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The NBA may only have teams representing cities from the USA and Canada, but the list of international players who play in the league could not have been more diverse. Some of the best active players in the league are international ones.
On that note, let us have a look at the top ten international players in the NBA at the moment.
Top 10 international players in the NBA right now
As the list suggests, we have considered only non-American players based on their achievements in the NBA, their upsides and their raw abilities. With that in mind, let's get started.
#10 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada)
NBA Career l 14.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.3 APG.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had always been thought of as a talented young prospect, but the player blossomed last season with the OKC Thunder as he scored almost 20 points per game. His performances were magnificent to watch, with the player along with team mate Dennis Schrodder doing great things together last season.
Despite his achievements at an young age, there could be lot more to come from the 22-year-old in the future.
#9 Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania)
NBA Career l 12.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.6 APG.
One of the best sixth men in the NBA until two seasons ago, Domantas Sabonis has blossomed into a more complete player as he took a massive leap last season. The 24-year-old, a former All-Star, is arguably one of the most elite front-court players in the league.
Sabonis has yet to hit his prime, but considering his performances last season, fans of the Pacers will feel nothing less than giddy at the thought of what could come from the player in the near future.
#8 Rudy Gobert (France)
NBA Career l 11.7 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.4 APG.
At 28, Rudy Gobert is already a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and has been on the NBA All-Defense team on four occasions. Needless to say, defense is the Frenchman's bread and butter.
While the duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert was supposed to represent the Jazz for years to come, it seems that the cracks from the COVID-19 incident haven't yet healed. Considering the same, the 28-year-old could depart the franchise in the near future.
#7 Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia)
NBA Career l 18.4 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.4 APG
Kristaps Porzingis is a magnificent player, with impressive attributes at both ends of the court.
At the defensive end, he can be shaky at times, but he is an amazing rim protector and a great wing defender. In offense, he is an impressive ball-handler, a perfect pick-and-roll partner and an elite shooter from the deep.
However, the 25-year-old persistent knee injuries have stopped him from fulfilling his full potential. Nevertheless, fans from around the NBA community will hope that he could become healthy again as soon as possible.
If Kristaps Porzingis can stay healthy, he would very easily rank much higher on this list.
#6 Ben Simmons (Australia)
NBA Career l 16.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 8.0 APG
At just 24, Ben Simmons has already become one of the best players in the NBA. His defense is amazing as the player is able to lock down some of the best in the league on his day. In offense, his inside game is very impressive. Along with his passing and floor general abilities, his all-around game is amazing as well.
However, the three-point-shot has haunted Simmons in the NBA, and it may be something he needs to learn if he wishes to progress further as a player. Neverthrless, even without it, Ben Simmons is undoubtedly one of the best international players in the NBA right now.
#5 Joel Embiid (Cameroon)
NBA Career l 23.9 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.1 APG
Joel Embiid is one of the most passionate players in the NBA, with trash-talking being a major part of his game.
Nevertheless, the 26-year-old is already considered arguably one of the best big man in the league right now and could just be the most talented among them all. He is gifted at both ends of the court. and he is an impressive inside as well as outside player.
If Joel Embiid continues to stay fit and improve his game, he could potentially become one of the best players in the NBA in the near future.
#4 Pascal Siakam (Cameroon)
NBA Career l 12.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.3 APG
While his career stats are nothing more than average, Pascal Siakam has taken a massive leap with every passing season. Last season, the 26-year-old averaged 22.9 points and 7.3 assists, in the process evolving into one of the most elite players in the NBA.
While not everyone thinks that Siakam could be the first option on a championship team, he is still an amazing player and is arguably one of the best second or third options in the league today.
#3 Nikola Jokic (Serbia)
NBA Career l 17.0 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 7.0 APG
Nikola Jokic, or 'Joker' as he is commonly called, is one of the best passers in the NBA. The 25-year-old, who is incredibly versatile at the offensive end, is one of the young superstar players in the NBA.
The Denver Nuggets' recent run to the Western Conference Finals was an incredibly impressive one and may only be a sign of things to come as the team continues to improve around Nikola Jokic.
#2 Luka Doncic (Slovenia)
NBA Career l 24.7 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 7.3 APG
In his first year in the NBA, Luka Doncic won the Rookie of the Year award. In his second, he was an MVP candidate for a large part of the regular season. He dropped a 42-point triple-double against the favorites to win it all with the LA Clippers in his first-ever NBA playoff series.
At just 21, Doncic is already one of the best players in the league, performing at the caliber of an MVP. The fact that he has adapted so quickly to the best basketball league in the world is scary, and we can't wait to see how the player fares in the NBA in the future.
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece)
NBA Career l 20.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 4.3 APG
A two-time MVP and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, it is hard to believe that Giannis Antetokounmpo is only 25 years old. Technically speaking, he hasn't even reached his prime yet.
During the regular season, the player, who is better defined by the term 'an unstoppable force', moved through any defense set up against him with ease while also managing to shut down the best in the NBA in defense.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has the chance to be one of the greatest of all time. But for that to happen, the Greek Freak must find postseason success, whether it is with the Milwaukee Bucks or another franchise in the NA.
Also Read: NBA Trade Options: The best and worst-case scenarios for Jae Crowder.
