Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic backed by Shams Charania to surpass Dirk Nowitzki and Hakeem Olajuwon as best international players ever

By Evan Bell

Modified Dec 27, 2022 21:15 GMT

Hakeem Olajuwon is without question one of the greatest centers in the history of professional basketball. With a record for most career blocks that has long been considered one of the NBA's most unbreakable records, Hakeem's dominance can't be questioned. But with the changing of times and the evolution of the game comes a new breed of player who defies the odds.

Much like Hakeem Olajuwon was a revolutionary player in his time, players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic are revolutionary players now. The pair of two-time MVPs are without question two of the best players in the league today. With the prime of their careers really just getting started, they're poised to dominate the game for plenty of time going forward.

During a recent episode of FanDuel TV, longtime reporter Shams Charania sounded off on whether Dirk Nowitzki is the greatest international player ever. After the conversation inevitably shifted to Hakeem Olajuwon, Charania brought up two current stars who could surpass him and Nowitzki: Antetokounmpo and Jokic.

"Dirk and Hakeem are no-brainers to me, but what about Giannis and Nikola Jokic?" Charania said. "I mean, is it too early to be talking about those two guys vying to be the best international player ever? I think they both have a shot, especially if Nikola Jokic goes three consecutive MVP awards. And Giannis, to me, is on another type of a level as well.

"He's only won a couple MVPs, Defensive Player of the Year awards. I mean, he's gonna go down as an all-time great, too. Champion, just like the way Dirk won it, Giannis just won it earlier. But I think both of those guys have the ability to surpass Dirk and/or Hakeem as well."

You can see his comments in the video above beginning at the 40-minute mark.

Dirk Nowitzki vs. Hakeem Olajuwon greatest international player debate

The debate between whether or not Dirk Nowitzki or Hakeem Olajuwon is the greatest international player ever is a fierce one. Both sides have plenty of merit; however, what it seems to come down to in the eyes of many is the second NBA championship and Finals MVP that Olajuwon won.

During the two men's careers, Nowitzki picked up an extra All-Star selection while Olajuwon picked up two extra All-NBA first-team honors. One of the things that has resulted in fans leaning Nowitzki's way, however, is his 2002 FIBA World Cup MVP award.

Nowitzki's European career is one of the most impressive ever. In addition to his World Cup MVP, he also has a EuroLeague MVP to his name. With both Jokic and Antetokounmpo nipping at the pair's heels, it's important to mention another European star with an impressive resume: Luka Doncic.

Doncic already has many of the coveted EuroLeague accolades. The only thing missing is more time in the NBA and some hardware for his trophy case.