20 Greatest NBA Players Who Started Their Careers Internationally

The NBA has seen a remarkable influx of talent from around the globe, with players who started their careers internationally significantly impacting the league. From Dirk Nowitzki's legendary career with the Dallas Mavericks to Giannis Antetokounmpo's rise as a two-time MVP with the Milwaukee Bucks , these players have redefined the game and proven that basketball greatness knows no borders. Here are the greatest players who began their professional careers outside the United States before making their mark in the NBA.

1. Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic began his professional basketball career in Serbia with KK Mega Basket. Known for his exceptional passing and playmaking skills as a big man, he quickly made a name for himself in the Adriatic League. Jokic's unique skill set and basketball IQ stood out, leading to his selection in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets but he did not join the team two seasons later as he went on to win the ABA League MVP in 2015.

In the NBA, Jokic has since developed into one of the league's premier players. He won the NBA MVP award in 2021, 2022, and 2024, becoming the first center to win the award since Shaquille O'Neal. Jokic's vision and passing ability have redefined the center position, helping the Nuggets become perennial playoff contenders. His triple-double performances and clutch plays have made him a fan favorite and a dominant force in the league.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo started his career with Filathlitikos in Greece, where he played in the Greek second division. Despite playing in relative obscurity, his athletic potential and versatility caught the attention of NBA scouts. The Milwaukee Bucks took a chance on him in the 2013 NBA Draft, selecting him with the 15th overall pick.

In the NBA, Giannis has blossomed into a superstar, known as the "Greek Freak" for his incredible athleticism and skills. He won back-to-back MVP awards in 2019 and 2020 and led the Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021, earning Finals MVP honors. Giannis's relentless work ethic and improvement have made him one of the most dominant players in the league, capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

3. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki started his professional career with DJK Würzburg in Germany. He played for Würzburg from 1994 to 1998, where he quickly gained a reputation for his shooting touch and versatility, rare for a player of his size. His performances in international competitions caught the eye of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1998 NBA Draft, though he was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

In the NBA, Nowitzki became the face of the Mavericks franchise, spending his entire 21-year career with the team. He won the NBA MVP award in 2007 and led the Mavericks to their first NBA Championship in 2011, earning Finals MVP honors. Dirk revolutionized the power forward position with his ability to shoot from long range, finishing his career as one of the top scorers in NBA history and an unquestioned Hall of Famer.

4. Tony Parker

Tony Parker began his professional career with Paris Basket Racing in France before moving to ASVEL Basket. His speed and playmaking ability quickly made him one of the top young talents in Europe. Parker's performances in France and for the French national team led to his selection by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft since the point guard decided to not compete in the NCAA and stay in his native country.

With the Spurs, Parker became one of the best point guards in the NBA. He won four NBA championships with San Antonio and was named Finals MVP in 2007. Known for his quickness and ability to penetrate defenses, Parker was a key component of the Spurs' success during his 17-year NBA career. He is widely regarded as one of the best international players in NBA history.

5. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol started his professional career with FC Barcelona in Spain, where he quickly established himself as one of the top young players in Europe. His impressive play in the Spanish league and international competitions led to his selection by the Atlanta Hawks as the third overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, though his rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies for Shareef Abdur-Rahim and the Grizzlies' 27th pick in the draft (Jamaal Tinsley).

In the NBA, Gasol made an immediate impact, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2002. He was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2008, where he helped the team win two NBA Championships in 2009 and 2010. Gasol's versatility and skill set made him one of the best big men in the league, earning six All-Star selections and a place among the greatest international players in NBA history.

6. Yao Ming

Yao Ming began his professional career with the Shanghai Sharks in China. His dominant performances in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and international competitions drew the attention of NBA scouts. Yao was selected first overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2002 NBA Draft, becoming one of the most anticipated international prospects in NBA history because he would open up the league across the world.

In the NBA, Yao quickly became a star, earning eight All-Star selections and becoming a global ambassador for the sport. His impact on and off the court helped bridge the NBA and Chinese markets, significantly growing the league's international presence. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, Yao's influence and legacy as one of the best centers of his era remain strong.

7. Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic began his professional career with Real Madrid in Spain at just 16 years old. He quickly became one of the top players in Europe, winning the EuroLeague MVP and leading Real Madrid to a EuroLeague Championship in 2018. Doncic's performances made him one of the most highly regarded international prospects, leading to his selection by the Atlanta Hawks as the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and subsequent trade to the Dallas Mavericks.

In the NBA, Doncic has made an immediate impact, becoming one of the league's brightest young stars. He has earned multiple All-Star selections and is known for his exceptional playmaking, scoring ability, and clutch performances. Luka's versatility and basketball IQ have drawn comparisons to some of the game's greats, solidifying his place as one of the top players in the league.

Related: 2024 Team USA vs. 2024 Team International: Who Wins? (Complete Breakdown)

8. Manu Ginobili

Manu Ginobili started his professional career with Andino Sport Club and Estudiantes de Bahía Blanca in Argentina before moving to Europe to play for Viola Reggio Calabria and Kinder Bologna in Italy. His success in Italy, including winning the EuroLeague, caught the attention of the San Antonio Spurs, who selected him in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft.

With the Spurs, Ginobili became a key player in their championship runs, winning four NBA titles. Known for his crafty play, competitiveness, and clutch performances, Ginobili was a two-time All-Star and the 2008 Sixth Man of the Year. His contributions to the Spurs' dynasty and his unique style of play have left a lasting legacy in the NBA.

9. Drazen Petrovic

Drazen Petrovic began his professional career with Sibenka and Cibona in Croatia, where he established himself as one of the best players in Europe. His scoring ability and competitive spirit led to a stint with Real Madrid before he made the jump to the NBA, joining the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1989-90 season.

Petrovic's NBA career took off after he was traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he became one of the league's top shooting guards. Known for his incredible shooting and scoring prowess, Petrovic averaged over 20 points per game in his final two seasons. Tragically, his career and life were cut short by a car accident in 1993, but his legacy as a pioneer for European players in the NBA endures.

10. Toni Kukoc

Toni Kukoc started his professional career with Jugoplastika Split in Croatia, where he won multiple European championships. He later played for Benetton Treviso in Italy, further establishing his reputation as one of the best players outside the NBA. Kukoc's success in Europe led to his selection by the Chicago Bulls in the second round of the 1990 NBA Draft.

In the NBA, Kukoc played a crucial role in the Bulls' second three-peat, winning three NBA championships from 1996 to 1998. Known for his versatility and playmaking skills, Kukoc was a key sixth man and often stepped up in critical moments. His ability to play multiple positions and his basketball IQ made him one of the most valuable international players in NBA history.

11. Arvydas Sabonis

Arvydas Sabonis began his professional career with Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania and later played for several European teams, including Real Madrid. Despite being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1986, political issues (was under 21 years old at the time) and injuries (Achilles tendon) delayed his arrival in the NBA until 1995.

When Sabonis finally joined the NBA, he made an immediate impact despite being past his prime and dealing with injuries. Known for his exceptional passing and basketball intelligence, Sabonis became a key player for the Trail Blazers. His ability to dominate both offensively and defensively made him one of the most skilled big men ever to play the game, earning him a spot in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

12. Vlade Divac

Vlade Divac began his professional career with Partizan Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia, where he quickly established himself as a dominant center. His performances in Europe led to his selection by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 26th overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft.

In the NBA, Divac became one of the first European players to make a significant impact. He played for the Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings, known for his passing, basketball IQ, and leadership. Divac was a key part of the Kings' success in the early 2000s. He was later inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and recognized for his contributions to the game both in the NBA and internationally.

13. Peja Stojakovic

Peja Stojakovic began his professional career with KK Crvena Zvezda in Serbia and later played for PAOK in Greece. His sharpshooting and scoring ability made him one of the top young talents in Europe, leading to his selection by the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 1996 NBA Draft.

In the NBA, Stojakovic became one of the best shooters of his era, earning three All-Star selections and winning the Three-Point Contest twice. He played a key role in the Kings' success in the early 2000s and later won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Peja's smooth shooting stroke and scoring prowess have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest international players in NBA history.

14. Sarunas Marciulionis

Sarunas Marciulionis began his career with Statyba Vilnius in Lithuania and later played for teams in the Soviet Union. He was among the first European players to join the NBA, signing with the Golden State Warriors in 1989. His physical style of play and scoring ability made him an immediate standout.

Marciulionis was a trailblazer for European players in the NBA, known for his toughness and skill. He was a key player for the Warriors and later played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Sacramento Kings, and Denver Nuggets. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, highlighting his role in paving the way for future international players.

15. Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol began his professional career with FC Barcelona in Spain and later played for Akasvayu Girona. His performances in Spain and with the Spanish national team caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2007 NBA Draft, though his rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

In the NBA, Marc Gasol became one of the best centers of his generation, known for his defense, passing, and basketball IQ. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013 and was a key player for the Grizzlies during their playoff runs. Gasol later won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, solidifying his legacy as one of the top international players in NBA history.

16. Andrei Kirilenko

Andrei Kirilenko began his professional career with CSKA Moscow in Russia, where he quickly became one of the top players in the Russian league. His all-around game and defensive prowess led to his selection by the Utah Jazz with the 24th overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft.

In the NBA, Kirilenko was known for his versatility and defensive skills. He was named an All-Star in 2004 and earned three All-Defensive Team selections. Kirilenko's ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game made him a valuable player for the Jazz and later for the Brooklyn Nets. His unique skill set and impact on the game have left a lasting impression on the NBA.

17. Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Zydrunas Ilgauskas began his professional career with Atletas Kaunas in Lithuania before being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the 20th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. Despite early career injuries, Ilgauskas persevered and became a cornerstone for the Cavaliers.

In the NBA, Ilgauskas was known for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. He earned two All-Star selections and became the Cavaliers' all-time leader in several statistical categories. "Big Z" was a fan favorite in Cleveland and played a key role in the team's success, including their run to the NBA Finals in 2007. His perseverance and contributions to the Cavaliers have made him a beloved figure in the franchise's history.

18. Mehmet Okur

Mehmet Okur began his professional career with Oyak Renault and Tofas S.K. in Turkey before moving to Efes Pilsen. His performances in the Turkish league and for the Turkish national team led to his selection by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft.

In the NBA, Okur became known for his shooting ability and versatility as a big man. He won an NBA championship with the Pistons in 2004 and later became an All-Star with the Utah Jazz in 2007. Okur's ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting made him a valuable asset and a pioneer for international floor-spacing big men in the NBA.

19. Goran Dragic

Goran Dragic began his professional career with Ilirija and Slovan in Slovenia and later played for Saski Baskonia in Spain. His performances in Europe led to his selection by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft, though he was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

In the NBA, Dragic became known for his scoring, playmaking, and leadership. He won the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2014 and earned an All-Star selection in 2018. Dragic played a key role in the Miami Heat's run to the NBA Finals in 2020, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level. His career has been marked by his resilience and contributions to every team he has played for.

20. Luis Scola

Luis Scola started his professional career with Ferro Carril Oeste in Argentina before moving to Baskonia in Spain. His success in the Spanish league and international competitions with the Argentine national team led to his selection by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2002 NBA Draft, though his rights were traded to the Houston Rockets.

In the NBA, Scola was known for his scoring, rebounding, and fundamental play. He became a consistent and reliable player for the Rockets and later played for several other teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, and Toronto Raptors. Scola's international experience and skill set made him a valuable player in the NBA and a key figure in Argentina's golden generation of basketball.

Related: Foreign Born Stars Who Have Played For Team USA Featuring Tim Duncan And Hakeem Olajuwon

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