THE BEST EUROPEAN NBA PLAYERS 2022

The NBA has been shaped by many great European players like Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Peja Stojaković, and Tony Parker. And the prominence of European players in the NBA continues to chart upwards. 

Opening night 2021-22 NBA rosters featured 109 international players, over 50 of which were European (including 7 players each from Germany and France). 

And Euros aren’t just growing in numbers, they’re also continually taking a more central role as superstars in the league. A European player has won the MVP award the past 4 seasons: the two back-to-back winners Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokić. And with a number of European players in their primes, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this streak continue.

Ahead of EuroBasket 2022, let’s take a look at the NBA’s best.  

Honorable Mentions: Bogdan Bogdanović , Evan Fournier, Danilo Gallinari, Jusuf Nurkić, Kristaps Porziņģis, Ricky Rubio, Franz Wagner

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10. Dennis Schröder (Germany)

2021 - 22 stats: 13.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists

Germany’s very own, Dennis Schröder, is a lightning-quick guard with a versatile offensive skill set. After “fumbling the bag”, Dennis has bounced around the league some. But don’t let that distract you from what the 28-year-old German captain is capable of. During his time in OKC, he showed that he can be the x-factor that every team needs.

9. Lauri Markkanen (Finland)

2021 - 22 stats: 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3  assists

Lauri Markkanen jumped onto the scene as a 20-year-old unicorn with an otherworldly offensive skillset. The 7-footer can play the 3-5 and is a real threat as a 3-point shooter. In his first season with the Cavaliers in 2022, he helped the Cavs turn in their first winning season since LeBron’s departure in 2018. Now, he'll be seeing a lot of offensive touches with the Jazz.

8. Bojan Bogdanović (Croatia)

2021 - 22 stats: 18.1  points, 4.3  rebounds, 1.7  assists

Bojan Bogdanović is a deadly shooter. After jumping from team to team during his early years in the league, Bogdanović has found a home with the Utah Jazz, where he’s been performing at near All-Star level. His efficiency as a catch-and-shoot marksman, make him the ideal second or third scoring option.

7. Jonas Valančiūnas (Lithuania)

2021 - 22 stats: 17.8  points, 11.4  rebounds, 2.6  assists

Jonas Valančiūnas is one of the more underrated big men in the NBA. After spending his first few years in the Great North, he was traded for Marc Gasol during the 2018-19 season. Since then he has taken his game to another level and has acted as a stabilizing force for the young Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans.

6. Nikola Vučević (Montenegro) 

2021 - 22 stats: 17.6  points, 11.0  rebounds, 3.2  assists

Nikola Vučević was one of the few bright spots for the Magic during his 9 seasons with the team. In 2021 he was traded to the Bulls where he hasn’t missed a beat. He’s the perfect modern big, who can post up, rebound, and knock down 3s out of the pick and pop.

5. Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania)

2021 - 22 stats: 18.9  points, 12.1  rebounds, 5.2  assists

Domantas Sabonis, Arvydas Sabonis’ son, has a similar playstyle to his dad. For a big man, he can do just about everything and is a constant triple-double threat. If it wasn’t for a certain Serbian player (who we’ll see featured on this list a little later on) he’d probably get more recognition as one of the more impressive unicorns of his generation.

4. Rudy Gobert (France)

2021 - 22 stats: 15.6  points, 14.7  rebounds, 2.1 blocks

Rudy is one of the best defensive anchors to ever play the game. The French national has led the league in blocks and rebounds and has won 3 Defensive Players of the Year (tied 2nd all-time) through 9 seasons in the league. During the 2022 offseason, he was traded to the Timberwolves to pair with fellow big man Karl Anthony-Towns. An interesting pairing to say the least!

 

3. Luka Dončić (Slovenia)

2021 - 22 stats: 28.4  points, 9.1  rebounds, 8.7 assists

Luka Dončić is one of the most dazzling players in the NBA and has taken the league by storm with his methodical yet shifty play. His basketball IQ, offensive skillset, and size make him the epitome of the modern point forward. From averaging an incredible 21 / 8 / 6 in his rookie season, to leading the league in triple-doubles at only 21 years old – Luka Dončić is for real!

2. Nikola Jokić (Serbia) 

2021 - 22 stats: 27.1  points, 13.8  rebounds, 7.9 assists

The 2021-22 back-to-back MVP, Nikola Jokić, is a generational player that’s absolutely revolutionizing the game. His passing ability at the center position is unprecedented and his overall offensive skillset beyond belief. Jokić is the first player in NBA history to record 2000 points, 1000 rebounds and 500 assists in a single season. He’s the definition of a team player that also has the ability to carry an entire team on his back if that’s what needs to be done.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)

2021 - 22 stats: 29.9  points, 11.6  rebounds, 5.8 assists

Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most dominant player in the league right now, both on the offensive and defensive end. The former defensive player of the year and 2x MVP took everyone by surprise with his assent from an unknown Greek prospect to NBA champion. In 2022 he became the first player ever to score 200 points, 100 rebounds, and 50 assists in a playoff series. A one-man wrecking crew!

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