The Best Current NBA International Players

Over 4.8K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Foreign NBA Players
Voting Rules
Vote up the top players in the league born outside the U.S.
Latest additions: Joshua Primo, Chris Duarte, Kai Jones
Most divisive: Nicolas Batum

Who are the best international players in the NBA? With so many of the greatest NBA players of all time being from outside the US, it's time to recognize the best international NBA players currently in the league. From point guards to centers, NBA's top international basketball players are among the best in every position. While some are still learning English, they have no problem Euro stepping around defenders and winning championships (Tony Parker and Dirk Nowitzki). Who are the best international NBA players in the league today? 

 In 2013, Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo AKA "The Greek Freak" made a big splash in the league, quickly becoming a rising superstar. Other great foreign NBA players include Cameroonian Joel Embiid, Frenchman Rudy Gobert, Canadian Andrew Wiggins, and Slovenian potential NBA MVP Luka Doncic. 

Vote for the best international basketball players currently playing in the NBA.

Ranked by
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo
    1
    Milwaukee Bucks
    2,215 votes
    • Position: Point forward
    • Birthplace: Athens, Greece

    A player who has undoubtedly changed the game with his unique combination of size and skill, Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA's most dominant international talents. Hailing from Greece, this multifaceted star can do it all on the court, from handling the ball like a guard to defending the rim like a big man, making him a true force to be reckoned with. Giannis's relentless work ethic and unmatched versatility have elevated his team's success and turned him into a fan favorite, solidifying his status as one of the greatest international players in the league.

  • Nikola Jokić
    2
    Denver Nuggets
    1,906 votes
    • Position: Center
    • Birthplace: Sombor, Serbia

    Nikola Jokic, the Serbian center known for his extraordinary playmaking ability, has taken the NBA by storm with his incredibly high basketball IQ and uncanny court vision. As the backbone of his team, Jokic's smooth footwork and precise passing make him an offensive powerhouse, creating opportunities for teammates and disrupting opposing defenses. Jokic's unique blend of finesse and physicality has earned him a reputation as one of the best international big men currently dominating the hardwood.

  • Luka Dončić
    3
    Dallas Mavericks
    1,960 votes
    • Position: Small forward
    • Birthplace: Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Hailing from Slovenia, Luka Doncic quickly established himself as a top-tier international player with his exceptional basketball instincts and clutch performances. A true floor general, Doncic knows when to take over games with his potent scoring ability and when to elevate his teammates with pinpoint passes, showcasing a natural feel for the game that few can match. Luka's undeniable charisma and competitive fire have made him a fan favorite and cemented his status as one of the NBA's brightest international stars.

  • Joel Embiid
    4
    Philadelphia 76ers
    1,618 votes
    • Position: Center
    • Birthplace: Yaoundé, Cameroon

    Cameroonian sensation Joel Embiid has become one of the league's premier big men thanks to his imposing physical presence and polished offensive arsenal. A defensive force, Embiid's shot-blocking prowess and tenacious rebounding make him a nightmare matchup for opposing offenses, while his nimble footwork and soft touch around the rim make him a difficult cover on the other end. With a larger-than-life personality both on and off the court, Embiid has left an indelible mark on the NBA landscape as one of its most captivating international talents.

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
    5
    Oklahoma City Thunder
    774 votes
    • Position: Guard
    • Birthplace: Toronto, Canada

    Canada's own Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has quickly emerged as one of the NBA's most promising young international guards, showcasing an innate ability to create for himself and others. His smooth game and deceptive quickness make him a difficult player to defend, while his craftiness and vision allow him to consistently find open teammates. Shai's rapid development and innate feel for the game have fans and analysts alike eager to see what heights he can reach as his career progresses.

  • Jamal Murray
    6
    Denver Nuggets
    465 votes
    • Position: Point guard
    • Birthplace: Kitchener, Canada

    As a dynamic scoring guard from Canada, Jamal Murray has proven himself as an explosive offensive weapon capable of taking over games in the blink of an eye. His ability to heat up quickly, coupled with his knack for hitting clutch shots, makes Murray a constant threat to opposing defenses. A fearless competitor with a smooth shooting stroke, Jamal's continued growth and potential as a leader make him one of the most exciting international players to watch in the NBA today.