Top 5 European NBA players of all time featuring Pau Gasol, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and more

The NBA is mostly populated by Americans, but that doesn't mean other nationalities in the league have become an afterthought. There's a plethora of non-Americans who've made a name for themselves in the big leagues, particularly the Europeans. Current superstars like Luka Doncic and Rudy Gobert have climbed their way to superstardom thanks to their undeniable talents.

But who exactly is on top of the European mountain? Let's take a look at the five Europeans who've made the most impact in the league throughout the years.

Top 5 all-time NBA European players

#1 Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki is regarded as the greatest offensive forward in basketball history and the greatest player from Europe. Not only did Nowitzki lead the Dallas Mavericks to a championship in 2011, but he also did so without the help of superstar players.

With teams that were essentially devoid of elite talent, Nowitzki achieved a similar feat with Germany, taking home a couple of trophies. In particular, among 7-footers, Nowitzki's shooting prowess was particularly unsurpassed from all angles and distances, whether off the dribble or with his feet planted.

He's a champion, Finals MVP, league MVP, 14-time All-Star, and has 12 All-NBA selections.

#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo has a strong chance of being regarded as the best player in Europe after his career is over. Antetokounmpo compensates for his one weakness, which is his shooting, with incredible strength, size, intensity, and his impeccable ability to score inside. Once he enters the paint, he becomes truly unstoppable.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a champion, Finals MVP, two-time league MVP, Defensive Player of the Year (2019-20 season), and six-time All-Star. He also has four All-NBA selections and four All-Defensive First-Team selections.

#3 Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol earned 11 medals and many MVP awards at summer FIBA tournaments, and he also had a fantastic NBA career. He may have had the best national team career of any player in history.

Gasol has exceptional technique for a big guy, and his length gave him an advantage over most opponents in the lower post.

Pau Gasol is a two-time champion and six-time All-Star with four All-NBA selections. He's had an excellent FIBA career as well with three Olympic medals, one World Cup gold medal, seven Eurobasket medals, one World Cup MVP, and two Eurobasket MVPs.

#4 Nikola Jokic

Thanks to his incredible passing and scoring abilities, Nikola Jokic can be the centerpiece of a team's best offense. Jokic is the first center to win multiple MVP awards this century and the third player from outside the United States to do so. He is one of the best passers in the game right now, and not just among the centers.

Nikola Jokic is a two-time MVP and four-time All-Star with has three All-NBA selections.

#5 Tony Parker

Tony Parker is a point guard with lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional change-of-direction abilities. He wasn't a great shooter and by no means an outstanding defender, yet he's still one of the best guards of all time, which shows how effective he was as the lead guard.

Tony Parker is a four-time champion, Finals MVP, and-time All-Star, and has three All-NBA team selections.

Edited by SO