RANKED: The Best European Players in the NBA Today

Alperen Şengün - The Top 10 International NBA Players This Season

European basketball has become one of the NBA’s greatest sources of talent. Over the past decade, European stars have not only adapted to the American game — they’ve reshaped it. From MVPs to All-Stars and clutch performers, Europe’s best continue to leave a massive mark on the league.

These players bring unique styles — skillful footwork, elite shooting, high basketball IQ, and versatility — proving that the NBA is truly a global game.

Here’s a look at the Top European Players dominating the NBA in 2025, ranked by impact, consistency, and influence on their teams.

1. Luka Dončić (Slovenia) — Dallas Mavericks

Luka Magic continues to amaze fans with his playmaking genius and scoring power. As one of the league’s most complete offensive weapons, Dončić’s vision, step-backs, and clutch performances make him a perennial MVP candidate and the face of European basketball in the NBA.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) — Milwaukee Bucks

The “Greek Freak” remains a force of nature. His combination of strength, agility, and relentless drive makes him unstoppable on both ends. With two MVP awards and an NBA title already, Giannis continues to define dominance at the highest level.

3. Nikola Jokić (Serbia) — Denver Nuggets

A two-time MVP and 2023 NBA champion, Jokić’s brilliance as a playmaking center has revolutionized basketball. His court vision, passing, and scoring efficiency make him one of the most intelligent and unselfish stars in the game.

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4. Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania) — Sacramento Kings

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Sabonis is the heart of Sacramento’s offense. His rebounding, post play, and passing ability from the high post make him one of the best big men in the league. His toughness and consistency have turned the Kings into a Western Conference contender.

5. Victor Wembanyama (France) — San Antonio Spurs

The French prodigy has taken the league by storm. With his rare mix of size, mobility, and skill, Wembanyama is redefining what’s possible for a player of his height. He’s already one of the NBA’s most feared defenders and a future MVP candidate.

6. Rudy Gobert (France) — Minnesota Timberwolves

A three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert remains the standard for rim protection. His defensive awareness, rebounding, and ability to anchor a defense make Minnesota one of the toughest teams to score against.

7. Franz Wagner (Germany) — Orlando Magic

Wagner has developed into one of the most complete young forwards in the NBA. His combination of shooting, driving, and defensive versatility makes him a key piece in Orlando’s rise as a playoff team.

8. Kristaps Porziņģis (Latvia) — Boston Celtics

“The Unicorn” continues to impact games with his shot-blocking and three-point shooting. His ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim has made Boston’s frontcourt even more dynamic this season.

9. Jonas Valančiūnas (Lithuania) — New Orleans Pelicans

Valančiūnas brings veteran presence, rebounding dominance, and inside scoring. He remains a reliable double-double machine and one of the strongest post players in the league.

10. Alperen Şengün (Turkey) — Houston Rockets

Şengün’s creative footwork, passing, and post moves have drawn comparisons to Jokić. As he continues to develop, the young Turkish center is becoming a cornerstone of Houston’s future — and one of the most exciting European talents in the NBA.

European players are no longer outsiders — they’re global superstars shaping the NBA’s present and future. From Dončić’s artistry to Jokić’s genius and Wembanyama’s unreal potential, Europe’s influence on basketball has never been stronger.