By Basketball, a sport played by almost 450 million people worldwide, is a sport of precision, endurance, agility, and perseverance. Within the world of Basketball, NBA holds the top pedestal. The NBA is where you will find some of the top talent the world has to offer. Although the league has historically been dominated by Americans, recently, talent from all across the world has entered. Today, we will discuss the best international players in NBA and how they are setting new milestones with each passing year.
Top 10 International Ballers in the League
Although we have tried to keep this list as objective as possible, you can never tell who is the best because in a sport like Basketball, numbers don’t always tell the whole story. So, for this blog, we will take a look at basketball statistics like PPG (Points per Game), RPG (Rebounds per Game), and APG(Assists Per Game) of all the international players in NBA. For the sake of simplicity, we have not ranked the list in any particular order.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Shai is the hottest prospect in the game in 2025. His MVP (Most Valuable Player)-winning season wasn’t just about numbers, though averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds per game is insane, but it was about carrying a young Thunder squad with poise and precision. He’s got that ice-cold finish, the vision to make teammates better, and the step-back jumper that has defenders shaking their heads. Shai’s rise reminds us why International Players in NBA are now headline-makers rather than just supporting stars. His playmaking, scoring, and leadership have made Oklahoma City relevant in every conversation this season.
Country of Origin: Canada
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
The Greek Freak is still the standard in the league. Averaging 30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, and 6.5 APG, Giannis mixes sheer athleticism with an almost preternatural basketball IQ. He can dominate inside, stretch the floor, and terrorise opposing guards on defence. Even in a season where Shai stole the MVP headlines, Giannis reminds fans why he’s one of the most dominant International Players in NBA history. He’s the benchmark of two-way excellence, combining power, speed, and intelligence in ways only a few others can.
Country of Origin: Greece
Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
Jokić is every NBA baller’s worst nightmare. His 29.8 PPG, 12.8 RPG, and 10.3 APG make him a triple-double threat every night, and his ability to orchestrate the offense from the centre position is unmatched. The Serbian big man doesn’t just score; he reads defences like a chessboard, making his teammates better while racking up historic numbers. Jokić proves that International Players in NBA aren’t just athletic marvels; they’re cerebral forces shaping the game at every level, whether it be skill or tenacity.
Country of Origin: Serbia
Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Lakers)
Luka is a basketball player with ultra-instinct. The way he plays, his fluidity, is truly a sight to behold. His passing and play-making abilities, on top of his number, suggest a keen understanding of the game and its mechanics. Averaging 28.2 PPG, 7.7 APG, and 8.2 RPG, Luka is one of the best international players in NBA, and he continues to impress players, fans, and pundits alike, and for good reasons. After spending a few years with the Dallas Mavericks, Luka decided to join the LA Lakers, a team known for legends like Kobe, LeBron, and Shaq, all of whom are among the greatest NBA players of all time.
Country of Origin: Slovenia
Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
Although it might be a little too soon, Wemby’s potential makes him deserving of an entry on this list. Ever since his arrival at the Spurs, the team has undergone a revival, albeit in spirit, which still counts. Standing 7’4”, he combines shot-blocking, perimeter shooting, and speed that leave defenders guessing. With 21.3 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 2.4 BPG, he’s not just a prospect; he’s a game-changing phenom. Victor is proof that International Players in NBA are bringing a new kind of versatility, reshaping the way teams think about size and skill.
Country of Origin: France
A Canvas for the World to Paint!
From Canada to Greece, Serbia to France, these International Players in NBA aren’t just supporting cast anymore; they are the big dawgs. Each brings culture, skill, and flair that’s transforming basketball into a global phenomenon.
Shai might be the season’s hottest ticket, Giannis the all-time colossus, and Wemby the futuristic marvel, but every player on this list is proof: the NBA’s soul has gone international, and the game has never been more thrilling.
Whether it’s a buzzer-beater, a highlight reel dunk, or a court vision pass that makes you gasp, these five best international players in NBA are living the dream and giving the rest of the world something to cheer about.
