Top 10 International Players of All Time
Today we see players from other countries like Marc Gasol, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anderson Varejao, and others. Ten, twenty, even thirty years ago there were not that many players from other countries. This is because players from other countries have taken a liking to basketball and have helped make it popular in other countries. These international players have brought their styles and have incorporated them into the game of basketball we see today. This list is to illuminate some of the greatest players from other countries that played in the NBA.10. Detlef Schrempf
Detlef Schrempf was a versatile 6'10 forward who could play every position except the point guard spot. However, his passing ability would allow him to be a point forward. During his career, he would earn three trips to the All Star Game and he was a two time Sixth Man of the Year award recipient. His career would start off slow in Dallas as he could not get stable minutes and he was often injured. Indiana must have seen some potential in him as he was traded to the Pacers. In Indiana and Seattle, Schrempf would average well over 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. His solid shooting would help the Seattle Supersonics to a finals appearance against the Chicago Bulls where they lost in six games. He would go on to finish his final two seasons in Portland.
9. Peja Stojakovic
In addition to being one of the greatest shooters of all time, Peja Stojakovic was able to crack this list of all time international greats. He averaged 17 points per game and shot 40 percent for his career. His scoring ability helped open up the lane for players on his team and at 6'10 it was hard to defend him on the perimeter. He was never a defensive stopper, but his size allowed to him rattle other players. Stojakovic would average 20 points over a three-year span and earn a trip to three All Star Games. Along with Chris Webber and Mike Bibby, Stojakovic would help power the Kings to the Western Conference Finals where they lost in seven games to the Los Angeles Lakers. They would earn their way into the hearts of many fans and show the NBA that small market teams could maintain success over the years.
8. Dikembe Mutombo
Dikembe Mutombo was more than a solid basketball player. He was the ultimate humanitarian in all of sports. He has traveled the world to spread the game of basketball to Africa, improved the living conditions in the Republic of Congo, and he is a longtime advocate of the Special Olympics. Mutombo's play on the court was sensational as well. He was a crowd favorite wherever he played. Standing at 7'2, Mutombo would block shots with ease, be a vacuum on the boards, and be enough of a threat to score off rebounds. He would experience a resurgence in his career in 2001 when he would help Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. They lost in that series, but Mutombo won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award that season. He was an eight time All Star and was even selected to the All NBA second team once. When he blocked a player's shot, Mutombo would often sway his finger and say, "No No No".
7. Manu Ginobili
6. Yao Ming
Because of a multitude of injuries, Yao Ming's
promising career was cut short as he was forced to retire. He was the face of
China's nation and was the reason Chinese fans and players became interested in
the NBA. Yao was the first rookie since Grant Hill to start in an All Star
game. Yao was 7'6 and well over 250 lbs which made it hard for the Houston
Rockets to pass him up. He had good skills for a player of his size as he could
shoot 19 footers, easily post players up, and pass well enough. Yao did
struggle his first year with the speed of the NBA, but was fine after about 15
games. He turned into a brick wall on defense and asserted himself well on
offense. After his rookie year, he was mentioned as one of the best centers and
could have gone down as one of the best centers of all time. Along with Tracy
McGrady, Yao formed a dynamic duo that figured to be title contenders. Early
playoff exits and injuries robbed the Houston franchise and have many fans
wondering what could have been.
5. Tony Parker
The talent was always there for Tony Parker, but he
lacked maturity as a young player playing for Gregg Popovich. Parker would
learn the hard way playing under Coach Pop, as he would be benched for silly
turnovers and playing out of control on offense. In the playoffs, he would always
perform admirably as he helped the Spurs win three NBA championships and earned
himself a Finals MVP. However, three years ago the switch seemed to turn
"on" for Parker as if he finally got "it". Hypothetically
speaking it seemed like the torch was passed from Tim Duncan down to Parker. He
became the voice of the locker room and the focal point of a well-balanced
Spurs attack. Over these past three seasons, Parker has catapulted himself in
the discussion of many MVP, best point guard, and top 10 player talks. Last season, Parker led the Spurs to the Finals where they lost to the Miami Heat in seven games. He can
most certainly fly up this list with more accolades. For Parker and the Spurs
it is about winning not individual achievements.
4. Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol is the most gifted seven footer in league history. Before an unexpected growth spurt, Gasol was a point guard. His days
as a point guard are usually on display with his passing and ability to drive
around bigger defenders. His size allows him to post smaller defenders, shoot
over them, or find the open man. Early in his career he was scrutinized because
he was thought to be the next Dirk Nowtizki. There were also rumors that Gasol
did not like being the focal point of his team and opposing teams. As a result,
the Lakers pulled off one of the greatest heists, at the time, as they traded
the rights to Marc Gasol to Memphis for Pau. It was a great move as it sent
shock waves throughout the league and made the Lakers instant title contenders.
Gasol would help Kobe Bryant and the Lakers go to three straight finals as well
as winning back-to-back finals. Pau has also been a part of those Spain teams
that won two gold medals.
3. Steve Nash
Mavericks fans can only wonder what magic Steve Nash
and Dirk Nowtizki could have made if Nash stayed in Dallas. Nevertheless, from
a basketball resume standpoint, Nash's career benefited from his departure. He
ended up being one of the faces of the NBA for a short span. In addition, he
transformed himself into a two time MVP while making the Suns a perennial power
in the Western Conference. He might have been the pioneer for Mike D'Antoni's
uptempo offense that is still popular today. He even helped Canada gain respect
as a basketball country. Nash has done everything there is to do as far as
individual accolades, but he has never been able to win a championship. Or even
get to the NBA Finals for that matter. His soccer background helped him run the
show as a point guard with his nifty passing. He was always a threat to score
30 every night as well. Nash also was a great leader and competitor. His
defense was always shaky, but that's one of the risks a coach would deal with.
At this point in his career with the Lakers, Nash is more concerned with his
health and one last run for a championship next year.
2. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon meant a lot to
the people of Houston as he played his collegiate and professional career in
that city. He brought two championships to the Rockets organization in addition
to being a force on the low block. In his heyday, Olajuwon was an all around
center as he could score, pass, rebound, and be a defensive anchor on the other
end. His versatility made him extremely difficult to deal with because of his
overall girth. His footwork was impeccable and his signature move, “The Dream
Shake", was automatic. He might have been so gifted because of his days as
a soccer player when he was a kid. Despite being a native of Nigeria, Olajuwon
played for Team USA because of Nigeria's lack of immersion in the basketball
world. Olajuwon is a forgotten star as he was a part of a draft and era that
consisted of Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. He continues
to be an ambassador of the Houston Rockets organization.
1. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowtizki, when it is all said and done, will go
down as the best international player to ever play in the NBA. His career
averages are phenomenal at 23 points per game and 8 boards. Also, his resume
speaks for itself as he has won a regular season and Finals MVP. Nowtizki has
been to numerous All Star games and selected to many All-NBA teams. He is the
Mavericks all time leader in scoring, a world champ, and not to mention he has
single handedly carried Germany to a bronze and silver medal finish. It is hard
to dispute Dirk as being number one on this list because he is a superstar that
does it the right way. He is loyal to Dallas and has always found ways to
extend the longevity of his career. Nowitzki's new found resurgence has him in a
position to play for another championship for another three or four years. Dirk
could also go down as one of the best shooters of all time.
