BOB STRONG/AFP via Getty Images

Top accolades: Two NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, one MVP, six All-NBA 1st Team selections, 12 All-Stars, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, five All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one Olympic gold medal

NBA rank: 1st in blocks, 10th in steals, 12th in scoring, 14th in rebounds, 220th in assists

Share of the vote: 100 percent of the maximum amount possible

Though he ended up playing for Team USA and winning an Olympic gold medal with the red, white and blue, Hakeem Olajuwon was born and raised in Nigeria and even played for a Nigerian junior team at the All-Africa Games. Olajuwon was a unanimous pick at No. 1 by HoopsHype voters, who have him just outside of the Top 10 in our own HoopsHype77 rankings.

He was the complete package as a player, with arguably the most unstoppable post-game ever thanks to his quickness and athleticism, to go with his impossible-to-predict moves. He was also an elite defender, with unbelievable shot-blocking prowess.

The international GOAT.

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Finals MVP, one MVP, 12 All-NBA selections, 14 All-Stars, one World Cup bronze medal, one Eurobasket silver medal

NBA rank: 6th in scoring, 26th in rebounds, 53rd in blocks, 94th in steals, 155th in assists

Share of the vote: 98.75 percent of the maximum amount possible

One of the finest offensive forwards in basketball history, Dirk Nowitzki is also widely considered the top European player of all time. Nowitzki didn’t just carry those Mavs teams to multiple deep playoff runs and ultimately a championship, he did so without star companions.

Nowitzki did similarly with Germany, winning a couple of medals with teams pretty much devoid of top-notch talent. Nowitzki’s shooting ability from all angles and ranges, off the dribble or with his feet set, was truly unmatched, especially among 7-footers.

Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Finals MVP, two MVPs, five All-NBA 1st Team selections, seven All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, four All-Defensive 1st Team selections

NBA rank: 110th in scoring, 121st in steals, 124th in rebounds, 179th in assists, 290th in steals

Share of the vote: 97.50 percent of the maximum amount possible

Third on our list already at age 28, there’s a good chance Giannis Antetokounmpo may end up being considered the top foreign talent when all is said and done – no small feat for a player who didn’t even have Greek citizenship growing up. Antetokounmpo makes up for his lone shortcoming – his shooting – with unreal length, tenacity and scoring down low. He’s legitimately unstoppable once he gets in the paint. There has not been much success team-wise in FIBA tourneys so far, surprisingly, but that could change in the future too.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Top accolades: Two MVP awards, seven All-NBA selections, eight All-Stars, one FIBA Americas silver medal

NBA rank: 5th in assists, 91st in scoring, 235th in steals, 459th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 95.83 percent of the maximum amount possible

South Africa-born Canadian Steve Nash was a superstar in his prime, as attested by his two MVP awards. Nash was very much a late bloomer, winning those in his 30s, an age in which most point guards (especially during his time) had declined a big deal. Nash would have been even more devastating in today’s NBA running the pick-and-roll and shooting more threes than he did during his heyday, but as is, he’s an all-timer, with unreal passing vision and a jump shot that was as pretty as any, ever.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Finals MVP, two MVPs, three All-NBA 1st Team selections, five All-Stars, one Olympic silver medal

NBA rank: 125th in assists, 165th in rebounds, 273rd in scoring, 332nd in blocks, 369th in steals

Share of the vote: 95.42 percent

In this re-ranking, Jokic moved up one spot and jumped the next player on our list to enter the Top 5 among international players ever, and if he keeps the current pace he’s on, reaching the top spot is not out of the question for the big Serbian. In 2022-23, Jokic added All-Star, 2nd Team All-NBA, Finals MVP and a championship to his already-impressive legacy. You can even make an argument that his peak – if Jokic has even peaked yet – is at least as good as anybody else’s on this list.

A team can build an elite NBA offense around Nikola Jokic thanks to his super passing and scoring skills. Only the third international player to win multiple MVP awards and the first center to do so this century, Jokic should age well considering his game doesn’t rely at all on athleticism or explosiveness. Truly one of the best passers in the game today, not just among centers, but among anyone.

Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Top accolades: Two NBA titles, four All-NBA selections, six All-Stars, three Olympic medals, one World Cup gold medal, seven Eurobasket medals, one World Cup MVP award, two Eurobasket MVP awards

NBA rank: 21st in blocks, 28th in rebounds, 42nd in scoring, 129th in assists, 454th in steals

Share of the vote: 93.75 percent of the maximum amount possible

Pau Gasol had a terrific NBA career to go with perhaps the best National Team career of any player ever, having won 11 medals and multiple MVPs in summer FIBA tournaments. A two-time NBA champion, some of the analytics actually rated Gasol as the most important Laker on those two title teams. Gasol was extremely skilled for a big man, with length that helped him finish over just about anyone down low and to block shots on the other end.

Top accolades: Four NBA titles, one Finals MVP, three All-NBA 2nd Team selections, six All-Stars, four Eurobasket medals, one Eurobasket MVP

NBA rank: 19th in assists, 56th in scoring, 152nd in steals

Share of the vote: 92.08 percent of the maximum amount possible

A super quick point guard with elite change-of-direction skills, French legend Tony Parker made a living getting into the paint and finishing among the trees because of his unstoppable tear-drop floater. Didn’t have much range as a shooter and wasn’t an elite defender by any stretch, but he’s an all-time great guard anyway, which speaks to just how solid he was at lead guard, no easy accomplishment for guys out of Europe.

Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: Four NBA titles, two All-NBA 3rd Team selections, two All-Stars, one-time Sixth Man of the Year, one Olympic gold medal, one World Cup silver medal, four FIBA Americas medals, one Olympic tournament MVP, one FIBA Americas MVP, one Euroleague title, one Euroleague Finals MVP

NBA rank: 63rd steals, 122nd in assists, 183rd in scoring, 448th in rebounds, 452nd in blocks

Share of the vote: 90.42 percent

Manu Ginobili is one of only two players to win NBA, Olympic and Euroleague titles, the other one being Bill Bradley. Ginobili performed well throughout his career no matter which role he was given. The exciting Argentinian popularized the Euro-step in the NBA and had a propensity for hitting clutch shots while never giving less than 100 percent effort during his time on the floor.

Manu Ginobili: "At the moment of my draft year in 1999, no Argentinian ever played in the NBA. So what happened? The dream of playing in the NBA was unrealistic growing up."

Manu's career: Beating the odds and then some. pic.twitter.com/0Y4Nzg1n39

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) September 10, 2022

Gary Dineen/NBAE/Getty Images

Top accolades: Three All-NBA Team selections, eight All-Stars, four Defensive Player of the Year awards, six All-Defensive Team selections

NBA rank: 2nd in blocks, 20th in rebounds, 297th in scoring

Share of the vote: 90.0 percent

Dikembe Mutombo entered the NBA at the grand age of 25 and became one of the most accomplished defensive players in NBA history with his ability to alter shots. Didn’t have much of an offensive game, yet still managed an 18-year career in the league thanks to his all-time shot-blocking ability and finishing prowess down low.

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Top accolades: One MVP, five All-NBA selections, six All-Stars, three All-Defensive 2nd Team selections

NBA rank: 196th in blocks, 340th in rebounds, 349th in scoring

Share of the vote: 89.12 percent

In 2022-23, Joel Embiid finally secured league MVP honors after two second-place finishes, to go with being named an All-Star for the sixth time and 1st Team All-NBA for the first time. However, he has not really distinguished himself with his play in the postseason, a concerning trend that continued even after his first MVP win, costing him spots in this ranking.

Another concern surrounding Embiid is his propensity for getting injured. Besides that, he’s dominant in every facet on both ends of the floor, with a post game that’s hard to stop, perimeter shooting touch that keeps defenses honest and unreal defensive playmaking abilities thanks to his fantastic size, athleticism and instincts.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Top accolades: Four All-NBA 1st Team selections, four All-Stars, one Eurobasket gold medal, one Euroleague title, one Euroleague MVP award, one Euroleague Final Four MVP award

NBA rank: 296th in assists, 454th in scoring

Share of the vote: 88.33 percent

It goes without saying, but simply put, Slovenian guard Luka Doncic is a special talent with a chance to enter GOAT conversations down the road thanks to his unbelievable mix of scoring and playmaking as well as rebounding from the lead-guard spot at his size. Doncic has already won pretty much everything at the international level. He has not been able to duplicate that success in the NBA, but that’s mostly because he’s never been surrounded by top talent in Dallas.

Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one All-NBA 1st Team selection, three All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, one All-Defensive 2nd Team selection, two Olympic silver medals, two World Cup gold medals, five Eurobasket medals

NBA rank: 57th in blocks, 145nd in rebounds, 229th in assists, 245th in scoring, 302nd in steals

Share of the vote: 85.42 percent

The leader on various fine Grizzlies teams, big man Marc Gasol eventually became a champion anchoring the defense of the Toronto Raptors while contributing plenty as a playmaker and floor-spacer. Gasol was also a key component to very successful Spanish squads in FIBA tournaments, winning two World Cup gold medals. A one-time Defensive Player of the year, Gasol was a truly unique two-way threat in his prime and one of the better big men of his generation.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One All-NBA 3rd Team selection, five All-Stars, one All-Defensive 2nd Team selection, one FIBA Americas bronze medal

NBA rank: 64th in blocks, 68th in rebounds, 184th in assists, 202nd in scoring, 302nd in steals

Share of the vote: 84.58 percent

Though big man Al Horford may not have the accolades or numbers of some of the other players this high on this list, his longevity has helped him stand out anyway. Horford has enjoyed a long career as a high-quality starter or low-level All-Star mostly playing at center, which was never his favorite position. He ranks Top 100 in both career blocks and rebounds and will get Hall-of-Fame consideration once his career is over. He’s not a lock but considering basketball treats its Hall of Fame more like a Hall of Very Good, he’ll probably get in, especially thanks to his contributions as an international player.

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One 2nd Team All-NBA, three 3rd Team All-NBAs, three All-Stars, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, six All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one Olympic silver medal, two World Cup bronze medals, two Eurobasket bronze medals

NBA rank: 44th in blocks, 78th in rebounds, 496th in scoring

Share of the vote: 83.75 percent

French center Rudy Gobert’s combination of length, mobility and smarts make him one of the most devastating defensive players in NBA history. Without much of an offensive game, Gobert can still do a lot of damage on that end on screen-and-rolls and finishing lobs. Despite a great NBA career, he has many doubters mostly because of perceived shortcomings in the playoffs. That may change in the future with a deep postseason run with the Timberwolves. Gobert has had quite a bit of success with the French National Team already, but to this point, has fallen short of gold. France didn’t even make it to the knockout rounds in the most recent World Cup, either, with Gobert anchoring the paint.

Tim DeFrisco/Getty Images

Top accolades: One All-NBA 3rd Team selection, two Olympic medals, one World Cup gold medal, one Eurobasket gold medal, one World Cup MVP award, one Eurobasket MVP award, two Euroleague titles

Share of the vote: 82.92 percent

Quite possibly the best European player in the 20th century thanks to amazing shooting prowess and will to win, Drazen Petrovic was the first Euro player to make an All-NBA Team and to this day just one of a handful to do it so as a guard. Petrovic did not bring much to the table aside from scoring but as a pull-up shooter, he was ahead of his time. His tragic car accident robbed us of a great player way too early, and he’d likely be higher here had he been able to have a long career. Petrovic remains absolutely iconic overseas to this day.

Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

Top accolades: Five All-NBA Team selections, eight All-Stars, three FIBA Asia Cup gold medals, three FIBA Asia Cup MVP awards

NBA rank: 118th in blocks, 330th in rebounds, 442nd in scoring

Share of the vote: 81.67 percent

In his short NBA career, Chinese superstar Yao Ming made eight All-Star rosters, although some were mostly on the back of the Chinese vote. Still, Ming was an excellent center when healthy thanks in large part to his monstrous size at 7-foot-6 and unbelievably soft touch for a man of his size. He had a turnaround jumper that was impossible to defend when he had it going. Had his career cut short by constant foot problems after going through multiple seasons with almost no rest because of offseason duties with the Chinese National Team in the summer.

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Top accolades: One NBA title, one All-NBA 2nd Team, three All-Stars, one World Cup gold medal, one Eurobasket gold medal, one Eurobasket MVP

NBA rank: 198th in scoring, 338th in steals, 439th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 80.42 percent

Generally remembered as the second wheel on those fun Chris Webber-led Sacramento King teams of the early 2000s, Predrag Stojakovic was among the best shooters in the NBA during his time. He had phenomenal size for a small forward and a jumper that would so often hit nothing but net. Stojakovic led the league in free-throw shooting accuracy twice and shot over 40 percent from three for his career.

Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images

Top accolades: One Olympic gold medal, one World Cup gold medal, four Eurobasket medals, one Eurobasket MVP award, one Euroleague title, one Euroleague MVP award, one Euroleague Final Four MVP award

NBA rank: 284th in blocks

Share of the vote: 77.92 percent

A do-it-all giant, Arvydas Sabonis was one of the game’s first unicorns. Unfortunately, his super dominant time in Europe that’s so often glossed over didn’t last very long. He was very limited physically by age 24 due to major leg injuries, and it was around that time when he signed with an average Valladolid squad in Spain’s first division. Despite physical limitations, he still managed a sensational career in FIBA basketball and eventually enjoyed seven solid seasons as a center for the Trail Blazers.

Sabonis will always be known as one of the biggest what-ifs in basketball, although major injury problems for players of his size are hardly uncommon. He displayed magnificent vision of the court and outside shooting when centers were not really doing those things. It was a joy to watch.

VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images

Top accolades: One All-NBA 3rd Team, three All-Stars, two Sixth Man of the Year awards

NBA rank: 114th in rebounds, 123rd in scoring, 140th in assists, 265th in steals, 465th in blocks

Share of the vote: 76.67 percent

Known by this generation for his cameo appearances on Parks and Rec, Detlef Schrempf was far from a slouch during his time in the Association, making one All-NBA team and three All-Star appearances in his heyday thanks to his outside shooting touch and fantastic size for a forward at 6-foot-10.

Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images

Top accolades: One All-Star, one Olympic gold medal, two World Cup gold medals, three Eurobasket gold medals

NBA rank: 31st in blocks, 51st in rebounds, 78th in steals, 165th in assists, 207th in scoring

Share of the vote: 76.25 percent

Best known for his time with the Kings, Vlade Divac was a charismatic figure in the game for many years. Divac was perhaps the best passing center in the game during his time in the league, and though he didn’t really work on his body a lot, he still had a phenomenal career both in the league and FIBA competitions with Yugoslavia.

Stephen Dunn /Getty Images

Top accolades: Four All-Stars

NBA rank: 87th in scoring, 231st in assists, 368th in steals

Share of the vote: 75.83 percent

A 2-guard who could fill up the scoring column without a problem, Rolando Blackman was a top player for the Mavericks throughout the 1980s, averaging over 19 points per game seven times in that decade, although Dallas at the time wasn’t doing much winning.

Jonathan Daniel /Allsport

Top accolades: Three NBA titles, one Sixth Man of the Year award, two Olympic silver medals, one World Championship gold medal, two Eurobasket gold medals, one World Championship MVP award, one Eurobasket MVP award, three Euroleague titles, three Euroleague Final Four MVP awards

NBA rank: 211th in assists, 286th in steals, 408th in scoring, 475th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 75.42 percent

Toni Kukoc was a terrific all-around player, so crafty and smooth with the ball in his hands yet tenacious when he needed to be. Kukoc played a big role in three championship teams for the Bulls, though things didn’t go so well when he was tasked with being the No. 1 guy post-Last Dance. You don’t often see winning runs like the one he had between 1989 and 1998.

How important was Toni Kukoc exactly? pic.twitter.com/eEWOkocBPk

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) May 3, 2020

Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: Two All-NBA 3rd Team, three All-Stars, Rookie of the Year, one Centrobasket gold medal

NBA rank: 188th in blocks, 210th in rebounds, 293rd in scoring

Share of the vote: 75.0 percent

Despite the accolades he’s already amassed, Karl-Anthony Towns still has much more to give as he’s one of the most skilled and efficient scoring centers ever. Towns has a pristine jumper from beyond the arc and a ball-handling ability to get to the basket when facing up, as well as the post-game to dominate smaller foes.

The self-proclaimed best-shooting big man in basketball history has put up impressive numbers yearly but has yet to prove he’s a winner. Maybe that will change now as he transitions into more of a secondary role.

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: Two All-Stars

NBA rank: 62nd in rebounds, 173rd in blocks, 186th in scoring

Share of the vote: 70.0 percent

A highly skilled center who can pull down double-doubles in his sleep, Nikola Vucevic is very difficult to defend because he can do so many things with the basketball. Vucevic can shoot, pass and post up, and you don’t want to foul him because of his shooting touch from the foul stripe. He just struggled to man the paint defensively, leading to his lack of team success in the NBA to this point in his career.

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One All-NBA 1st Team selection, two All-Stars, one Defensive Player of the Year award, two All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one Eurobasket silver medal

NBA rank: 132nd in blocks, 182nd in rebounds, 479th in assists

Share of the vote: 69.17 percent

One of the most energetic players ever, Joakim Noah was considered one of the best centers in the league at his peak. Even though his jumper didn’t have much range on it, Noah was still quite skilled thanks to his ball-handling and playmaking out of the high post/short midrange areas. Also an elite defender in his prime mostly thanks to effort and instincts.

Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One All-Star, three All-Defensive Team selections, one Olympic bronze medal, one Eurobasket, gold medal, one Eurobasket MVP award, one Euroleague MVP award

NBA rank: 41st in blocks, 131st in steals, 348th in rebounds, 400th in assists, 426th in scoring

Share of the vote: 66.25 percent

Long and athletic, the Russian forward was adept at filling the stat sheet from top to bottom. Andre Kirilenko was a Swiss Army knife on both ends of the floor, capable of filling multiple roles, though he particularly shined defensively thanks to his fantastic instincts, quick feet and great length. He would have fit perfectly in the modern game but he was a very effective player in his heyday.

Steve Healey/Indianapolis Star

Top accolades: One All-Star

NBA rank: 78th in blocks, 227st in scoring, 245th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 65.83 percent

A skilled but lean big man with fantastic size at 7-foot-4, Rik Smits had soft touch around the basket that helped him knock down turnaround jumpers with aplomb. He did struggle some as a rebounder, though, due to his slender frame.

TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

Top accolades: One Olympic gold medal, two World Cup silver medals, nine FIBA Americas medals

NBA rank: 283rd in rebounds, 468th in scoring

Share of the vote: 65.42 percent

Few people were more devoted to their National Team than Luis Scola, who put up big numbers for Argentina on a regular basis and carved himself a nice career in the NBA. Scola will go down as one of the best international competitors ever, but that doesn’t mean his NBA career wasn’t memorable, as the Argentinian big man lasted 10 years in the Association and was an effective scorer and passer, especially during his time with the Rockets.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One All-NBA 3rd Team selection, one All-Star, one Most Improved Player award, one Eurobasket gold medal, one Eurobasket MVP award

NBA rank: 93rd in assists, 250th in steals, 242nd in scoring

Share of the vote: 64.58 percent

A point guard with a lot of tenacity and energy on offense, Slovenian legend Goran Dragic could often create a fast break out of nothing. He has also been an adept halfcourt scorer who could use screens to get to the basket, where he was one of the best finishers in the paint thanks to his iron-clad shoulders. Dragic was also a fine outside shooter, making him the whole package offensively.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One All-NBA 3rd Team, three All-Stars, two All-Defensive 1st Team selections

NBA rank: 350th in assists

Share of the vote: 64.58 percent

Ben Simmons‘ reputation has taken a massive hit since the 2021 playoffs but don’t forget about his play before that, as Simmons is one of only three international point guards in NBA history to make three All-Star appearances.

Shooting woes aside, Simmons is a freakish talent at lead ball-handler, with the size of some centers and the athleticism of a swingman, but with and vision necessary to play point guard at a very high level. Also an unreal defender thanks to his effort on that end along with his excellent physical tools.

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: Two All-Stars, one All-Defensive 2nd Team selection

NBA rank: 210th in scoring, 231st in rebounds, 245th in steals, 312th in blocks, 440th in assists

Share of the vote: 62.08 percent

Born in South Sudan, Luol Deng eventually moved to the UK and represented its short-lived program at the Olympics. He could do a bit of everything in his heyday, including score, shoot, create and rebound at his swingman spot while defending at a pretty high level. Great motor too. Shined in Chicago as a Thibs favorite.

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: Three All-Stars, one All-NBA 3rd Team selection

NBA rank: 295th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 59.58 percent

Southpaw big man with playmaking, rebounding and scoring chops down low, Domantas Sabonis has developed into a very well-rounded, All-Star-level big man, already posting a more impressive NBA career than his father did. His play seems to be getting even better, too, as Sabonis can now add All-NBAer to his accolades.

Photo Library/NBAE via Getty Images

Top accolades: Two All-Stars

NBA rank: 50th in blocks, 170th in rebounds, 332nd in scoring

Share of the vote: 57.5 percent

Zydrunas Ilgauskas was a unique big man thanks to his size and slender frame, but he was productive and effective in his role as a floor-spacing center who could block some shots on the defensive end. Truly one of a kind but a very effective player in his prime.

Charlie Neibergall – Pool/Getty Images

Top accolades: Two Olympic medals, one World Cup gold medal, two Eurobasket gold medals, one World Cup MVP award, one Euroleague title

NBA rank: 66th in assists, 89th in steals

Share of the vote: 56.67 percent

Although he may have not fully lived up to the hype created by his legendary Euro YouTube highlight videos before getting to the NBA, Ricky Rubio has still enjoyed a fantastic NBA as well as international career thanks to his wizardry as a passer and solid ball-handling.

Best scoring marks against Team USA at the Olympic Games:

Manu Ginobili 🇦🇷: 29 points
Pau Gasol 🇪🇸: 29 points
Patrick Mills 🇦🇺: 30 points
Oscar Schmidt 🇧🇷: 31 points
Butch Lee 🇵🇷: 35 points
RICKY RUBIO 🇪🇸: 38 points

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) August 3, 2021

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, two All-NBA Team selections, two All-Stars, one Most Improved Player award

NBA rank: 475th in blocks

Share of the vote: 55.42 percent

Pascal Siakam, still in the middle of his prime, started off as a very raw prospect and developed into an energetic swingman who can guard multiple positions and terrorize opponents in transition. A much-improved halfcourt scorer, too, Siakam makes a huge nightly impact on both ends of the floor. He’s a player to watch as far as being able to move up these rankings over the coming years.

Mike Powell/Getty Images

Top accolades: Two NBA titles

NBA rank: 90th in blocks, 119th in rebounds, 228th in scoring, 379th in steals, 404th in assists

Share of the vote: 55.0 percent

Known by the current generation for being Klay Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson was a center who could do plenty of scoring in the paint and spent the early part of his career putting up solid numbers with the Blazers before becoming more of a role player on the Showtime Lakers.

Allsport USA/A

Top accolades: Two Olympic silver medals, one World Championship bronze medal, two Eurobasket gold medals, two Euroleague titles, one Euroleague Final Four MVP

Share of the vote: 52.92 percent

Dino Radja formed a beyond-dominant duo in Europe along with Kukoc on legendary Jugosplastika Split teams. One of the few bright spots for the lowly 90’s Celtics, Radja averaged nearly 20 points nightly in his third NBA season before returning to Europe a couple of seasons later to finish out his career.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One Euroleague Rising Star award, one Italian League MVP

NBA rank: 311th in scoring, 487th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 51.67 percent

A sharpshooting wing with great size, Danilo Gallinari can do more than just shoot from beyond the arc with his feet set, as he’s got an underrated face-up and post-up game… though his defense leaves a bit to be desired. One of the better European wings in NBA history, especially when you factor in when he arrived to America, before the recent Euro hooper boon.

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, All-Rookie 2nd Team

Share of the vote: 51.25 percent

We’ve already talked about the playoff shortcomings of some players on this list. Well, Jamal Murray is the opposite of that with big shot after big shot playing second fiddle to Jokic in deep playoff runs – including the last one which ended with the Nuggets hoising their first NBA championship. Murray moved up seven spots since the last time we did this exercise.

A confident bucket-getter at lead guard, Murray has the scoring ability and quick release to get hot at a moment’s notice and absolutely take over a game, even at a star level. His issues have been with consistency and missed time due to injury. His accolades don’t come close to matching his abilities as a player, as Murray was legitimately able to dominate games against elite competition during Denver’s 2023 title run.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one All-NBA 3rd Team selection, one All-Defensive 2nd Team selection

NBA rank: 86th in blocks, 176th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 50.0 percent

Injuries prevented Andrew Bogut from posting the career many expected from the No. 1 overall pick, but even so, he enjoyed a solid span of time in the NBA as one of the better centers in the league, even winning a title as a pivotal role player for the Warriors. In his prime, a great screen-setter and playmaker for a center with explosive finishing ability in the paint.

Mike Powell /Allsport

Top accolades: Three Olympic medals, three Eurobasket medals, one Eurobasket MVP

Share of the vote: 48.33 percent

There’s an ongoing narrative that Euro pioneers didn’t get any confidence from coaches in the NBA, but Sarunas Marciulionis proved that’s wrong by receiving playing time early on in his NBA career. For a guard, he was super strong which allowed him to score around the paint regularly.

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One All-Star

NBA rank: 172nd in blocks

Share of the vote: 47.92 percent

A shot-blocking, three-point shooting big man in a freakish 7-foot-3 package, Kristaps Porzingis appeared headed to a perennial All-Star career until injuries began to affect him. Now healthier than usual, Porzingis has really regained his early-career form as continues to go through his prime as an All-Star-level big man.

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, three All-Defensive 1st Team selections, one Olympic silver medal, one Eurobasket silver medal

NBA rank: 25th in blocks, 151st in rebounds, 327th in scoring

Share of the vote: 47.5 percent

Serge Ibaka broke onto the basketball scene early on in his NBA career, reaching the 2012 Finals as a member of the Thunder and making a huge impact on that team with his ridiculous shot-blocking prowess. Later on in his career, once his athleticism dwindled, he even extended his range to the three-point line.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Top accolades: One Most Improved Player award, one World Cup silver medal, one Eurobasket silver medal

NBA rank: 258th in assists, 328th in scoring, 336th in steals, 411th in rebounds, 495th in blocks

Share of the vote: 45.42 percent

A supersized swingman who could do a bit of everything, including score, rebound and pass, Hidayet Turkoglu would have been even more effective in the modern era shooting more three-pointers, but even for his time, he was an underrated small forward.

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One Olympic silver medal, two World Cup bronze medals, one Eurobasket gold medal

NBA rank: 183rd in assists, 216th in steals, 217th in blocks, 277th in rebounds, 353rd in scoring

Share of the vote: 43.75 percent

A beyond serviceable role player throughout his entire career, Nicolas Batum was one of the original 3-and-D swingmen that became so popular in the 2010s, capable of locking down multiple positions on one end and knocking down open threes on the other. Underrated playmaker, too.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Top accolades: Rookie of the Year award, All-Rookie 1st Team, one FIBA Americas bronze medal

NBA rank: 267th in scoring, 329th in blocks, 423rd in steals

Share of the vote: 41.67 percent

Much of the talk throughout his career was about his impact being inconsistent for a No. 1 overall pick, but Andrew Wiggins played the best basketball of his career in a smaller role in Golden State, making his presence felt as both a scorer and defender. Up-and-down accuracy with his jumper, but Wiggins is an elite leaper who could put anyone on a poster. He’s also focused much more on rebounding and defense lately, which has made him far more impactful.

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: All-Rookie 2nd Team, two Eurobasket silver medals

NBA rank: 96th in rebounds, 162nd in blocks, 367th in scoring

Share of the vote: 39.17 percent

The further along he gets in his career, the more Jonas Valanciunas’ play improves, as he’s gone from a role player early on into a solid, above-average starter now. The big Lithuanian is a double-double machine with a strong post-game thanks to having boulders for shoulders. He’s even hitting threes now.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Top accolades: One NBA title, one All-Star, one Eurobasket silver medal

NBA rank: 306th in blocks, 336th in rebounds, 492nd in scoring

Share of the vote: 38.33 percent

One of the original stretch Euro big men in the NBA, at least one that would willingly bomb away from three, Mehmet Okur was a player ahead of his time. In today’s NBA, he’d fire even more threes up and have a more impressive scoring average. Regardless, Okur enjoyed a solid 10-year NBA career.

Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport

Top accolades: One Olympic silver medal, two World Championship gold medals, three Eurobasket gold medals, three Euroleague titles, one Euroleague MVP, two Euroleague Final Four MVP awards

Share of the vote: 38.33 percent

Perhaps the most accomplished FIBA player never to give the NBA a try, Dejan Bodiroga was a dominant offensive player in Europe in his heyday. There are always questions about how well his pretty peculiar game would have adjusted to the NBA, considering his limited athleticism, slow movement skills and high-usage rate. Even so, Bodiroga boasts a spectacular FIBA resume.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Olympic bronze medal

NBA rank: 467th in assists

Share of the vote: 37.92 percent

Patrick Mills, more commonly referred to as Patty, helped guide Australia to its first medal in men’s basketball at the last Olympics, a deserved reward to his super-strong play with the National Team for a decade. He’s limited athletically and physically but makes up for it with feisty play and a lightning-quick jumper, one with range and that he can hit off the dribble.

Mills is one of the most impactful players ever in National Team competition, taking his game up a notch when he suits up for his country.

Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One All-NBA 1st Team selection, one All-Star, All-Rookie 2nd Team, one World Cup bronze medal

Share of the vote: 37.5 percent

Unquestioned talent, Shai Gilgeou-Alexander has reached a level many players above him in the list could never touch. His creativity and craftiness as a scorer and playmaker make him a special talent, as evidenced by making 1st Team All-NBA last season and earning All-Star honors. Gilgeous-Alexander followed that up by being the best player at the most recent FIBA World Cup despite not winning tournament MVP honors, leading Canada to a bronze medal finish and a win over the Americans in the medal game itself.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: All-Rookie 2nd Team

NBA rank: 189th in blocks, 202nd in rebounds

Share of the vote: 36.25 percent

Steven Adams does shine in one area: as a screen-setter. Besides that, Adams can do some scoring down low when he’s set up by teammates and rebounds well enough, though he’s better at boxing out than actually securing the ricochets off the glass.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One-time rebounding champion

NBA rank: 154th in blocks, 206th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 34.17 percent

Clint Capela went from a skinny big man with little endurance early in his career into an above-average starter in the league, one who makes a high-level impact as a shot-blocker and rebounder. Capela has led the NBA in rebounding already once in his career.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Sixth Man of the Year award, two FIBA Americas gold medals

NBA rank: 384th in steals, 459th in scoring

Share of the vote: 32.08 percent

A lightning-quick guard who could get from one end of the floor to the other in a flash, Leandro Barbosa was a one-man fast break in his prime. Despite an unorthodox release on his jumper, the Brazilian could also shoot the three-ball at a respectable level, making him a well-rounded scorer in his peak.

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: Two Olympic silver medals, one World Championship gold medal, one Eurobasket gold medal

NBA rank: 68th in assists, 367th in steals

Share of the vote: 32.08 percent

A floor general in every sense of the term, Jose Manuel Calderon could always be counted upon to run an offense at a solid level. He was usually thinking more about creating for teammates than trying to score himself, which is a bit of a shame since the Spaniard could really shoot the basketball. Calderon hit nearly 41 percent of his threes for his career.

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: All-Rookie 1st Team, one FIBA Americas silver medal

NBA rank: 161st in steals, 176th in blocks, 197th in rebounds, 338th in scoring

Share of the vote: 31.25 percent

Nenê had a face-up game that was difficult to defend out of the midrange to low post, as he had the quickness to blow by slow-footed opponents and the moves to outcraft even more athletic foes.

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Most Improved Player award, one World Cup bronze medal, one Eurobasket gold medal

NBA rank: 152nd in assists, 272nd in blocks, 315th in rebounds, 418th in steals, 444th in scoring

Share of the vote: 29.17 percent

French forward Boris Diaw was a do-everything forward who could score a bit but also rebound. His most impressive skill, however, was as a playmaker, where he had elite vision as a creator, especially for a man of his size. Had he stayed in better shape, there’s a chance he could have been something more in the Association.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Top accolades: All-Rookie 2nd Team, three Olympic medals, one World Cup gold medal, two Eurobasket gold medals, one Eurobasket MVP award, two Euroleague titles, one Euroleague MVP award, one Euroleague Final Four MVP award

Share of the vote: 27.92 percent

A pure scorer with his own patented floater (“La Bomba”), Juan Carlos Navarro had a terrific career with FC Barcelona and the Spanish National Team but only had a cup of coffee with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Could probably have been a solid role player in the league for many years, but preferred to be the man for his hometown club.

Ronald Martinez/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, All-Rookie 2nd Team

NBA rank: 174th in rebounds, 278th in blocks

Share of the vote: 27.5 percent

At his best, Tristan Thompson was a ferocious offensive rebounder and a fantastic screen-setter who could finish out of the pick-and-roll. He played a vital role in LeBron James’ lone title with the Cavaliers, playing with a ton of energy and defending well, even at times against switches.

Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: All-Rookie 2nd Team

NBA rank: 374th in scoring

Share of the vote: 25.83 percent

A swingman with great size and a quick shooting touch, Bojan Bogdanovic has made a solid career in the NBA by providing instant scoring, first as a reserve but mostly as a starter. Can get hot and take over games with his shooting quickly.

Harry How/Getty Images

Top accolades: One World Cup gold medal, one World Cup MVP, one Eurobasket bronze medal

NBA rank: 200th in assists, 418th in scoring

Share of the vote: 25.42 percent

Dennis Schroeder is already one of the best international point guards ever thanks to his confident scoring prowess out of the backcourt. He may be a bit inconsistent, but overall, he’s been a positive-impact player on the floor.

For a player with his accomplishments, Schroeder has taken much-unneeded vitriol throughout his career. He has the last laugh for now, though, after leading Germany to a surprising World Cup title after many years of torching FIBA competition in the summer. A well-earned honor.

Tom Hauck/Getty Images

Top accolades: Three NBA titles, All-Rookie 2nd Team

NBA rank: 194th in steals, 291st in assists, 410th in blocks, 464th in scoring, 484th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 25.42 percent

A reliable role player at the swingman spot during the Shaq and Kobe dynasty of the Lakers, Rick Fox was the glue that helped keep the team together, never trying to do too much but coming through when he was needed. Fox always kept the ball moving, could hit an open shot and defended well enough for his position.

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Top accolades: One World Championship bronze medal, one FIBA Americas bronze medal

Share of the vote: 25.42 percent

A scoring machine, Oscar Schmidt was all offense but with literally no defense to go with it. Even so, Schmidt is considered the all-time leading scorer in basketball history… though mostly playing for not-so-great teams.

Brazil's Oscar Schmidt remains the World Cup's top scorer after all these years.

He's not going to lose the No. 1 spot any time soon.

(The youngest players in the Top 15 are Pau Gasol and Juan Carlos Navarro).

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/2Ll9KnVmtp

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) August 19, 2023

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One Olympic silver medal, two World Cup bronze medals, two Eurobasket bronze medals

NBA rank: 430th in scoring

Share of the vote: 22.08 percent

Evan Fournier may not thrive in any one area on offense, but he’s a reliable three-level scorer who can get hot at a moment’s notice and doubles as a solid playmaker. His defense may not be much to write home about, but he can do some scoring off the dribble with his soft shooting touch.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One Olympic bronze medal, one Euroleague title

NBA rank: 356 in assists, 500th in steals

Share of the vote: 20.0 percent

Joe Ingles didn’t make it to the NBA until his age-27 season and once he did make it over, it took him a while to become the player he is now. An absolutely outstanding shooter, Ingles is also an underrated defender and playmaker out of the pick-and-roll.

Getty Images

Top accolades: One Olympic silver medal, four Eurobasket gold medals, two Euroleague titles, one Euroleague Final Four MVP

Share of the vote: 18.33 percent

Predrag Danilovic was an elite scorer in Europe who did a whole lot of winning overseas. Had a lethal shooting touch which he paired with stingy defensive chops. Did not shy away in big moments.

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One German League title, three German Cup titles

NBA rank: 129th in blocks, 158th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 17.5 percent

Affectionately called the Polish Hammer, Marcin Gortat was a deadly scorer out of the pick-and-roll, particularly later on in his career once he got out from under Dwight Howard’s shadow. Gortat had excellent hands and used his strength well when setting screens and attacking the glass.

Sakis Mitrolidis/AFP via Getty Images

Top accolades: One Eurobasket gold medal, one Eurobasket MVP

Share of the vote: 15.83 percent

Nikos Galis became one of the best scorers in FIBA basketball history and put Greece in the basketball map after four years of college basketball at Seton Hall. A solid playmaker and a ferocious competitor, he was also a strong player for Euro standards back in the day, often playing bigger than his actual size.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, two FIBA Americas medals, three Centrobasket gold medals, two Centrobasket MVP awards

NBA rank: 192nd in assists

Share of the vote: 12.92 percent

An absolute pest on both ends of the floor in his career, Jose Juan Barea was never afraid of taking a huge shot and could knock them down from all over the floor, even off the dribble. Could also finish around the basket thanks to a pretty tear-drop floater. Although vertically limited, he was able to use his body well on post-up attempts (ask LeBron James about that) and was always willing to take charges.

Richard Brodzeller, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Top accolades: Two All-ABA 2nd Team selections, two ABA All-Star selections

NBA rank: 243rd in rebounds

Share of the vote: 10.42 percent

One of the best players in Clippers franchise history until recent years, Swen Nater was a big man with little range but who was a monster rebounder, leading the NBA and the ABA in nightly rebounds one time apiece. Also a very reliable finisher down low.

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: All-Rookie 1st Team

NBA rank: 495th in blocks

Share of the vote: 9.58 percent

A center gifted with many important tools, including prototypical size and length, good athleticism and great hands, Deandre Ayton’s struggle with making an impact outside of the box score cost him his job with Phoenix. Now with Portland, perhaps a change of scenery and lessened expectations will help Ayton learn to play winning basketball and help him reach his star potential.

BULENT KILIC/AFP via Getty Images

Top accolades: One World Cup silver medal, one Eurobasket gold medal, three Euroleague titles, one Euroleague MVP award, three Euroleague Final Four MVPs

Share of the vote: 9.17 percent

Jeff Van Gundy was no fan of his, as the ball-handling, bombastic shooting guard Vassilis Spanoulis played just 272 minutes in his lone NBA season with the Rockets. But in Europe, he’s an absolute legend. He’ll go down as one of the most clutch players in FIBA basketball. Leads the modern-era Euroleague in scoring.

Javier Soriano/AFP via Getty Images

Top accolades: All-Rookie 2nd Team, three Olympic medals, two World Cup gold medals, four Eurobasket gold medals, two Euroleague titles

Share of the vote: 7.92 percent

Memorable Spanish 2-guard Rudy Fernandez could finish around the rim at a high level thanks to phenomenal athleticism (he beat Russell Westbrook for a spot in the NBA dunk contest) and could bomb away with deft shooting. His on-court antics made him one of the most hated players among European fans.

Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One All-Star, one Most Improved Player award, All-Rookie 1st Team selection

Share of the vote: 7.08 percent

A solid player early on in his NBA career, Lauri Makkanen turned into an All-Star from one season to the next, as his outside shooting and face-up scoring abilities exploded last year. Now, it’ll be about maintaining that level for Markkanen, if not improving on it.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

NBA rank: 35th in blocks, 120th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 7.08 percent

A very solid role player at center for many years, Samuel Dalembert averaged a double-double just once in his career but was a high-level shot-blocker for a long time. Limited offensively, but could finish around the basket.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Accolades: All-Rookie 2nd Team selection, one Olympic silver medal, two World Cup silver medals, one Eurobasket silver medal, one Euroleague title

NBA rank:

Share of the vote: 7.08 percent

A confident scorer especially from the perimeter, Bogdan Bogdanovic can get hot from the outside thanks to his lightning-quick jumper and high release point. He’s not one to avoid taking the big shots on any given night, though his defense has not been that impressive.

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Accolades: All-Rookie 1st Team

NBA rank: 474th in scoring

Share of the vote: 5.0 percent

The leading scorer from his draft class, Buddy Hield has carved out a very nice NBA career thanks to his elite three-point shooting and his ability to hit shots with a high degree of difficulty.

ALSO RECEIVING VOTES

Marco Belinelli, Tiago Splitter, Jusuf Nurkic, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Ersan Ilyasova, Nando De Colo, Dimitris Diamantidis, Sergei Belov, Andrew Gaze, Dino Meneghin, Dragan Kicanovic, Jamaal Magloire, Radivoj Korac, Andres Nocioni, Nemanja Bjelica, Milos Teodosic, Kresimir Cosic, Theodoros Papaloukas, Aleksandar Djordjevic, Zaza Pachulia, Anderson Varejao, Carlos Arroyo, Dario Saric, OG Anunoby, Aleksandar Volkov and Sergio Rodriguez.

WHO WAS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS LIST?

There are occasionally grey areas when it comes to the nationality of some players since many have multiple passports. For this exercise, we kept it simple with two basic rules: 1. If you only represented USA internationally, you’re not eligible for this list. 2. If you didn’t have a passport from a foreign country by age 18, you’re not eligible either.

By doing that, we filter out players who had few links with a foreign country aside from representing their National Team (say Chris Kaman with Germany).