The top 10 Best Foreign-Born Draft Picks in NBA History

By Edcel Panganiban June 27, 2024 04:43

Photo By USA TODAY Sports

One of the greatest things about the NBA is its rich history when it comes to international talent. Whether it was their dominance on the court or earning top accolades, countless foreign-born players left an indelible mark in NBA history.

They inspired a generation of new basketball fans. Here, we explore the 10 best foreign-born draft picks in NBA history, looking back on where they came from and what they did before joining the league.

1 .Giannis Antetokounmpo - Greece

Giannis Antetokounmpo was born to Nigerian parents in Athens, Greece. His path to the NBA started in a second-tier Greek pro division, where he impressed scouts with his height and athleticism.

Giannis, or the "Greek Freak," as he became known across US household names in the NBA, is a league MVP and NBA champion. He is notorious for filling up the stat sheet in scoring, rebounding, and assists.

Giannis is a basketball unicorn, and it seems impossible that anyone could make such an enormous person (7 feet tall) move so fluidly. He's dominant on both ends of the floor and brought a title to Milwaukee, which made him a no-brainer for this list as one of the greatest draft picks in NBA history born outside of the United States.

2. Dirk Nowitzki - Germany

Dirk Nowitzki was born in Würzburg, Germany, where he made his name as an up-and-coming basketball player with a shooting touch that caught the attention of American NBA scouts.

Nowitzki is arguably one of the best-selected Mavericks in NBA history. He is a 14-time All-Star, NBA MVP, and the man who led the Dallas Mavericks to their first-ever NBA championship in 2011, where he was also awarded Finals MVP.

Dirk's effect on the game as a 7-foot stretch forward pioneer. He helped change how big men were viewed around the league.

3. Hakeem Olajuwon - Nigeria

From his humble beginnings growing up in Nigeria to a hall-of-fame career with a myriad of slam dunking records and championships under his belt, Hakeem Olajuwon will never be forgotten. He made a name for himself at the University of Houston during his collegiate career, where he shined as a center.

His footwork and scoring cemented Hakeem as one of the best players in NBA history. He is considered one of the best centers in NBA history, having won two championships and an MVP. His signature move, the "Dream Shake," is legendary and has been mimicked by generations of facilitators.

4. Pau Gasol - Spain

Born in Barcelona, Spain, Pau Gasol played professionally in the European leagues before joining the NBA.

Despite early injury woes, Gasol still made his presence felt in the NBA as a multiple All-Star with two-time NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and was the Rookie of the Year in the 2000-01 season.

5. Yao Ming - China

Yao Ming, born on 12 September in Shanghai, China, has become the first Chinese player to be chosen as the number one overall pick. Yao gained worldwide attention when he began his journey from playing basketball games at school until he was drafted into the NBA. His stints playing in the Chinese Basketball Association opened up doors for him and led to multiple NBA contracts later on.

Yao was a game-changer as an offensively skilled 7'6" center. He was an All-Star who was dominant on both defense and offense.

Yao will go down as one of the top foreign-born picks based on his work both globally and domestically.

6. Tony Parker - France

Parker had an illustrious career with the San Antonio Spurs, making multiple all-star teams and winning four NBA championships while solidifying himself as a top-of-the-line point guard.

Those three titles obviously elevate Parker, who is arguably the best French national draft pick in league history. Given his on-court leadership and speed, along with numerous clutch performances during championship runs, his impact has undoubtedly factored into the Spurs' success.

7. Manu Ginóbili - Argentina

Ginóbili played 16 seasons for the San Antonio Spurs, where his crafty dribbling, devastating three-point game, and intense defense were major contributors.

Manu's herky-jerky playing style, ability to hit big shots, and his pivotal role in the Spurs' success cement him as an NBA legend.

8. Dražen Petrović - Croatia

Dražen Petrović became a European star as a sharpshooting Croatian guard who quickly garnered the attention of NBA teams, among other things.

Petrovic's NBA career was tragically brief, but his impact is well remembered. He suffered an injury that robbed him of deeper playoff runs.

Petrović played a significant role in the game of basketball, mainly as a marksman and offensive threat. His legacy extended beyond his NBA career, landing him on the list of the greatest foreign-born draft picks.

9. Steve Nash - Canada

Nash's lineage as a two-time MVP and the ultimate figure-headed point guard in Suns history is well documented. His leadership, court vision, and scoring translated into a historic career in the NBA.

Nash is one of the best foreign-born draft picks ever due to his influence on the point guard position and how he changed this game. His long-time standing as a player and then coach shows their effect.

10. Detlef Schrempf - Germany

Schrempf would go on to have a decorated career in the NBA as a do-everything forward, racking up several All-Star selections and making himself known for his scoring prowess.

It was Schrempf's versatility and basketball IQ, combined with his importance to the game as a foreign-born player, that made him among the best in NBA history.

The NBA is different today than twenty years ago, thanks largely to these foreign-born draft picks. Their unique skill set, leadership, and dedication to the game helped create a truly global league. They inspired countless future generations of players from all over the world.

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