Greatest European Players in NBA History

15) Rudy Gobert

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

The “Stifle Tower” redefined modern rim protection. A multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert anchored elite defenses in Utah and Minnesota. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and interior dominance made him one of the league’s premier big men and a fixture in the All-Star conversation throughout his career.

14) Toni Kukoc

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

Before European versatility was trendy, Kukoc was showing off his playmaking and scoring for Michael Jordan’s Bulls. The Croatian Sensation won three NBA titles and a Sixth Man of the Year award, helping bridge international talent into the league and proving Europeans could thrive in high-pressure, championship environments.

13) Victor Wembanyama

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

The most hyped prospect since LeBron James, Wemby has quickly become a defensive phenomenon with shot-blocking, perimeter skills, and ballhandling rarely seen in a 7'4” frame. His rookie season confirmed he’s a future MVP candidate and potentially one of the greatest two-way big men the league’s ever seen.

12) Dražen Petrović

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

Petrović’s NBA career was tragically short, but his talent left a lasting legacy. A fearless scorer with deep range, “The Mozart of Basketball” paved the way for European guards in the league. His 1992 season with the Nets proved he could be a franchise star before his untimely death.

11) Domantas Sabonis

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

A relentless double-double machine, Sabonis combines old-school post moves with modern playmaking flair. The Lithuanian big man has blossomed into a multi-time All-Star with elite rebounding, sharp passing, and interior toughness. As the Kings’ cornerstone, his skillset mirrors his father Arvydas, making him one of Europe’s top active stars.

10) Vlade Divac

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

One of the earliest successful European big men, Divac’s passing ability, basketball IQ, and personality made him a fan favorite. A key figure in the Lakers and Kings’ playoff runs, Divac helped usher in a wave of international talent and proved centers could be skilled offensive playmakers too.

9) Marc Gasol

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

The anchor of the Grit-and-Grind Grizzlies, Gasol’s defense, passing, and mid-range game made him an elite two-way center. A Defensive Player of the Year, three-time All-Star, and NBA champion with Toronto, Marc blended old-school fundamentals with modern versatility and cerebral leadership throughout his impressive career.

8) Peja Stojaković

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

One of the deadliest shooters of his era, Peja’s silky smooth jumper and scoring instincts made him a three-time All-Star. A key piece of the legendary Kings squads, Stojaković later won a title with Dallas. His marksmanship and poise under pressure left a lasting mark on NBA shooting culture.

7) Arvydas Sabonis

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

Injuries delayed his NBA arrival, but the Lithuanian legend still showcased his elite passing, scoring touch, and court vision with Portland. Even late in his career, Sabonis proved he was one of the most skilled big men ever, earning admiration from fans and peers for what might’ve been.

6) Tony Parker

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

A four-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, Parker’s blistering speed and clutch scoring made him the heart of the Spurs’ dynasty alongside Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili. His ability to control tempo, finish in traffic, and lead when it mattered most solidified him as one of the NBA’s elite guards.

5) Pau Gasol

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

The skilled Spanish big man was a six-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion with the Lakers, where his post moves, passing, and clutch play complemented Kobe Bryant perfectly. Pau’s graceful game helped redefine the modern power forward/center and set the gold standard for Spanish basketball greatness.

4) Luka Dončić

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

Already a four-time All-NBA First Teamer by 25, Luka’s dazzling skillset, poise in big moments, and ridiculous stat lines made him a superstar. The Slovenian’s ability to control games as both a scorer and playmaker has drawn comparisons to legends, with many viewing him as a future MVP and champion.

3) Giannis Antetokounmpo

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

The “Greek Freak” turned raw potential into generational greatness. A two-time MVP and 2021 NBA champion, Giannis’s mix of freakish athleticism, defensive versatility, and relentless competitiveness reshaped expectations for modern forwards. His dominance on both ends and commitment to Milwaukee made him one of the league’s most respected stars.

2) Nikola Jokić

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

The NBA’s most unique superstar, Jokić is a two-time MVP and 2023 NBA champion known for his once-in-a-generation passing, footwork, and basketball IQ. The Serbian big man turned conventional center play on its head, becoming one of the league’s best offensive engines and a joy to watch every night.

1) Dirk Nowitzki

15) Rudy Gobert, 14) Toni Kukoc, 13) Victor Wembanyama, 12) Dražen Petrović, 11) Domantas Sabonis, 10) Vlade Divac, 9) Marc Gasol, 8) Peja Stojaković, 7) Arvydas Sabonis, 6) Tony Parker, 5) Pau Gasol, 4) Luka Dončić, 3) Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2) Nikola Jokić, 1) Dirk Nowitzki

No European player has impacted the NBA like Dirk. A league MVP, 14-time All-Star, and 2011 NBA Finals MVP, Nowitzki redefined the power forward role with his shooting and clutch heroics. His loyalty, humility, and iconic moments left an indelible mark on the league’s history and global growth.

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