Ken Levine/Allsport/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, 13th in scoring, 14th in rebounds, 225th 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. Even though Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic threaten his position down the road, Olajuwon remains for now a unanimous pick at No. 1 by HoopsHype voters, who have him just outside of the Top 10 in our own HoopsHype78 rankings.

The Dream 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, 158th in assists

Share of the vote: 98.29 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.

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 71st in scoring, 83rd in rebounds, 106th in blocks, 141st in assists, 238th in steals

Share of the vote: 97.01 percent of the maximum amount possible

Third on our list already at age 29, 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, but you can mostly chalk it up to the lack of talent around him on the Greek team.

NBA players with best scoring averages at the Olympics

1. Giannis: 25.8 ppg 🇬🇷
2. Bogdanovic: 25.3 ppg 🇭🇷
3. Doncic: 23.8 ppg 🇸🇮
4. Hachimura: 22.2 ppg 🇯🇵
5. Barrett: 21.0 ppg 🇨🇦
6. Schrempf: 21.0 ppg 🇩🇪
7. Nwora: 21.0 ppg 🇳🇬
8. Wagner: 20.8 ppg 🇩🇪
9. Petrovic: 20.2 ppg 🇭🇷

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) August 6, 2024

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one Finals MVP, three MVPs, one Conference Finals MVP, four All-NBA 1st Team selections, six All-Stars, one Olympic silver medal, one Olympic bronze medal

NBA rank: 81st in assists, 107th in rebounds, 187th in scoring, 286th in steals, 288th in blocks

Share of the vote: 96.58 percent

Nikola Jokic moves one spot in this list after a year that saw him win his third NBA MVP and a bronze medal with Serbia at the Olympics where, in all honesty, he should have received MVP as well. If he keeps the pace he’s on, reaching the top spot is not out of the question for the Nuggets superstar. 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 Jokic thanks to his super passing and scoring skills. The first international player to win three MVP awards and the first center to do so since Moses Malone, Jokic should age well considering his game doesn’t rely at all on athleticism or explosiveness.

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, 94th in scoring, 240th in steals, 469th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 94.87 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.

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, 43rd in scoring, 130th in assists, 468th in steals

Share of the vote: 93.16 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: 20th in assists, 57th in scoring, 155th in steals

Share of the vote: 91.45 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.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One MVP, five All-NBA selections, seven All-Stars, three All-Defensive 2nd Team selections, one Olympic gold medal

NBA rank: 178th in blocks, 277th in scoring, 294th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 91.45 percent

Joel Embiid is 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.

He has not really distinguished himself with his play in the postseason, a concerning trend that continued even after his first MVP win. He was often great with Team USA, though, and was one of the keys for the American squad to secure gold in Paris.

If he manages to stay healthy and leads the Sixers deep in the playoffs, Embiid has a shot at Top 5 in this ranking eventually.

David Berding/Getty Images

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

NBA rank: 191st in assists, 314th in scoring

Share of the vote: 91.03 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 came close to duplicating that success last season in the NBA with an unexpected run to the Finals with Dallas. We have a hunch it’s not the last time we see him there (especially if he takes better care of his body).

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, 302nd in scoring

Share of the vote: 88.03 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.

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: 65th in steals, 124th in assists, 191st in scoring, 456th in rebounds, 463rd in blocks

Share of the vote: 87.61 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

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 60th in blocks, 66th in rebounds, 174th in assists, 185th in scoring, 278th in steals

Share of the vote: 84.19 percent

The 2023-24 season was pivotal for Al Horford’s legacy. Not only did he win his first NBA championship, but he also became the first player ever to do so while being older than the full-time head coach of the team. Moreover, Horford joined an elite group of only six players in NBA history to rank in the Top 60 for playoff scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, and three-pointers. The other five members are LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Scottie Pippen. Yes, that’s some company.

Though he may not have the regular season accolades or numbers of some of the other players this high on the 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 70 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.

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: 59th in blocks, 147th in rebounds, 235th in assists, 252nd in scoring, 307th in steals

Share of the vote: 84.19 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 Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 33rd in blocks, 58th in rebounds, 430th in scoring

Share of the vote: 83.76 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. His benching with France during key moments of the Olympic basketball tournament surely didn’t help his reputation either. But there’s one thing clear: his teams win (even if they have not gone all the way yet).

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: 82.48 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: 119th in blocks, 334th in rebounds, 454th in scoring

Share of the vote: 81.20 percent

In his short NBA career, Yao Ming made eight All-Star rosters, although some were mostly on the back of the Chinese vote. Still, Yao 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.

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: 205th in scoring, 344th in steals, 446th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 79.91 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: 285th in blocks

Share of the vote: 76.50 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.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 171st in rebounds, 176th in blocks, 221st in scoring

Share of the vote: 76.07 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.

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: 118th in rebounds, 128th in scoring, 142nd in assists, 267th in steals, 477th in blocks

Share of the vote: 75.21 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: 32nd in blocks, 53rd in rebounds, 79th in steals, 169th in assists, 213th in scoring

Share of the vote: 75.21 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.

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: 216th in assists, 291st in steals, 417th in scoring, 488th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 74.36 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

Stephen Dunn /Getty Images

Top accolades: Four All-Stars

NBA rank: 90th in scoring, 238th in assists, 372nd in steals

Share of the vote: 73.93 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.

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: Two All-Stars

NBA rank: 50th in rebounds, 145th in scoring, 158th in blocks, 313th in assists, 332nd in steals

Share of the vote: 69.23 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: 133rd in blocks, 185th in rebounds, 491st in assists

Share of the vote: 68.38 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: 42nd in blocks, 134th in steals, 353rd in rebounds, 408th in assists, 437th in scoring

Share of the vote: 64.53 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.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: Three All-Stars, two All-NBA 3rd Team selections

NBA rank: 197th in rebounds, 283rd in assists, 466th in scoring

Share of the vote: 64.10 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 has now added All-NBAer to his accolades.

TIMOTHY CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

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

NBA rank: 285th in rebounds, 479th in scoring

Share of the vote: 63.68 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.

Steve Healey/Indianapolis Star

Top accolades: One All-Star

NBA rank: 80th in blocks, 232nd in scoring, 250th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 63.25 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.

Kim Klement-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: 97th in assists, 249th in scoring, 252nd in steals

Share of the vote: 62.82 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 was also 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: 337th in assists

Share of the vote: 61.54 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 was 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: 215th in scoring, 235th in rebounds, 247th in steals, 318th in blocks, 452nd in assists

Share of the vote: 60.68 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.

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 420th in scoring, 446th in blocks, 460th in assists, 467th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 57.26 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.

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: Two All-NBA 1st Team selections, two All-Stars, All-Rookie 2nd Team, one World Cup bronze medal

NBA Rank: 485th in scoring

Share of the vote: 57.26 percent

An unquestioned talent, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has reached a level many players ranked above him could never touch. His creativity and craftiness as a scorer and playmaker make him special, evidenced by back-to-back 1st Team All-NBA selections. He also excels defensively. When all is said and done, Shai should have more accolades and rank much higher on this list.

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: 67th in assists, 89th in steals

Share of the vote: 55.13 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

Photo Library/NBAE via Getty Images

Top accolades: Two All-Stars

NBA rank: 50th in blocks, 174th in rebounds, 340th in scoring

Share of the vote: 54.70 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.

Mike Powell/Getty Images

Top accolades: Two NBA titles

NBA rank: 92nd in blocks, 122nd in rebounds, 233rd in scoring, 382nd in steals, 412th in assists

Share of the vote: 52.14 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: 49.57 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.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 425th in assists

Share of the vote: 49.57 percent

A confident bucket-getter at lead guard, Jamal 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.

Will he become an All-Star eventually? It’s not going to be easy with the amount of talent at the guard positions in the Western Conference.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 306th in scoring, 475th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 49.15 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.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 88th in blocks, 179th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 47.86 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.

Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One NBA title, one All-Star

NBA rank: 141st in blocks, 470th in scoring, 480th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 47.44 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.

While full-blown NBA stardom may be behind him, he certainly has the makings of a key piece for a potential Celtics dynasty.

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: 26th in blocks, 154th in rebounds, 334th in scoring

Share of the vote: 45.30 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.

Mike Powell /Allsport

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

Share of the vote: 44.87 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.

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

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

NBA rank: 265th in assists, 335th in scoring, 342nd in steals, 416th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 43.16 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: Two Olympic silver medals, two World Cup bronze medals, one Eurobasket gold medal

NBA rank: 179th in assists, 187th in steals, 198th in blocks, 258th in rebounds, 344th in scoring

Share of the vote: 41.45 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: One NBA title, Rookie of the Year award, All-Rookie 1st Team, one FIBA Americas bronze medal

NBA rank: 222nd in scoring, 304th in blocks, 398th in steals

Share of the vote: 39.32 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. He was also focused much more on rebounding and defense during his early years with the Warriors. Looks to be in a funk now, though.

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 74th in rebounds, 148th in blocks, 316th in scoring

Share of the vote: 36.32 percent

Went from role player early on into a solid, above-average starter and back to role player now. At the peak of his powers, the big Lithuanian was a double-double machine with a strong post-game thanks to having boulders for shoulders.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

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

NBA rank: 313th in blocks, 341st in rebounds

Share of the vote: 35.90 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: 35.90 percent

The most accomplished FIBA player never to give the NBA a try, Dejan Bodiroga was a dominant offensive talent 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: 35.04 percent

Patrick Mills, more commonly referred to as Patty, helped guide Australia to its first medal in men’s basketball at the 2020 Olympics, a deserved reward to his super-strong play with the National Team for over 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.

Top active scorers in the Olympic tournament

Kevin Durant: 435 points 🇺🇸
FIBA PATTY MILLS: 520 points 🇦🇺

He just keeps doing it. pic.twitter.com/llRGjYx1I1

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) July 27, 2024

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: All-Rookie 2nd Team

NBA rank: 192nd in blocks, 207th in rebounds, 450th in steals

Share of the vote: 33.33 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: 124th in blocks, 153rd in rebounds

Share of the vote: 31.20 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.

Mike Lawrie/Getty Images

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

NBA rank: 154th in assists, 358th in scoring, 444th in steals

Share of the vote: 30.34 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.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 387th in steals, 469th in scoring

Share of the vote: 29.91 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, 371st in steals

Share of the vote: 29.49 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: 164th in steals, 176th in blocks, 202nd in rebounds, 347th in scoring

Share of the vote: 28.21 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: 155th in assists, 273rd in blocks, 318th in rebounds, 426th in steals, 462nd in scoring

Share of the vote: 26.92 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: 25.64 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: 167th in rebounds, 272nd in blocks

Share of the vote: 24.79 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.

Tom Hauck/Getty Images

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

NBA rank: 196th in steals, 299th in assists, 420th in blocks, 475th in scoring, 497th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 22.65 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: 22.65 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

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: All-Rookie 2nd Team

NBA rank: 330th in scoring

Share of the vote: 22.22 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.

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

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

NBA rank: 428th in scoring, 456th in steals

Share of the vote: 18.38 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.

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: One Olympic bronze medal, one Euroleague title

NBA rank: 311th in assists, 452nd in steals

Share of the vote: 17.09 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.

Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

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

Share of the vote: 16.24 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 with the Jazz. Now, it’ll be about maintaining that level for Markkanen, if not improving on it.

Getty Images

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

Share of the vote: 13.68 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: 130th in blocks, 160th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 13.68 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: 12.39 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.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

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

Share of the vote: 9.83 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.

Richard Brodzeller, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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

NBA rank: 248th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 9.40 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.

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: 197th in assists

Share of the vote: 7.69 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.

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Top accolades: All-Rookie 1st Team

NBA rank: 439th in blocks, 448th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 5.98 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. Some hoped a change of scenery and lessened expectations would help Ayton learn to play winning basketball and help him reach his star potential. For now, that has not been the case.

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Accolades: All-Rookie 1st Team

NBA rank: 416th in scoring

Share of the vote: 5.13 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.

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: 4.70 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.

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

NBA rank: 37th in blocks, 123rd in rebounds

Share of the vote: 3.42 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.

Javier Soriano/AFP via Getty Images

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

Share of the vote: 3.42 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.

Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

Accolades: All-Rookie 2nd Team

NBA rank: 222nd in blocks, 298th in rebounds

Share of the vote: 2.56 percent

Has been a starting center in the NBA for eight years now, which is no easy feat. Though he’s never approached All-Star status, he’s helped his teams with solid rebounding and passing and a decent shooting touch. Staying healthy has been an issue for him, though.

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