing scouts during international play (including winning MVP honors at EuroBasket 2001).

Juan Carlos Navarro declared for selection into the 2002 NBA draft but went undrafted despite averaging 18 points per game over two years college ball at Fresno State University .

The Washington Wizards selected him in Round 2 (40th overall) but due to injuries had limited playing time , finishing out his rookie season with averages 3 ppg (.391 FG%, 1 spg., 0 apg.) & 1 rpg across 21 games .

In 2003–04Navarro averaged 8 ppg (.444 FG%, 2 spg., 0 apg.), while starting all 82 games. 2004–05 saw him average 14 ppg (.519 FG%, 3 spg., 1 apg.), earning All-NBA Third Team accolades.

2005–06 became just the fourth player (alongside Michael Jordan,[1], Kobe Bryant[2], Karl Malone) ever to score 30 or more points 20 times consecutively en route to leading Dallas Mavericks to their first title.

2007 led Cleveland Cavaliers back from an 0-2 deficit against eventual champions Miami Heat; becoming only second player other than Michael Jordan [4] to lead both teams past 50% shooting percentage over entire playoffs series.

2008–09 captured Sixth Man Award after appearing in 76 regular season contests scoring 10ppgs off bench and posting identical stats as starter Jason Kidd throughout postseason run including Game 5 clincher vs New York Knicks which gave Cavs homecourt advantage through next round that eventually propelled them championship.

34. Šarūnas Marčiulionis

Šarūnas Marčiulionis Career

  • NBA draft 1987 / Round: 6 / Pick: 127th overall
  • Selected by the Golden State Warriors
  • Playing career: 1981–1997
  • Position: Shooting guard
  • Number: 13, 30, 8
  • 1981–1989: Statyba
  • 1989–1994: Golden State Warriors
  • 1994–1995: Seattle SuperSonics
  • 1995–1996: Sacramento Kings
  • 1996–1997: Denver Nuggets
  • 4× Lithuanian Sportsman of the Year (1987, 1989–1991), Mr. Europa (1988), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (1995), FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (1995)
  • Points: 4,631 (12.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 819 (2.3 rpg)
  • Assists: 807 (2.2 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • FIBA Hall of Fame as player
  • Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Soviet Union, Summer Olympic Games, : 1988 Seoul: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1987 Greece: , : 1989 Yugoslavia: , FIBA U19 World Cup, : 1983 Spain: Under-19, European Championship for Juniors, : 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18, Representing  Lithuania, Summer Olympics, : 1992 Barcelona: , : 1996 Atlanta: , FIBA EuroBasket, : 1995 Greece:
  • Men's Basketball
  • Representing  Soviet Union
  • Summer Olympic Games
  • : 1988 Seoul:
  • FIBA EuroBasket
  • : 1987 Greece:
  • : 1989 Yugoslavia:
  • FIBA U19 World Cup
  • : 1983 Spain: Under-19
  • European Championship for Juniors
  • : 1982 Bulgaria: Under-18
  • Representing  Lithuania
  • Summer Olympics
  • : 1992 Barcelona:
  • : 1996 Atlanta:
  • FIBA EuroBasket
  • : 1995 Greece:

Marčiulionis is a Lithuanian-American professional basketball player who played for the Golden State Warriors, Seattle SuperSonics and Denver Nuggets in the NBA.

Marčiulionis was born on June 13, 1964 in Kaunas, Lithuania. He attended Statyba before being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1987th overall. After playing with Golden State and Seattle for two seasons apiece, he joined Sacramento Kings for one year before moving to Denver Nuggets.

In 1997 he retired from professional basketball due to injury after six seasons in the league Marčiulionis was a Lithuanian professional basketball player who is considered one of the best players in history. 

He played his entire career with the Toronto Raptors and is considered to be one of their all-time greats.

In 1995, he was named MVP of the EuroBasket tournament, which helped lead Lithuania to its first ever international championship. He has also been inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame and FIBA's hall of fame as a player. Currently, Šarūnas Marčiulionis works as an analyst for Sky Sports in Europe.

35. Boban Marjanović

Center

Boban Marjanović Career

  • NBA draft: 2010 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 2006–present
  • 2006–2010: Hemofarm
  • 2007: →Swisslion Takovo
  • 2010–2011: CSKA Moscow
  • 2011: →Žalgiris
  • 2011–2012: Nizhny Novgorod
  • 2012: →Radnički Kragujevac
  • 2012–2013: Mega Vizura
  • 2013–2015: Crvena zvezda
  • 2015–2016: San Antonio Spurs
  • 2015–2016: →Austin Spurs
  • 2016–2018: Detroit Pistons
  • 2018–2019: Los Angeles Clippers
  • 2019: Philadelphia 76ers
  • 2019–2022: Dallas Mavericks
  • 2022–present: Houston Rockets
  • All-EuroLeague First Team (2015), 3× Serbian Super League MVP (2013–2015), Serbian League champion (2015), 3× All-Serbian League First Team (2013–2015), ABA League champion (2015), ABA League playoffs MVP (2015), 3× All-ABA League Team (2014, 2015), 2× Serbian Cup winner (2014, 2015), LKL All-Star (2011), Lithuanian League champion (2011), Baltic League champion (2011), Lithuanian Cup winner (2011)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Serbia, EuroBasket, : 2017 Turkey: , FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2007 Serbia: Team, FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship, : 2008 Latvia: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Serbia
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2017 Turkey:
  • FIBA Under-19 World Cup
  • : 2007 Serbia: Team
  • FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship
  • : 2008 Latvia: Team

Boban Marjanović was born on August 15, 1988 in Boljevac, SR Serbia. He played college basketball at Hemofarm and then joined Swisslion Takovo before signing with CSKA Moscow in 2010.

He has since spent time with the Dallas Mavericks (2011-2012), Oklahoma City Thunder (2012-2015), Milwaukee Bucks (2016) and Houston Rockets (2017). 

In 201 Boban Marjanović is a Serbian professional basketball player who has played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets in the NBA.

He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the 26th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft but did not play for them until 2015. After playing one season with Dallas, he moved to join forces with Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan at San Antonio. 

In 2016, he joined up with new head coach Mike D'Antoni and helped lead Houston to their first ever conference semi-final appearance in his rookie season as a starter.

The following year saw him start all 82 games for Houston en route to winning his second straight MVP trophy as well as leading them to their third consecutive playoff appearance before ultimately losing in the 2019 Finals against eventual champions Golden State Warriors.

Also Played For: detroit pistons

36. Andrea Bargnani

Toronto Raptors

Andrea Bargnani Career

  • NBA draft 2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
  • Selected by the Toronto Raptors
  • Playing career: 2002–2017
  • Position: Power forward / Center
  • 2002–2003: Stella Azzurra Roma
  • 2003–2006: Benetton Treviso
  • 2006–2013: Toronto Raptors
  • 2013–2015: New York Knicks
  • 2015–2016: Brooklyn Nets
  • 2016–2017: Baskonia
  • NBA All-Rookie First Team (2007), EuroLeague Rising Star (2006), Italian League champion (2006), 2× Italian Cup winner (2004, 2005), Italian League Best Player Under 22 (2006)
  • Points: 7,873 (14.3 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 2,541 (4.6 rpg)
  • Assists: 653 (1.2 apg)

Andrea Bargnani is a professional basketball player who has played for the Toronto Raptors and Benetton Treviso in his career. Andrea Bargnani was drafted first overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2006, after playing for Stella Azzurra Roma from 2002-2003.

Andrea Bargnani was an All Star selection with the Raptors in 2013 and 2014, before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2015. After two seasons with Brooklyn, Bargnani signed with Italian team Torino where he remains currently playing. 

Andrea Bargnani is known for his scoring prowess from inside and out of the paint, as well as his passing abilities on offense which have drawn comparisons to former NBA greats Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant.

In 2017, it was announced that BargnANI had been diagnosed with a torn ligament in his left elbow that would end his season prematurely; this came just one year after signing a five-year contract extension worth over $60 million USD with Torino.

Despite these setbacks, reports state that Andrea BargnANI still intends on returning to play at some point during next season.

Also Played For: 2006 nba draft

37. Šarūnas Jasikevičius

Point guard

Šarūnas Jasikevičius Career

  • High school: Solanco (Quarryville, Pennsylvania)
  • College: Maryland (1994–1998)
  • NBA draft: 1998 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 1998–2014
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 3, 13, 19, 33
  • Coaching career: 2014–present
  • As player:, FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2003), 4× EuroLeague champion (2003–2005, 2009), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2005), EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (2005), 2× All-EuroLeague Team (2004, 2005), EuroLeague Basketball Legend (2015), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), EuroLeague 2000–10 All-Decade Team (2010), Mr. Europa Player of the Year (2003), 2× All-Europe Player of the Year (2004, 2005), 2× EuroLeague 50–40–90 club (2004, 2008), 4× EuroLeague Free Throw Percentage leader (2003, 2005, 2008, 2014), 4× Triple Crown winner (2003–2005, 2009), 2× Spanish League champion (2001, 2003), Spanish League Finals MVP (2003), 3× Spanish Cup champion (2001, 2003, 2013), 2× Spanish League All-Star (2001, 2003), 3× Greek League champion (2008–2010), 3× Greek Cup winner (2008, 2009, 2012), Greek League Best Five (2009), Greek Cup MVP (2012), 2× Greek League All-Star (2008, 2009), Greek League Guard of the Year (2008), Turkish Super League champion (2011), Turkish Cup winner (2011), 2× Israeli Super League champion (2004, 2005), 2× Israeli State Cup winner (2004, 2005), Israeli Super League MVP (2005), 2× Israeli Super League Quintet (2004, 2005), Lithuanian LKL champion (2014), Lithuanian Sportsman of the Year (2003), Slovenian League MVP (2000), Slovenian League All-Star (2000), Slovenian Cup winner (2000), Slovenian Cup MVP (2000), , As head coach:, , 5× Lithuanian League champion (2016–2020), 3× Lithuanian King Mindaugas Cup winner (2017, 2018, 2020), 3× Lithuanian League Coach of the Year (2017–2019), 2× Gloria Cup winner (2017, 2018), Liga ACB champion (2021), 2× Spanish Cup (2021, 2022), Kaunas, Lithuania Invitational Game winner (2019), Catalan League champion (2022)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Lithuania, FIBA Europe U18 Championship, : 1994 Israel: Under-18, FIBA Europe U20 Championship, : 1996 Turkey: , Eurobasket, : 2003 Sweden: , : 2007 Spain: , Summer Olympics, : 2000 Sydney:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Lithuania
  • FIBA Europe U18 Championship
  • : 1994 Israel: Under-18
  • FIBA Europe U20 Championship
  • : 1996 Turkey:
  • Eurobasket
  • : 2003 Sweden:
  • : 2007 Spain:
  • Summer Olympics
  • : 2000 Sydney:

Jasikevičius is a Lithuanian-born head coach and former professional basketball player. He played for several teams in Europe, most notably FC Barcelona and Žalgiris Kaunas, before ending his playing career with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014.

After coaching at various clubs abroad, he was appointed as the head coach of FC Barcelona's Liga ACB affiliate club Gimnàstic de Tarragona in 2017. As of 2019, he is also the head coach of Lithuania national team, who are currently preparing for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Born on 5 March 1976 in Kaunas, Lithuania, Šarūnas Jasikevičius started his playing career at age 17 with local side Solanco Quarryville High School before moving to Maryland to play college ball for the Terrapins under legendary head coach Gary Williams from 1994 to 1998.

Also Played For: fc barcelona basketball

38. Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Center

Zydrunas Ilgauskas Career

  • NBA draft 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 20th overall
  • Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Playing career: 1993–2011
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 11
  • 1993–1996: Atletas Kaunas
  • 1996–2010: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 2010–2011: Miami Heat
  • 2× NBA All-Star (2003, 2005), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998), No. 11 retired by Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Points: 10,976 (13.0 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 6,191 (7.3 rpg)
  • Blocks: 1,327 (1.6 bpg)

Zydrunas Ilgauskas was born in Kaunas, Lithuania on June 5th 1975. He played college basketball for the Georgetown Hoyas and then made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1996.

Ilgauskas spent 11 seasons with the Cavs before moving to Atlanta Hawks in 2011. Zydrunas Ilgauskas has won two Olympic gold medals with Lithuania as well as three EuroBasket titles and a World Championship medal during his illustrious career in basketball.

In 2013, he announced his retirement from professional basketball after winning an NBA championship with the Hawks that season. Ilgauskas is currently a sports commentator for Lithuanian television networks LRT and TV6 alongside former teammate LeBron James.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas was an All-Star and NBA Rookie of the Year for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is best known for his rebounding ability, which he displayed throughout his career with various teams including the Cavs and Miami Heat. 

Zydrunas Ilgauskas also had a successful stint in Lithuania, where he won two EuroBasket titles and three Lithuanian League Championships.

After ending his basketball career, Ilgauskas began managing teams in Europe before retiring permanently in early 2019 due to health concerns.

39. Ivica Zubac

Los Angeles Clippers

Ivica Zubac Career

  • NBA draft 2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32nd overall
  • Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
  • Playing career: 2013–present
  • 2013–2014: Zrinjevac
  • 2014–2016: Cibona
  • 2016: Mega Leks
  • 2016–2019: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2016–2018: →Los Angeles D-Fenders / South Bay Lakers
  • 2019–present: Los Angeles Clippers
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Croatia, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 2015 Greece:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Croatia
  • FIBA U19 World Championship
  • : 2015 Greece:

Zubac was selected by the LA Lakers with the 32nd overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Zubac has spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Clippers, appearing in over 200 games and averaging 10.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game during that time span.

Zubac is known for his strong defensive presence inside of the paint, ranking second in steals per game (2.9) among all players who have played at least 1,000 minutes during the 2018-19 season. 

Zubac represented Croatia at both the EuroBasket 2017 and FIBA World Cup 2019 tournaments where he helped guide his country to a fourth-place finish at EuroBasket 2017 before finishing seventh place at World Cup 2019 after being eliminated from contention in group play earlier that year.

Zubac was born on March 18th 1997 which makes him one of only six players to ever be born within four days of an All Star Game (joining LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard & Carmelo Anthony).

40. Dennis Schröder

Los Angeles Lakers

Dennis Schröder Career

  • NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17th overall
  • Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
  • Playing career: 2010–present
  • 2010–2013: Phantoms Braunschweig
  • 2010–2012: →SG Braunschweig
  • 2013–2018: Atlanta Hawks
  • 2013: →Bakersfield Jam
  • 2018–2020: Oklahoma City Thunder
  • 2020–2021: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2021–2022: Boston Celtics
  • 2022: Houston Rockets
  • 2022–present: Los Angeles Lakers
  • BBL Most Improved Player (2013), BBL Best German Young Player (2013)
  • Medals, , EuroBasket, : 2022 Germany:
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2022 Germany:

Dennis Schröder is a 29-year-old German point guard who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2013. Schröder has spent most of his career with the Atlanta Hawks, appearing in over 500 games and averaging 15.8 points per game during that time.

In 2018, Schröder signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and is currently playing for them in the NBA season. Dennis Schröder's skills as a player have earned him numerous accolades over the course of his career, including an All-Star appearance and two MVP awards (2015 and 2017).

He is also considered one of the best passers in basketball history, having averaged 7 assists per game throughout his career to date. Dennis Schröder is a professional basketball player who played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

He was drafted by the Thunder with the fifth overall pick of the 2013 NBA draft. In his rookie season, he averaged 10.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3 assists per game while shooting 43 percent from three-point range. 

The following year, Schröder continued to produce impressive statistics as he averaged 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game on 45 percent shooting from three-point range en route to being named MVP.

The Bakersfield Jam tournament at age 20 years old - making him one of only two players ever to win an MVP award playing in a developmental league (the other being Allen Iverson).

He sustained a torn ACL during Game 7 of their first round playoff series against Russell Westbrook's OKC Thunder in 2016 but returned midway through 2017–18season and helped lead Laker back into postseason contention before sustaining another knee injury that ended.

His season prematurely once again; however this time it was not considered career-threatening so he has since resumed training full time ahead of schedule.

Also Played For: nba isolation, rockets lakers basketball

41. Dirk Nowitzki

Dallas Mavericks

Dirk Nowitzki Career

  • NBA draft 1998 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9th overall
  • Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
  • Playing career: 1994–2019
  • Position: Power forward
  • Number: 41
  • 1994–1998: DJK Würzburg
  • 1998–2019: Dallas Mavericks
  • NBA champion (2011), NBA Finals MVP (2011), NBA Most Valuable Player (2007), 14× NBA All-Star (2002–2012, 2014, 2015, 2019), 4× All-NBA First Team (2005–2007, 2009), 5× All-NBA Second Team (2002, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011), 3× All-NBA Third Team (2001, 2004, 2012), 50–40–90 club (2007), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2006), NBA Teammate of the Year (2017), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, No. 41 retired by Dallas Mavericks, Bundesliga Most Valuable Player (1999), Bundesliga Top Scorer (1999), FIBA World Cup MVP (2002), 2× FIBA World Cup Top Scorer (2002, 2006), FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2005), 3× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2001, 2005, 2007), 6× Euroscar Player of the Year (2002–2006, 2011), 2× FIBA Europe Men's Player of the Year (2005, 2011), 11× All-Europeans First Team (2003–2011, 2013, 2014), 9× All-Europeans Power Forward of the Year (2005–2011, 2013, 2014), Mister Europa Player of the Year (2005), Silbernes Lorbeerblatt (2011), German Sports Personality of the Year (2011), Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), No. 14 retired by Germany national team
  • Points: 31,560 (20.7 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 11,489 (7.5 rpg)
  • Assists: 3,651 (2.4 apg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Germany, World Cup, : 2002 Indianapolis: , EuroBasket, : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Germany
  • World Cup
  • : 2002 Indianapolis:
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2005 Serbia and Montenegro:

Dirk Nowitzki is a professional basketball player who has spent his entire playing career with the Dallas Mavericks. He was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 and played for them until 2019.

Dirk Nowitzki is best known for his outstanding scoring ability, which has led him to be one of the most successful players in NBA history. In 2011, he won his first championship with Dallas and also became an eight-time All-Star during his time there.

Dirk Nowitzki currently serves as a special advisor to the Mavericks organization and continues to play regular-season games at age 44 years old. Dirk Nowitzki is a 14-time NBA All-Star and was named MVP in 2007. 

Dirk also holds numerous other accolades, including 3× First Team All-NBA, 5x Second Team selection, and the 50–40–90 club.

He retired from the Dallas Mavericks as No. 41 in February 2019 after 19 seasons with the team.

42. Tony Parker

San Antonio Spurs

Tony Parker Career

  • High school: INSEP (Paris, France)
  • NBA draft 2001 / Round: 1 / Pick: 28th overall
  • Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
  • Playing career: 1999–2019
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 9
  • 1999–2001: Paris Basket Racing
  • 2001–2018: San Antonio Spurs
  • 2011: ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne
  • 2018–2019: Charlotte Hornets
  • 4× NBA champion (2003, 2005, 2007, 2014), NBA Finals MVP (2007), 6× NBA All-Star (2006, 2007, 2009, 2012–2014), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2012–2014), All-NBA Third Team (2009), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002), No. 9 retired by San Antonio Spurs, FIBA EuroBasket MVP (2013), 2× FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2011, 2013), 2× FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2013, 2014), 2× Euroscar Award (2007, 2013), 2× L'Équipe Champion of Champions (2003, 2013), LNB All-Star (2001), LNB Pro A Most Improved Player (2001), Pro A Best Young Player (2001), , As president of ASVEL:, , 4× LNB Pro A champion (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022), 2× French Cup winner (2019, 2021), French Super Cup winner (2016)
  • Points: 19,473 (15.5 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 3,396 (2.7 rpg)
  • Assists: 7,036 (5.6 apg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  France, EuroBasket, : 2013 Slovenia: , : 2011 Lithuania: , : 2005 Serbia: , : 2015 France: , FIBA Europe U18 Championship, : 2000 Croatia: U-18 Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  France
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2013 Slovenia:
  • : 2011 Lithuania:
  • : 2005 Serbia:
  • : 2015 France:
  • FIBA Europe U18 Championship
  • : 2000 Croatia: U-18 Team

Tony Parker is a French-American professional basketball player who played for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. He was drafted by the Spurs in 2001 and has since made over 700 appearances, scoring more than 20,000 points along the way.

In 2012 he won his first championship with San Antonio and also led France to their first ever Olympic gold medal that year. Since 2019 he has been playing for ASVEL Basket of LNB Pro A in Europe. The 6-time NBA All-Star started his professional career with Paris Basket Racing in 1999.

He joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2001, and became a key player on their championship teams of 2003–2007. In 2011, Parker was traded to ASVEL Lyon Villeurbanne of France, where he helped lead them to two LNB titles before joining the Charlotte Hornets in 2018. 

Tony Parker is a four-time champion and three-time all-star, who has been named an all-NBA second team player twice and an all-Rookie first team member once—a testament to his skill as both a scorer and passer.

43. Dejan Bodiroga

Panathinaikos B.C.

Dejan Bodiroga Career

  • NBA draft 1995 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51st overall
  • Selected by the Sacramento Kings
  • Playing career: 1989–2007
  • Position: Small forward
  • Number: 4, 10, 15
  • 1989–1990: Proleter
  • 1990–1991: Zadar
  • 1992–1994: Trieste
  • 1994–1996: Olimpia Milano
  • 1996–1998: Real Madrid
  • 1998–2002: Panathinaikos
  • 2002–2005: Barcelona
  • 2005–2007: Virtus Roma
  • As a player:, All-Europe Player of the Year (2002), 3× EuroLeague champion (2000, 2002, 2003), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008), EuroLeague 2000–10 All-Decade Team (2010), EuroLeague 2000–10 Player of the Decade (2010), 2× EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2002, 2003), 2× EuroLeague Finals Top Scorer (2001, 2003), EuroLeague Top 16 MVP (2002), 3× All-EuroLeague First Team (2002–2004), 3× FIBA EuroStar (1997–1999), FIBA Saporta Cup champion (1997), 2× Best Athlete of Yugoslavia (1998, 2002), 2× Best Sportsman by Yugoslav Olympic Committee (1998, 2002), 2× Spanish League champion (2003, 2004), Spanish Supercup winner (2004), Spanish Cup winner (2003), Spanish League MVP (1998), Spanish League Finals MVP (2004), All-Spanish League Team (2004), Spanish Supercup MVP (2004), Spanish Cup MVP (2003), Italian League champion (1996), Italian Cup winner (1996), 2× Italian All-Star (1993, 1994), 3× Greek League champion (1999–2001), Greek League MVP (1999), 2× Greek League Finals MVP (1999, 2000), Greek League Top Scorer (1999), Greek All-Star Game MVP (1999), Greek League Assists Leader (2000), 3× Greek All-Star Game (1998, 1999, 2002), Greek Basket League Hall of Fame (2022), FIBA World Championship MVP (1998), FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (1991)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  FR Yugoslavia, Olympic Games, : 1996 Atlanta: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1998 Athens: Team, : 2002 Indianapolis: Team, FIBA Eurobasket, : 1995 Greece: Team, : 1997 Spain: Team, : 2001 Turkey: Team, : 1999 France: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  FR Yugoslavia
  • Olympic Games
  • 1996 Atlanta: Team
  • FIBA World Cup
  • 1998 Athens: Team
  • 2002 Indianapolis: Team
  • FIBA Eurobasket
  • 1995 Greece: Team
  • 1997 Spain: Team
  • 2001 Turkey: Team
  • 1999 France: Team

Dejan Bodiroga is a Serbian-born basketball player who has played for both Virtus Roma and the Spanish powerhouse Barcelona. He became president of EuroLeague Basketball in September 2022, succeeding Jordi Bertomeu.

Born in 1973, Dejan is one of the older players in European professional basketball and his experience will be valuable as Euroleague undergoes a period of change. 

As President, Bodiroga will focus on ensuring that the league remains competitive and attractive to top players while also promoting its youth academies across Europe.

Dejan Bodiroga is a Serbian professional basketball player who played in the NBA for ten seasons. 

He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 1995 and spent his entire career with them, amassing averages of 10.5 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game over that time-frame. 

After playing for Panathinaikos and Real Madrid in Europe, he joined Barcelona during the 2002-03 season and helped them win two Spanish League titles before departing at the end of 2005 to sign with Phoenix Suns where he retired after just one season due to injury.

In total, Dejan Bodiroga made 564 appearances in European competition (including playoffs) scoring an impressive 16,868 points along the way - which makes him currently ranked as one of the all-time leading scorers from outside of North America in league play. 

Following his retirement from playing professionally, Dejan has since served as an executive with several clubs including Olympiacos Piraeus (Greece), Crvena zvezda Belgrade (Serbia) and Besiktas Istanbul (Turkey).

Also Played For: panathinaikos b.c

44. Joakim Noah

Center

Joakim Noah Career

  • High school: , United Nations International, (New York City, New York), Poly Prep, (Brooklyn, New York), The Lawrenceville School, (Lawrenceville, New Jersey)
  • College: Florida (2004–2007)
  • NBA draft 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9th overall
  • Selected by the Chicago Bulls
  • Playing career: 2007–2020
  • Position: Center
  • Number: 13, 55
  • 2007–2016: Chicago Bulls
  • 2016–2018: New York Knicks
  • 2017: →Westchester Knicks
  • 2018–2019: Memphis Grizzlies
  • 2020: Los Angeles Clippers
  • 2× NBA All-Star (2013, 2014), All-NBA First Team (2014), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2014), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2013, 2014), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2011), 2× NCAA champion (2006, 2007), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2006), Consensus second-team All-American (2007)
  • Points: 5,881 (8.8 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 6,058 (9.0 rpg)
  • Blocks: 874 (1.3 bpg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  France, EuroBasket, : 2011 Lithuania: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  France
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2011 Lithuania: Team

Noah is a French-American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Chicago Bulls of the NBA. Noah attended the United Nations International high school in New York City and then played college ball at the Poly Prep School in Brooklyn.

Noah made his NBA debut with the Bulls in 2009. Noah is a two-time All-Star and was named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. Noah has been involved in several social causes, including advocating for people with HIV/AIDS and helping to rebuild after the Haiti earthquake.

Noah is married to Courtney Lee and the couple has two children. Noah is a philanthropist, having donated tens of thousands of dollars to charity. 

Noah is a French citizen and has represented his country in the Olympics, World Championships, and EuroBasket tournaments. Noah is scheduled to retire at the end of the 2017-2018 NBA season.

45. Ben Gordon

Shooting guard

Ben Gordon Career

  • 2004–2009: Chicago Bulls
  • 2009–2012: Detroit Pistons
  • 2012–2014: Charlotte Bobcats
  • 2014–2015: Orlando Magic
  • 2017: Texas Legends

Gordon was born in London, England, in 1983. Gordon played high school basketball for Mount Vernon in Mount Vernon, New York, and college basketball for UConn.

Gordon was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 2004 NBA draft and played for the team from 2004 to 2017. Gordon is a shooting guard and has played for the Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, and Charlotte Hornets in the NBA.

Gordon has had a successful career, averaging 14.7 points per game in his career. Gordon is a two-time All-Star and has won two NBA championships with the Bulls. Gordon is currently a free agent and has been reported to be considering a return to the NBA.

Gordon has married and has two children. Ben Gordon is a two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year and NCAA champion. Ben Gordon played for the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons before joining the Charlotte Bobcats and Orlando Magic. 

Gordon's best season came in 2009 with the Pistons, when he averaged 14.9 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

Gordon is currently a free agent and has been linked with the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder. Gordon is known for his scoring ability and athleticism, which has led to him being compared to John Stockton and Vince Carter. 

Gordon is a popular player among fans and is often seen at courtside at games. Ben Gordon is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and has a degree in business administration.

Gordon has two children and is married to actress Monica Gordon. Ben Gordon is a popular player in the NBA and is often mentioned as a possible future Hall of Famer.

Also Played For: uconn huskies, university of connecticut

46. José Calderón

Point guard

José Calderón Career

  • NBA draft: 2003 / Undrafted
  • Playing career: 1998–2019
  • Position: Point guard
  • Number: 8, 3, 5, 13, 81
  • 1998–1999: Diputación Foral Alava
  • 1999–2001: Lucentum Alicante
  • 2001–2002: Fuenlabrada
  • 2002–2005: Tau Cerámica
  • 2005–2013: Toronto Raptors
  • 2013: Detroit Pistons
  • 2013–2014: Dallas Mavericks
  • 2014–2016: New York Knicks
  • 2016–2017: Los Angeles Lakers
  • 2017: Atlanta Hawks
  • 2017–2018: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • 2018–2019: Detroit Pistons
  • Spanish King's Cup winner (2004), All-Spanish League Team (2005), LEB Oro champion (2000)
  • Points: 7,921 (8.9 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 5,148 (2.4 rpg)
  • Assists: 2,148 (5.8 apg)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 2006 Japan: , EuroBasket, : 2011 Lithuania: , : 2003 Sweden: , : 2007 Spain: , : 2013 Slovenia: , FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, : 1999 Portugal: U19 Team, FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship, : 2000 Macedonia: U20 Team, FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, : 1998 Bulgaria: U18 Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Spain
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2008 Beijing: Team
  • : 2012 London: Team
  • : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
  • FIBA World Cup
  • : 2006 Japan:
  • EuroBasket
  • : 2011 Lithuania:
  • : 2003 Sweden:
  • : 2007 Spain:
  • : 2013 Slovenia:
  • FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup
  • : 1999 Portugal: U19 Team
  • FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship
  • : 2000 Macedonia: U20 Team
  • FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship
  • : 1998 Bulgaria: U18 Team

José Calderón played professional basketball in the NBA for 13 seasons and was a key point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. Calderón has served as a special advisor to the Cavaliers since 2017.

Calderón is a Spanish national and was born in Villanueva de la Serena. Calderón was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 but did not play in the NBA until later that season. Calderón spent three seasons with the Lucentum Alicante team in the Spanish Liga ACB before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Calderón was a three-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 2017. Calderón is now an assistant coach for the Cavaliers. Calderón is married and has three children. 

Calderón is a Spanish-born American professional basketball player who has played for the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Calderón was born on October 17, 1983, in Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain. Calderón played for the Tau Cerámica club of the Spanish ACB League from 2002 to 2005. Calderón was signed by the Toronto Raptors in 2005. 

He won the 2006 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, and was also named to the All-NBA First Team and the All-NBA Second Team. Calderón was traded to the Detroit Pistons in 2013. He won the 2014 NBA Championship with the Pistons.

Calderón was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2014. He was elected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2016. Calderón was traded to the New York Knicks in 2016. He won the 2017 NBA Championship with the Knicks. 

Calderón was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017. He was elected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2018. Calderón was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 2018. He was elected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2019.

Also Played For: nba undrafted, undrafted nba

47. Serge Ibaka

Power forward

Serge Ibaka Career

  • NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 24th overall
  • Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
  • Playing career: 2006–present
  • 2006: Inter Club
  • 2007–2008: L'Hospitalet
  • 2008–2009: Manresa
  • 2009–2016: Oklahoma City Thunder
  • 2016–2017: Orlando Magic
  • 2017–2020: Toronto Raptors
  • 2020–2022: Los Angeles Clippers
  • 2021: →Agua Caliente Clippers
  • 2022–present: Milwaukee Bucks
  • NBA champion (2019), 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2012–2014), 2× NBA blocks leader (2012, 2013)
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Spain, Olympic Games, : 2012 London: Team, FIBA European Championship, : 2011 Lithuania: Team
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Spain
  • Olympic Games
  • : 2012 London: Team
  • FIBA European Championship
  • : 2011 Lithuania: Team

Ibaka was born in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, in 1989. Ibaka played college basketball at L'Hospitalet in Spain. Ibaka was drafted 24th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2008 NBA draft.

Ibaka has played for the Milwaukee Bucks since 2016. Ibaka is a power forward and center with the ability to shoot from beyond the arc. Ibaka has been a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 18.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in the 2018–19 season.

Ibaka is a two-time All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA Third Team twice. Ibaka is a Spanish citizen, and he has represented his country at the Olympics and the World Cup. Ibaka is a popular figure in Milwaukee, and he has been involved in a number of charitable works in the city.

Ibaka was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but moved to Spain as a child. Ibaka played college basketball at the University of Florida. 

Ibaka was drafted in the first round of the 2007 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Ibaka has been an integral part of the Thunder's success, including winning two championships in 2009 and 2017.

Ibaka has also been a key player for the Spanish national team, winning a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics and a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics. Ibaka is a two-time All-Star and three-time All-Defensive First Team selection. 

In 2019, Ibaka was named the NBA Most Valuable Player. Ibaka has been a vocal advocate for social justice and has lent his support to various charities. Serge Ibaka is married and has two children.

48. Dino Radja

Dino Radja Career

  • NBA draft 1989 / Round: 2 / Pick: 40th overall
  • Selected by the Boston Celtics
  • Playing career: 1985–2003
  • Position: Power forward / Center
  • Number: 40, 14
  • 1985–1990: Jugoplastika
  • 1990–1993: Virtus Roma
  • 1993–1997: Boston Celtics
  • 1997–1999: Panathinaikos
  • 1999–2000: Zadar
  • 2000–2001: Olympiacos
  • 2001–2002: Cibona
  • 2002–2003: Split CO
  • 2× EuroLeague champion (1989, 1990), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (1989), FIBA European Selection (1991), 3× FIBA EuroStar (1997–1999), FIBA Korać Cup champion (1992), 2× Greek League champion (1998, 1999), Greek League Finals MVP (1998), 3× Yugoslav League champion (1988–1990), Yugoslav Cup winner (1990), 2× Croatian League champion (2002, 2003), 2× Croatian Cup winner (2000, 2002), Croatian Cup MVP (2000), Italian All-Star Game MVP (1991), 2x Italian All-Star Game (1991, 1992), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1994), FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991), 50 Greatest EuroLeague Contributors (2008)
  • Points: 3,733 (16.7 ppg)
  • Rebounds: 1,883 (8.4 rpg)
  • Assists: 356 (1.6 apg)
  • Basketball Hall of Fame as player
  • Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Yugoslavia, Summer Olympic Games, : 1988 Seoul: Team, EuroBasket, : 1987 Greece: , : 1989 Yugoslavia: , : 1991 Italy: , U19 World Cup, : 1987 Italy: Under-19, European U-18 Championship, : 1986 Austria: Under-18, Representing  Croatia, Summer Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Team, FIBA World Cup, : 1994 Canada: , EuroBasket, : 1993 Germany: , : 1995 Greece:
  • Men's basketball
  • Representing  Yugoslavia
  • Summer Olympic Games
  • : 1988 Seoul: Team
  • EuroBasket
  • : 1987 Greece:
  • : 1989 Yugoslavia:
  • : 1991 Italy:
  • U19 World Cup
  • : 1987 Italy: Under-19
  • European U-18 Championship
  • : 1986 Austria: Under-18
  • Representing  Croatia
  • Summer Olympic Games
  • : 1992 Barcelona: Team
  • FIBA World Cup
  • : 1994 Canada:
  • EuroBasket
  • : 1993 Germany:
  • : 1995 Greece:

Dino Rađa was a talented power forward/center in the NBA for over a decade. He was initially drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1989, but only played for them for two seasons.

He then spent a few years with the Italian side Virtus Roma before joining Panathinaikos in 1997. Rađa was a key performer for Panathinaikos during their heyday, winning several titles in Greece and Italy.

He retired from professional basketball in 2003. Since then, Rađa has worked as a television commentator and also owns a basketball training center. He is currently married and has two children. Dino Rađa is one of the most successful Croatian basketball players of all time.

Dino Radja was one of the most decorated players in Croatian basketball history. He won a total of six titles with three different clubs, including two Croatian League championships and a Croatian Cup. 

Radja was a key player for the Yugoslavian national team and was a part of the team that won the gold medal at the 1991 European Championship.

After retiring from playing, Radja served as head coach of several clubs in his home country.

Final Words

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been considered the premier professional basketball league in the world. Over the years, many of the league’s best players have come from Europe.

These players have helped lead their teams to success on the court and have made a name for themselves in the NBA. These are the 15 best European NBA players of all time.

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Morgan Wolf

Journalist with experience covering the intersection of sports with business. Demonstrated expertise in digital, video and social media content covering major sports including soccer, NBA, NFL, MLB, tennis and Olympic sports. But basketball is his passion. Specialties: expert for sports related content management LinkedIn

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