The National Basketball Association (NBA) has long been a hotbed for global talent, attracting some of the most skilled players from all corners of the world. Europe, in particular, has consistently produced exceptional basketball players who have made their mark in the league. With their unique blend of finesse, versatility, and basketball IQ, these European stars have carved out successful careers and become fan favorites. Dirk Nowitzki, Arvydas Sabonis, Peja Stojakovic, Drazen Petrovic, Sarunas Marciulionis, Tony Parker, and Pau Gasol are just some of the iconic names we can remember. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 best European players currently gracing the NBA courts, ranking them based on their on-court performances, impact, and overall contributions to their respective teams. From established veterans to emerging talents, these players represent the pinnacle of European basketball prowess in the world’s most prestigious basketball league.
10. Jonas Valanciunas (New Orleans Pelicans)
Jonas Valanciunas was drafted 5th overall in 2011 but turned out to be better than the three guys drafted before him: Derrick Williams (2nd), Enes Kanter (3rd), and Tristan Thompson (4th). He had a decent rookie year, but by his sophomore season, it was evident that Valanciunas could be a legit center that can give you 10 points and 10 rebounds a night.
This season, he still averages double-double figures and is a good center for the New Orleans Pelicans. In the last five seasons, the Lithuanian national averaged 16.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, making him easily one of the best big men in the league.
2022-2023 stats: 14.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.8 APG
9. Nikola Vucevic (Chicago Bulls)
Nikola Vucevic currently plays for the Chicago Bulls alongside DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Alex Caruso. Although this team underachieve this season, it looked like a good team on paper. Vucevic is a solid center who also happens to be a two-time NBA All-Star.
Hailing from Montenegro, Vucevic’s best season was probably in 2020-2021 when he played the first half in Orlando Magic (and then was traded to the Bulls). At that time, Vooch was averaging almost 24 points and 12 rebounds for 70 games. There are already great centers in the East such as Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, Brook Lopez, Al Horford, and Jarrett Allen, but Vucevic is a very reliable big man who can either become a bully in the paint or space the floor by shooting threes. He is also one of the better passing centers in the league, making him a great addition to any championship contender.
2022-2023 stats: 17.6 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 3.2 APG
8. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves)
The three-time Defensive Player of the Year makes the list of the best European players today, but he ranks low right now. The 30-year-old French center is being paid $40 Million per year after signing a massive 5-year $205 Million with Utah. Unfortunately, the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell project was a failure and was eventually broken up by management.
This season, he seems to be averaging lower points and rebounds despite being one of the highest-paid players in the league. He is currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but the team must decide which center they have to go on with – Rudy Gobert or Karl Anthony-Towns.
2022-2023 stats: 13.4 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.4 BPG
7. Bojan Bogdanovic (Detroit Pistons)
The Croatian star, Bojan Bogdanovic, follows in the footsteps of the legends before him like Drazen Petrovic and Toni Kukoc as one of the most reliable scorers in the game. Bogdanovic broke out as a solid scorer and role player during his time with the Pacers. Truly, he is one of the most underrated shooters today and nobody seems to notice his production because he is in a bad team (Detroit Pistons).
Looking at his numbers, Bogdanovic can be a 20 PPG guy if given enough playing time. He is also very efficient from behind the arc, shooting more than 40%. Honestly, he could be a great piece for a team looking for a championship.
2022-2023 stats: 21.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.6 APG, 41.1% 3P FG
6. Kristaps Porzingis (Washington Wizards)
Back in 2015, the New York Knicks signed the “unicorn” from Latvia, Kristaps Porzingis. He immediately made a great impression on NBA fans and was seen as a future All-Star that could replace Carmelo Anthony.
As good as he was with the Knicks, he only lasted there for three seasons after being traded to the Dallas Mavericks to pair with another European star, Luka Doncic. Unfortunately, that did not pan out, too. Right now, Kristaps is playing for the Washington Wizards. This season, he is putting up All-Star numbers and is having his best season yet.
2022-2023 stats: 23.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.7 APG
5. Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
The young Finnish professional basketball player, Lauri Markkanen, had a great start to his NBA career. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls 7th overall in 2017, Markkanen was outstanding just in his first year. He was on his way to becoming a legitimate star but suddenly slowed down by his third season.
Last year, Lauri played for the Cavaliers and averaged a decent 14.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in 61 games. However, after being dealt to the Utah Jazz, the 26-year-old forward just became a different kind of player. He almost doubled his numbers, making him the 2023 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year.
2022-2023 stats: 25.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.9 APG
4. Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)
It’s no surprise that the son of NBA legend Arvydas Sabonis would become a great NBA player. Domantas Sabonis, 27, did get some of his father’s talents. At this point, he may be even better than his old man.
Sabonis has been selected to 3 All-Star games and had just been named to the All-NBA this team this season. In addition to that, he leads the league in rebounds. Without a doubt, Sabonis is one of the best European players, even one of the best centers/power forwards in the league today. Thanks to him, the Sacramento Kings were relieved from a 16-year playoff drought.
2022-2023 stats: 19.1 PPG, 12.3 PPG, 7.3 APG
3. Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
The Dallas Mavericks golden boy is just the third on this list because the next two players are undeniably number 1 and 2. Luka Doncic is already in his 5th season and putting up a career-high in points (32.4). Since his rookie year, it was obvious that he would go on to greater heights and would be the next face of the NBA.
At just 24 years old, he already is a superstar and could be an MVP in the next few years. Hopefully, the Dallas Mavericks find pieces to build around Luka so that they can bring another championship to the team once loved by another fellow European, Dirk Nowitzki.
2022-2023 stats: 32.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Even now, Giannis Antetokounmpo is still looming as an NBA MVP favorite. The scrawny kid from Greece developed very much that he became the Milwaukee Bucks’ cornerstone, and will be that way for many more years to come.
The Greek Freak is definitely a generational talent, who will one day run the NBA. I mean, isn’t he doing right now? Right now, Giannis is just 28 years old but he already has a Hall-of-Fame career ahead of him.
2022-2023 stats: 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG
1. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Of course, the best European player right now is no other than the two-time MVP, Nikola Jokic. Some would say Jokic got robbed of the 2023 NBA MVP, and some would say that he is better than Joel Embiid. That could be true, but his focus right now is the championship. The Denver Nuggets are just one win away from finally becoming champions.
This season, the Joker led the Nuggets to the best record in the very competitive Western Conference. He was exceptional this year and almost finished the regular season with an almost triple-double average. We can’t say more about why we think he is the best European player today, because we already admitted that Nikola Jokic is just the best player in the league regardless of race, period!
2022-2023 stats: 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 9.8 APG
Do you agree with our list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!