The NBA may only have teams representing cities from the USA and Canada, but the list of international players who play in the league could not have been more diverse. Some of the best active players in the league are international ones.
On that note, let us have a look at the top ten international players in the NBA at the moment. As the list suggests, we have considered only non-American players based on their achievements in the NBA, their upsides and their raw abilities. With that in mind, let’s get started.
5. Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is one of the most passionate players in the NBA, with trash-talking being a major part of his game. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old is already considered arguably one of the best big man in the league right now and could just be the most talented among them all.
He is gifted at both ends of the court. and he is an impressive inside as well as outside player. If Joel Embiid continues to stay fit and improve his game, he could potentially become one of the best players in the NBA in the near future.
4. Pascal Siakam
While his career stats are nothing more than average, Pascal Siakam has taken a massive leap with every passing season. Last season, the 26-year-old averaged 22.9 points and 7.3 assists, in the process evolving into one of the most elite players in the NBA.
While not everyone thinks that Siakam could be the first option on a championship team, he is still an amazing player and is arguably one of the best second or third options in the league today.
3. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic, or ‘Joker’ as he is commonly called, is one of the best passers in the NBA. The 25-year-old, who is incredibly versatile at the offensive end, is one of the young superstar players in the NBA.
The Denver Nuggets’ recent run to the Western Conference Finals was an incredibly impressive one and may only be a sign of things to come as the team continues to improve around Nikola Jokic.
2. Luka Doncic
In his first year in the NBA, Luka Doncic won the Rookie of the Year award. In his second, he was an MVP candidate for a large part of the regular season. He dropped a 42-point triple-double against the favorites to win it all with the LA Clippers in his first-ever NBA playoff series.
At just 21, Doncic is already one of the best players in the league, performing at the caliber of an MVP. The fact that he has adapted so quickly to the best basketball league in the world is scary, and we can’t wait to see how the player fares in the NBA in the future.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
A two-time MVP and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, it is hard to believe that Giannis Antetokounmpo is only 25 years old. Technically speaking, he hasn’t even reached his prime yet.
During the regular season, the player, who is better defined by the term ‘an unstoppable force’, moved through any defense set up against him with ease while also managing to shut down the best in the NBA in defense.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has the chance to be one of the greatest of all time. But for that to happen, the Greek Freak must find postseason success, whether it is with the Milwaukee Bucks or another franchise in the NA.
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