Top 10 Best Foreign NBA Players in the U.S

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Top 10 Best International Players in NBA Today

The National Basketball Association (NBA) lagged behind its more established rivals in baseball and football for decades after its 1946 founding.

It depended primarily on ticket sales and was the first tournament to extend its all-star game into a three-day exciting weekend.

The NBA also pioneered the practice of grooming its star players to become household names around the world, which boosted the league's profile in other countries. They have spread to every continent that has humans living on it.

There has never been a time in the NBA's history when the league's international representation was so high. The top current NBA players who are not American are ranked here by KnowInsiders. So without further ado, I present to you my top ten roster of NBA players who were born in countries other than the USA.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is only 25 years old and is a two-time MVP and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. He hasn't even reached his prime, technically speaking.

During the regular season, the player, who is better described as a "unstoppable force," moved through any defense set up against him with ease while also shutting down the best defense in the NBA.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has the potential to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But, in order for that to happen, the Greek Freak must achieve postseason success, whether with the Milwaukee Bucks or another NA franchise.

2. Luka Doncic, Slovenia

Luka Doncic

Doncic has already established himself as one of the league's top players in his second season in the NBA. Luka was named a starter in his first All-Star game this year after averaging 28.7 points and 8.7 assists per game at the age of 20. Following the retirement of Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks were quick to replace him with another overseas phenom. He can't even legally buy a drink in the US yet, but he's certainly old enough to be serving buckets against the best in the world.

It goes without saying, but Luka Doncic is a special talent with a chance to enter GOAT discussions down the road thanks to his incredible combination of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding from the lead-guard position at his size. Doncic has already won nearly everything on the international stage. He hasn't been able to replicate that success in the NBA, but that's largely due to his lack of access to top talent in Dallas.

3. Joel Embiid, Cameroon

Joel Embiid

According to rumors, Joel Embiid is applying to join the French national team, and he and Gobert will be a huge problem for any other teams by that time.

Embiid had an MVP-caliber season, averaging 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game and leading the team to the second round of the playoffs.

Despite his late start in basketball, Embiid was drafted third overall by the 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft due to his talent. He has gradually risen to become one of the league's top five players. With the additions of PJ Tucker and De'Anthony Melton, as well as the resigning of James Harden, the 76ers are fully loaded for a possible championship run next season.

4. Nikola Jokic, Serbia

Nikola Jokic

In the three years leading up to his NBA draft declaration, Nikola Jokic played professionally in Serbia. His NBA draft position was 41st overall when the Denver Nuggets selected him in 2014. Over the years, Jokic has progressively become one of the big men with an exceptionally high basketball IQ, and his game has gotten better and better. His knowledge of the game is astounding, especially in regards to his offense management.

The Serbian was justifiably honored for the 2020–21 season's MVP-caliber performance. His season was tragically ended when he was ejected in Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals against the Phoenix Suns. Without the team's second-leading scorer, Jamal Murray, the 2021 MVP will have to step up and try to guide the squad to another playoff run.

5. Andrew Wiggins, Canada

Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins is a 28-year-old Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA as a Small Forward or Shooting Guard. The Minnesota Timberwolves selected him first overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. His current salary with the Warriors for the 2022-23 NBA season is $33,616,770.

Andrew Wiggins, a former All-Star, is from Canada. In 31.9 minutes per game, he averaged 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 2021-22. His PER was 15.04 points.

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6. Rudy Gobert, France

Rudy Gobert

Rudy is one of the best defensive anchors in game history. Through nine seasons in the league, the French national has led the league in blocks and rebounds and has won three Defensive Players of the Year awards (tied for second all-time). He was traded to the Timberwolves during the 2022 offseason to pair with fellow big man Karl Anthony-Towns. To say the least, an intriguing pairing!

This guy isn't called "The Stifle Tower" for nothing. Over the last few years, Gobert has been the league's most dominant shot-blocker. With the exception of his rookie year, Gobert has averaged more than 2.0 blocks in each of his NBA seasons. He is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, a three-time All-Defensive Team selection, and this season he made his first All-Star appearance.

7. Pascal Siakam, Cameroon

Pascal Siakam

After Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry were benched for the 2021–22 season, Pascal Siakam became the go-to guy for the Toronto Raptors. Siakam was chosen by the Toronto Raptors with the 27th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft's first round.

Allowing Siakam greater freedom with the ball allowed him to show his leadership in many areas of the game. With an average of 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, Siakam helped the Raptors overcome a shaky start to the season and make it to the playoffs. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team.

It was no easy feat to make the playoffs while dealing with a mix of veteran and rookie players and a season littered with injuries. Unlike other teams, the Raptors have long, athletic wings, which seems to be the next big thing in basketball.

8. Ben Simmons, Australia

Ben Simmons

With the size of some centers and the athleticism of a swingman, but with the ball-handling and vision required to play point guard at a high level, Ben Simmons is a freakish talent at lead guard. He's also a fantastic defender thanks to his hard work and excellent physical tools. He did, however, miss an entire season of basketball, leaving us with little idea of how he'll look when he returns. Will he start shooting the ball again? Will he take on a more off-the-field role? In terms of talent, he has the potential to rocket up these rankings.

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9. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was always regarded as a talented young prospect, but he blossomed last season with the OKC Thunder, averaging nearly 20 points per game. His performances were spectacular to watch, and he and teammate Dennis Schrodder did fantastic things together last season.

Despite his early accomplishments, the 22-year-old could have a lot more to offer in the future.

10. Domantas Sabonis, Lithuania

Domantas Sabonis

The Pacers traded Paul George for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in 2017. Most consider Oladipo the Pacers' trade prize. However, Sabonis has excelled for Indiana. Sabonis made his first All-Star Game appearance this season after averaging 18.5 points and 12.4 rebounds to help the Pacers reach the playoffs again. Maintaining this production would put Domantas on track to surpass his father, Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis.

The Lithuanian has allayed concerns about Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner's frontcourt roles. His second consecutive double-double season included career-high points (20.3) and assists (6.7).

Sabonis' development, including two All-Star appearances, makes me think the Indiana Pacers will make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Conclusion

Above is the top 10 best international players in NBA today. The NBA may only have teams from the United States and Canada, but the list of international players in the league could not be more diverse. International players make up some of the league's best active players.

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