sports

The 10 Best Active International Basketball Players

(Photo by C. Morgan Engel/NBAE via Getty Images)

Published Jul 20, 2023

So, you're wondering who the current best international basketball players are? Let's get in to it!

It is fair to say the NBA is a global game. Nearly 500 million people play the game around the world, and that number continues to grow. Whereas other American sports have found solace in international spaces, none have had the global outreach that basketball has had.

From the dazzling playmaking of European maestros to the tenacity and athleticism of players from Africa and the Americas, the best international basketball players epitomize the diverse and dynamic nature of the sport. They have not only excelled in their club leagues but have also represented their countries on the biggest stages, including the NBA Finals, Olympic Games and FIBA World Cup, where they have proudly donned their national colors and showcased their skills on the world stage.

Here are the 10 best active international basketball players:

1. Nikola Jokic

Team: Denver Nuggets
Year Drafted: 2014
Averages: 20.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists
Accolades: NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP, 2x Regular Season MVP, 5x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, Western Conference Finals MVP

There's no way you can leave the "Joker" off of a list of the best international basketball players. Nikola Jokic has done nothing but prove haters wrong since joining the Denver Nuggets in 2014. He was so unknown that during the Nuggets selection of him in the draft, a Taco Bell commercial was running simultaneously. This past season Jokic cemented himself as an all-time great NBA player by bringing the Nuggets their first franchise title. As Jokic continues to win big and break records at incredibly efficient rates, all we can do is watch and appreciate.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Year Drafted: 2013
Averages: 22.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists
Accolades: NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP, 2x Regular Season MVP, 7x All-Star, 7x All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year, 5x All-Defensive, All-Star Game MVP

When the Milwaukee Bucks drafted a lengthy, skinny kid from Greece by the name of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks fans weren't really sure what to think. However, Giannis has blossomed into one of the most talented and humbled NBA players in the history of the game. He helped guide the Bucks to a championship and is one of only three players to win the defensive player of the year and most valuable player awards in the same season.

3. Luka Doncic

Team: Dallas Mavericks
Year Drafted: 2018
Averages: 27.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists
Accolades: Rookie of the Year, 4x All-Star, 4x All-NBA

Luka Doncic entered the 2018 labeled a 'Wonder Boy' and has more than lived up to that title. After winning the Euro-League MVP, Doncic was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks. He has quickly turned their rebuild into a playoff contender every season, backed by his all-around talent. Luka can pass, score, and rebound like a mad-man, making him dangerous in any spot on the court.

4. Joel Embiid

Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Year Drafted: 2014
Averages: 27.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists
Accolades: Regular Season MVP, 6x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, 3x All-Defensive, 2x Scoring Champion

In 2014 the Philadelphia 76ers began the process by drafting Joel Embiid, but he battled injuries early in his career and was sidelined for a year before he finally made his NBA debut. Once he hit the court, he became a fan favorite and one of the league's most dominant centers. Coming off his first regular season MVP award in 2023, what's next for Embiid? Will he finally win his first coveted ring in Philadelphia? Will he eventually be traded? Only time will tell.

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Year Drafted: 2018
Averages: 21.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.5 assists
Accolades: 1x All-Star, 1x All-NBA

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was involved in the blockbuster trade that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers, and at the time no one really knew what the Clippers were giving away. After a year of guidance from Chris Paul, Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into one of the best young talents in the NBA. As Shai continues to excel, the Thunder may turn into perennial contenders in the near future.

6. Domantas Sabonis

Team: Sacramento Kings
Year Drafted: 2016
Averages: 15.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists
Accolades: 3x All-Star, 1x Rebounding Champion, 1x All-NBA

Domantas Sabonis has been one of the best bigs in the NBA for a number of years, but his talent was quietly being hidden away in Indiana. After a move to Sacramento, his talents have been highlighted on a national stage. He has helped turn the Kings into a consistent team to fear come the post-season. It is going to be exciting to watch Sabonis' prime play out in Sacramento.

7. Jamal Murray

Team: Denver Nuggets
Year Drafted: 2016
Averages: 16.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists
Accolades: NBA Champion, All-Rookie

If you were watching from day one, it's no surprise to see the success that Jamal Murray is having. He first made a big splash after winning the Rising Stars Game's MVP award, and later put up an epic playoff run in the 2020 bubble. This year he helped propel the Nuggets to their first franchise title. Murray is one of the most dangerous shooters in the NBA when he gets hot, so you better not let him get going.

8. Lauri Markkanen

Team: Utah Jazz
Year Drafted: 2017
Averages: 17.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Accolades: All-Rookie, Most Improved Player Award, 1x All-Star

Lauri Markkanen showed immense potential after his rookie season in Chicago, breaking the record for fastest to reach 100 three pointers made. After some questionable coaching hires by the Bulls, Markkanen seemed to have lost his confidence and was traded to Cleveland, before being shipped to Utah.

With the Jazz, Markkanen has finally hit his stride. He earned his first All-Star nod and had the best season of his career in 2023. It will be exciting to see what Markkanen can accomplish going forward with his young Utah Jazz squad.

9. Pascal Siakam

Team: Toronto Raptors
Year Drafted: 2016
Averages: 17.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Accolades: 2x All-Star, NBA Champion, 2x All-NBA, Most Improved Player Award

Pascal Siakam flew under the radar in the 2016 NBA draft, and the Toronto Raptors got themselves a steal. Siakam quickly turned into the NBA's most improved player, and when the Raptors acquired Kawhi Leonard and became title contenders, Siakam became his #2 guy. He went on to help the Raptors win their first franchise title in 2019 and continues to play in Toronto today.

10. Kristaps Porzingis

Team: Boston Celtics
Year Drafted: 2015
Averages: 19.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Accolades: All-Rookie, 1x All-Star

When the Knicks drafted 'Tingis Pingus' in 2015, Knicks fans were not happy. They had no idea who this tall, skinny kid from Latvia was. They would soon find out he was a walking, living, unicorn.

Porzingis is the prototypical modern 7-footer who can defend the rim, splash the three, and occasionally bring up the ball. He trailblazed a path for so many incredible bigs today and continues to make a huge impact. As he heads to Boston, the question is whether or not he's the missing piece they need to win a championship.