Global Game: Power Ranking the Top 15 International Players in the NBA

The global popularity of the NBA is rapidly growing.  Along with that growth has come an influx of foreign players to the league.  

The NBA reported a record 84 foreign-born players on NBA rosters to begin the 2010-2011.  These players come from all over the globe, spanning five different continents.  

We count down the 15 best internationals in the league.  

15. Marc Gasol: Spain

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 20: Center Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies takes a shot against Antonio McDyess #34 of the San Antonio Spurs in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 20, 2011 at AT&T Center in

Marc has learned well from his big bro Pau.  A large body down low, the younger Gasol is a force on the defensive end and is developing into a good scorer and passer.  He's still young and has potential for an improving Grizzlies franchise.  

'10-'11: 11.7 PTS, 7.0 REB, 1.7 BLK 

14. Jose Calderon: Spain

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 21: Jose Calderon #8 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center on March 21, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Raptors 123-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

Calderon is a classic point guard, creating open shots for teammates.  He would get more attention if he was not stuck in Toronto.  Calderon is an exceptional 3-point shooter (38.3%).  

'10-'11 Stats: 9.8 PTS, 8.9 AST, 1.2 STL 

13. Andrew Bogut: Australia

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NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 23: Andrew Bogut #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball over Ronny Turiaf #14 of the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on February 23, 2011 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Bogut, a former #1 overall pick, has been somewhat underwhelming thus far in his career.  His low-post scoring is above-average, but his true value comes on the defensive end, where the Aussie has averaged 1.6 BLK over his career.  

'10-'11 Stats: 12.8 PTS, 11.1 REB, 2.6 BLK

12. Danilo Gallinari: Italy

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 23: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Denver Nuggets takes a free throw against the San Antonio Spurs at the Pepsi Center on March 23, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Spurs 115-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

Gallinari's game is much like Bargnani's.  At 6'10'', Gallinari is a tough matchup for opposing defenses.  He is considered one of the best young 3-point shooters in the league.  Once Danilo gains some experience and works on his low-post game, he can easily average over twenty points per game.  '

10-'11 Stats: 14.7 PTS, 5.4 REB.  

11. Andrea Bargnani: Italy

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OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 25: Andrea Bargnani #7 of the Toronto Raptors drives on David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on March 25, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and

"Dirk-lite" doesn't get much publicity playing in Toronto.  Bargnani's skills are very similar to Nowitzki: He shoots well from long-range and can take defenders to the rim off the dribble.  His stats have increased steadily throughout his short career and he is just now entering his prime.  

'10-'11 Stats:  21.4 PTS, 5.2 REB.  

10. Nene: Brazil

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 03: Nene #31 of the Denver Nuggets looks for an outlet pass against Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on April 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

The man with one name is a force to be reckoned with down low.  Nene possesses great strength and athleticism for a man his size.  He excels on the defensive end and has improved his offensive game considerably.  A key cog for a resurgent Nuggets squad.

'10-'11 Stats: 12.3 PTS, 6.9 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK

9. Manu Ginobili: Argentina

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 05: Manu Ginobili #20 of the San Antonio Spurs against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on April 5, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, u

Ginobili is another foreigner who is a key cog in the Spurs dynasty.  Manu is a slashing guard who can shoot the three and finish at the rim using creative and unorthodox moves.  He also creates shots for his teammates and is always among the league leaders in steals.  The Argentine is a 3x NBA Champion and a 2x All-Star.  

'10-'11 stats: 16.5 PTS, 3.8 REB, 4.9 AST

8. Luol Deng: Great Britain

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 18: Loul Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot between Tyler Hansbrough #50 and Jeff Foster #10 of the Indiana Pacers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 18,

Born in Sudan, Deng lived in several countries before entering the league.  His athleticism and length make him an excellent defender at the small forward spot.  Luol's game is solid overall and he is a big reason why Chicago has risen to the top of the Eastern conference.  

'10-'11 Stats: 17.4 PTS, 5.8 REB, 2.8 AST

7. Al Horford: Dominican Republic

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ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 16: Al Horford #15 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to pass the ball as Ryan Anderson #33 of the Orlando Magic defends during Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2011 at the Amway Arena in

Horford has been a great addition to the Hawks since he was drafted.  With great size and strength, Horford is a force down low who can defend well.  He has also developed nicely as a passer.  In his short career, he has already been named to two All-Star games.  

'10-'11 Stats: 15.3 PTS, 9.3 REB, 3.5 AST

6. Luis Scola: Argentina

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MIAMI, FL - MARCH 27: Forward Chris Bosh #1 of the Miami Heat defends against Forward Luis Scola #4 of the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Arena on March 27, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downl

Scola is one of those guys every coach wants to have.  He works hard and his motor is always revved up.  His production has improved each of his four years in the league.  Scola has morphed into an efficient and above-average scorer.  

'10-'11 Stats: 18.5 PTS, 8.5 REB, 2.4 AST

5. Tony Parker: France

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ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 05: Tony Parker #9 of the San Antonio Spurs against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on April 5, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user

Yet another Spur born on foreign soil.  When healthy, Parker is one of the most underrated point guards in the league.  With a killer mid-range jumper and great quickness, Parker excells in the pick n' roll game with Tim Duncan.  He's one multiple championships and a NBA Finals MVP award.  We also hear he's quite the lady's man.  '

10-'11 Stats:  17.3 PTS, 6.7 AST.    

4. Tim Duncan: Virgin Islands

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 17: Forward Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 17, 2011 at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO

Perhaps one of the best Power Forwards to ever play the game.  Duncan has been named NBA MVP twice and NBA Finals MVP three times.  He has four championship rings, all with the Spurs.  Also an 8-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection.  

'10-'11 Stats: 13.4 PTS, 8.9 REB, 1.9 BLK.  

3. Steve Nash: Canada

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 30: Steve Nash #13 of the Phoenix Suns in action during the NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at US Airways Center on March 30, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 116-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ack

Although clearly on the other side of the hill, Nash remains one of the league's best pure point guards.  His passing abilities are superb and he has a great knack for creating shots for teammates.  Nash is also one of the best shooters in the game (43.9% 3PT).  He was named NBA MVP in two consecutive seasons.  

'10-'11 Stats: 14.7 PTS, 11.4 AST.  

2. Pau Gasol: Spain

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 12: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a jumper over Tiago Splitter #22 of the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on April 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees tha

Gasol is one of the premier big men in the game today.  His low-post scoring and defense is a key for the Lakers.  The Spaniard is a four-time All-Star and a two-time NBA Champion.  

'10-'11 Stats: 18.8 PTS, 10.2 REB, 1.6 BLK.  

1. Dirk Nowitzki: Germany

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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 31: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks is guarded by Andrew Bynum #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by

Possibly the most popular international in the game.  Dirk's shooting and dribbling abilities as a 7-footer are incredible and make him nearly impossible to guard.  The 7-foot German won the MVP award in 2007 and has been voted to the All-Star Game ten times.  

'10-'11 Stats: 23.0 PTS, 7.3 REB, 2.6 AST