The 2024 Paris Olympics saw its basketball event tip off on July 27 and features a range of major national teams competing for the gold medal. While Team USA, with its wealth of talent, is the favorite to win yet again, several other teams will be optimistic about at least returning with a medal.
Most teams feature several current NBA superstars on their rosters – like Greece's Giannis Antetokounmpo, Serbia's Nikola Jokic and Canada's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – who have made an impact on the league. However, some players who do not currently ply their trade in the NBA are also set to make an impact for their teams in Paris.
Here's a closer look at the five best players at the 2024 Paris Olympics who do not currently play in the NBA.
Top non-NBA stars playing at 2024 Paris Olympics
#1. Rudy Fernandez - Spain
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Rudy Fernandez was previously in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trail Blazers. For the latter, he had a three-year stint, although he has played in Spain for most of his career.
Regardless, Fernandez is a bonafide international legend and is an obvious leader for an experienced Spanish team that will look to him to make a major impact. Fernandez played in the NBA for four seasons and is appearing at his sixth Olympic Games.
#2. Willy Hernangomez - Spain
Another veteran in the Spanish squad, Willy Hernangomez played for three NBA teams over the past few years. He joined FC Barcelona in 2023 after previous stints at Real Madrid and Sevilla. In the NBA, he has played for the New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans.
Hernangomez averaged 11.0 points and 4.8 rebounds off the bench in the EuroLeague. Hernangomez was also part of Spain’s bronze-winning team at the 2016 Olympics. He is now appearing in his second Olympic Games.
#3. Lorenzo Brown - Spain
Brown previously played in the NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors and Phoenix Suns. Currently playing for Panathinaikos in the Greek League, Brown has had a stellar international career.
He has played in multiple countries including the USA, China, Croatia and Greece, and is currently playing in his first Olympic Games. Brown is an integral part of an experienced Spanish team and his playmaking will be key to their medal hopes this year.
#4. Andreas Obst - Germany
Andreas Obst went undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, after which he embarked on a playing career in Germany. Currently with Bayern Munich since 2021, Obst has played for the likes of Ratiopharm Ulm and Rockets Gotha.
Alongside Obst, Germany's roster boasts a number of NBA players such as Dennis Schroder and the Wagner brothers. Moreover, Germany is one of the biggest threats to Team USA in Paris. They kickstarted their campaign with a straightforward win over Brazil, and have seen Obst consistently starting thus far.
#5. Carlik Jones - South Sudan
Carlik Jones is another international star who previously played in the NBA for three teams, the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets. His most recent stint, however, came for Chinese team Zhejiang Golden Bulls.
Jones averaged 16.5 points, 4.8 assists and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 40.2% from 3 in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) last year. He is a leading star for South Sudan and will likely be at the heart of any success they garner at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Who is your favorite basketball player at the 2024 Paris Olympics who does not currently play in the NBA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.