NBA Today: Top 5 European players in the league right now

#2 Nikola Jokic

Born on February 19, 1995 near a small town in the northwest of Serbia, Nikola Jokic developed a strong interest in basketball at a young age. He started his senior career with the Belgrade-based side Mega Viruza, competing in the Serbian and Adriatic Basketball League.

Jokic remained there until 2015, winning the League MVP and Top Prospect award. His NBA journey began when selected by the Denver Nuggets as the 41st pick of the 2014 Draft and he averages 16.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists in his 308 games for them to date - their best all-round player and franchise star.

Last season, he earned his first NBA All-Star selection and led the team to the playoffs, before they were eliminated by the Trail Blazers in the Western Conference semi-finals in a game seven. He proved his worth in the postseason, scoring 25.1 points with 13 rebounds and 8.4 assists before being praised by many for his leadership skills and excellent displays.

He won the Serbian player of the year award in 2018 and two years prior, led Serbia to a second-placed finish at the Summer Olympics in Rio.