The Greatest International Players In The NBA History

Welcome back the "Greatest Ever" series as we look deeply in the history of the NBA and rank the too foreign in this list

International players have been part of the strongest basketball competition ever since the mid 80's, They have come in the league and changed it because of their different playing styles

The European players, ever since the arrival of Drazen Petrovic, have got more active in the league

With nice skill sets, versatility to play multiple positions, and nice shooting touch regardless of the spot on the court, they have been helping their teams, and the really good ones who translated their success to the NBA have become superstars

However, besides all the valuable things and nice basketball IQ,defense is what is the biggest problem,because most of them cannot match the stronger,more athletic and physical style

The other pros from other continents like Africa have brought really nice players who have fit well in the tempo and have been really valuable on both ends of the court

Here are the best foreign players in the NBA History!

10.Tony Parker

One of the best European players of all times,Tony Parker has had a successful career

He's one of the greatest scoring point guards ever who is excellent at driving to the rim and scoring inside,excellent passer and decent defender who is the leader of the French national team

He has led the league in points in the paint despite standing only 6'2 with excellent crossover and speed makes him a threat with his ability to score and threat on a open floor

Parker has become great playoff performer in the course of his career as he helped the Spurs to win the title against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2007 as he emerged as the Finals MVP and posted averages of 24,5 points per game on 56,8% FG and 57,1% 3 pt

He also averaged 28,6 points per game,4,2 rebounds per game and 6,8 assists in 08-09 playoffs and in the next season,injuries slowed him down

Tony Parker has recorded so far the following stats in his careeer

Regular season///////////////////Playoffs

11,113 points (16,6)/////////2,473 points (18,7)
2,038 rebounds(3,1)///////418 rebounds (3,2)
3,772 assists (5,6)/////////651assists (4,9)

Career highlights and awards
3× NBA Champion (2003, 2005, 2007)
NBA Finals MVP (2007)
3× NBA All-Star (2006–2007, 2009)
All-NBA Third Team (2009)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (2002)
2000 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship MVP
2007 Euroscar European Player of the Year

9.Steve Nash

Steve Nash is regarded as one of the game's best passers, point guards, and international players of all time.

He's considered to be one of the greatest play-makers in the league history because of his court vision and very attractive no-look passes. That makes
him also an extremely exciting player to watch.

Nash is one of the most efficient shooters that the NBA has seen and consistent member of the 50/40/90 club. That means that he's capable of shooting at least 50 percent from field, 40 percent behind the arc, and 90 percent from the line.

That makes him a terrific all-around shooter and his career free throw percentage ranks at the near top.

However, his bad side has been his defense. He was terrible at that point in the game of basketball and that's the only thing that holds him back from a higher spot on the list.

He has recorded 14,771 points(14.6), dished out 8,397 assists(8.3) and grabbed 3,025 rebounds(3.0), with a career free throw percentage of 90.3.

8.Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo is regarded as one of the greatest foreign players to play in the NBA

He's one of the best defensive players in the history of the league who has been awarded with 4 Defensive Player Of The Year awards for his interior skills in the post.

He's also one of the most prolific shot blockers and rebounders of all times who has won 3 block(4.1,3.9,4.5) and 2 rebound(14.1,13.5),led the league 5 times in total blocks,4 times in total boards and so on

He was also good scorer who has scored 16,6 points per game in his rookie year but that wasn't asked as much the need of post defense

Regular season/Playoffs

11,729 points(9,8)/////////918 points (9,8)
12,359 rebounds(10,3)//////// 962 points (9,5)
3,289 blocks (3,289)//////////// 251 blocks

Career highlights and awards

* 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1995, 1997–1998, 2001)
* 8× NBA All-Star (1992, 1995–1998, 2000–2002)
* All-NBA Second Team (2001)
* 2× All-NBA Third Team (1998, 2002)
* 3× All-Defensive First Team (1997–1998, 2001)
* 3× All-Defensive Second Team (1995, 1999, 2002)
* NBA All-Rookie First Team (1992)
* 2× J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2001, 2009)

7.Dirk Nowitzki

The best shooting big man and one of the greatest European player to play in the NBA, Dirk Nowitzki is one of the top power forwards of all time.

Nowitzki's versatility makes him a fine player because he's quick for other players to contest his shot, but he's too tall for smaller perimeter defenders to slow him down which makes him an elite match up and threat of his own.

He's great at rebounding as well. While his defense is questionable, he has put effort to improve himself. His fade away jumper in the post is almost impossible to block.

He's the only seven-footer ever to win a 3-point Shootout in the All Star contests. In some ways, he changed the game with his ability to play on the perimeter and is the prototype of the most European big men.

He's brilliant in the clutch where he consistently leads his team and nails buzzer beaters putting up big numbers. He led the Mavs to a Finals appearance in 2006 but fell short.

Although his offensive brilliance give him a spot on this list and was awarded with league MVP in 2007, defense has been the biggest problem for Big Dirk.

He has tailed 21,111 points (22.9 rpg),grabbed 7,802 rebounds (8.5 rpg) and blocked 936 shots (1.0 bpg) during the regular season.

In the post season he recorded 2,632 points (25.6 ppg), grabbed 1,118 rebounds (10.9 rpg),dished out 269 assists (2.6 apg).

Honors

Career highlights and awards

* NBA Most Valuable Player (2007)
* 9× NBA All-Star (2002–2010)
* 4× All-NBA First Team (2005–2007, 2009)
* 4× All-NBA Second Team (2002–2003, 2008, 2010)
* 2× All-NBA Third Team (2001, 2004)
* NBA 3-Point Shootout Champion (2006)
* 2002 FIBA World Championship MVP
* 2005 EuroBasket MVP
* FIBA Europe Player of the Year (2005)
* Mister Europa Player of the Year (2005)
* 5× Euroscar Award Winner (2002–2006)

6.Manu Ginobili

Many Ginobili is consider as one of the greatest foreign players to play in the history of the NBA

He's one of the very top at attacking the basket,is excellent finisher with either hand at the rim,nice shooter,passer and this guy plays his best basketball in the most important moments of the game

He has made himself a career and is one of the few players who have enjoyed success under both the physical, one-on-one play of the NBA and the more technical, jumpshooting rule set of the FIBA.

He's among the finest passers that are not point guards,is willing to take a charge,plays at the lane which makes him good defender but his versatility and skills are awesome.

He's perhaps the most fanciest player from all on this list and has proved his value to the Spurs and country dozens times.

He has recorded 8,281 points (15,0),grabbed 2,227 rebounds (4,0),dished out 2,074 assists (3,8) and 837 steals (1,5) in the regular season

In the playoffs,he has recorded 1,904 points (16,3),grabbed 547 rebounds (4,7) and dished out 438 assists (3,7)

Career highlights and awards

* 3× NBA Champion (2003, 2005, 2007)
* NBA All-Star (2005)
* All-NBA Third Team (2008)
* NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2008)
* NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2003)
* 2001 Lega A (Italy) MVP
* 2001 Euroleague Final Four MVP
* 2001 FIBA Americas Championship MVP
* 2002 All-Euroleague First Team
* 2002 Italian Cup MVP
* 2002 Lega A MVP
* 2002 FIBA World Championship All-Tournament Team
* Olimpia de Oro (2003, 2004 (shared))
* 2006 FIBA World Championship All-Tournament Team
* 2008 35 Greatest Euroleague Players

5.Drazen Petrovic

Arguable the greatest European player to ever play in the NBA,Drazen Petrovic was terrific player

He was one of the best sharp shooters that basketball has ever seen with quick and accurate release with lots of touch in it and nice skill set which made him a valuable player

He died tragically in car accident in Germany at the age of 28 which was really sad news for the Croatian who forever changed the game of basketball and helped to establish an international influence

He was the league's top three point and perhaps overall shooter since Larry Bird,for couple of seasons before he was gone and showed major statistical improvement in every category for a guy who consistently led every guard in FG%

He has tailed 4,461 points (15.4),grabbed 669 rebounds (2.3) and dished out 701 assists (2.4) in the playoffs

He has recorded 10.2 points 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in the playoffs

Honors

Career highlights and awards

* 4× Euroscar Award(1986, 1989, 1992, 1993)2× Mr. Europa (1986, 1993) All-NBA Third Team (1993), Silver Medal in 1988 (Yugsolavia) and 1992 (Croatia) Olympic Games,Gold Medal in World Championships with National Team, 1990,Hall Of Fame

4.Dominique Wilkins

One of the best dunkers of all time,Dominique Wilkins was regarded as one of the greatest small forwards in the NBA History

He wasn't called "Human Highlight Film" for nothing. In the mid 80's he was spectacular scorer, powerful finisher at the rim with nice all around game
who made was one of the most exciting ever.

For his ability to throw it down in style (just like in the picture), he participated in five Slam Dunk Competitions, earning two Dunk Titles and his match up with Jordan was interesting to watch.

He has recorded 26,668 points (24.8),grabbed 7,169 rebounds (6.7) and dished out 2,667 assists (2,5).His resume

Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2006); All-NBA First Team (1986); All-NBA Second Team (1987, '88, '91, '93); All-NBA Third Team (1989, '94); All-NBA Rookie Team (1983); Nine-time NBA All-Star (1986-94); Slam Dunk champ (1985, '90).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyUf-9ruJi8

3.Patrick Ewing

One of the greatest centers in the NBA history, Patrick Ewing could be described with one word, "warrior."

He was elite on both ends, as a strong inside finisher with nice touch from mid range, as well as a great rebounder and even better shot blocker. He was a fighter and leader for the Knicks

His fantastic skill set is one of the finest ever for any center, and the numbers show it. He retired as the Knicks all time leader in points, boards, blocked shots, and steals

The warrior always gave 110 percent, and before knee problems started, this guy was the top center in the league.

Ewing couldn't win a title, losing a few times against Jordan or Hakeem, which is a shame because he would have been higher on the list. He just didn't have good luck.

He scored 24,815 points (21.0), grabbed 11,607 rebounds (9.8), and blocked 2,894 shots (2.4) during his career.

In the playoffs, he recorded 2,813 points (20.3), grabbed 1,435 rebounds (10.2), and dished out 122 assists (2.0)

Honors

Rookie of Year (1985); All-NBA First Team (1990); All-NBA Second Team (1988, '89, '91, '92, '93, '97); All-Defensive Second Team (1988, '89, '92); 11-time NBA All-Star; One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Two-time Olympic gold medalist (1984, '92).

2.Hakeem Olajuwon

During his 18-year career, Hakeem Olajuwon established himself as one of the greatest players ever.

He had the best footwork for any big man, and is considered one of the top defenders ever, to go along with a fine offensive game. He also had a most amazing post move called "The Dream Shake". He was excellent on the boards, in other words, his all-around game was finest among all the big men.

Olajuwon was the No. 1 pick of the 1984 draft and didn't disappoint the Houston Rockets where he's the most outstanding player to play for the franchise.

Hakeem led the Rockets to two titles with all-time great performances like 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists vs. Patrick Ewing's New York Knicks. He played on a whole new level where it counted most.

At his peak, Olajuwon averaged 33 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in the Finals against Shaq in one of the best finals matchups for big men. He outplayed his competition

He was active among the league leaders,won two rebound titles(13.5, 14.0), three block titles(4.6,3.9, 4.2), and was a pure force on both ends. His move, "The Dream Shake," is by far the most creative low post move of all time.

He tallied 26,946 points (21.1), grabbed 13,748 rebounds (11.1), and blocked 3,830 shots (3.1) during his career.

In the playoffs,he has recorded 3,755 points (25.9), grabbed 1,621 rebounds (11.9), and dished out 458 assists (3.5).

Hakeem Olajuwon could be argued as the NBA's best-ever center.

Honors

NBA champion (1994, '95); NBA Finals MVP (1994, '95); NBA MVP (1994); Defensive Player of Year (1993, '94); All-NBA First Team (1987, '88, '89, '93, '94, '97); All-NBA Second Team ('86, '90, '96); Third Team (1991, '95, '99); All-Defensive First Team ('87, '88, '90, '93, '94); 12-time All-Star; Olympic gold medalist (1996); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMrcBdXU9Nw

1.Tim Duncan

Although many others make strong cases, Tim Duncan stands above the rest and is regarded as one of the best players in NBA History.

He's the most consistent player and one of the top defenders in the league's history who is always a double-double threat, possesses high basketball IQ, and is one of the biggest winners ever during the regular season rivaling Magic Johnson as the winningest player in the game.

He's the only player ever to record eight straight All NBA First Defensive Team Selections, has an excellent post game, is a prolific rebounder, and shot blocker who's good at passing and is a undeniable leader of his team. He has also led the league once in total rebounds and offensive boards too.

So far, he has tailed 20,641 points (21.1 ppg),grabbed 11,335 rebounds and blocked 2,235 shots (2.3 bpg) during the regular season

In the post season 3,914 points (23.0 ppg),grabbed 2,114 rebounds (12.4 rpg) and dished out 587 assists (3.5 apg) and blocked 438 shots.

Honors

* 4× NBA Champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007)
* 3× NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)
* 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2002–2003)
* NBA Rookie of the Year (1998)
* 12× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2010)
* 9× All-NBA First Team (1998–2005, 2007)
* 3× All-NBA Second Team (2006, 2008–2009)
* All-NBA Third Team (2010)
* 8× All-Defensive First Team (1999–2003, 2005, 2007–2008)
* 5× All-Defensive Second Team (1998, 2004, 2006, 2009–2010)
* NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998)
* NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000)
* USBWA College Player of the Year (1997)
* Naismith College Player of the Year (1997)
* John Wooden Award (1997)
* 2× ACC Player of the Year (1996–1997)

Honorable Mention

Toni Kukoc,Andrei Kirilenko etc