Top 10 international NBA players playing for their national teams in 2024 Paris Olympics
Despite the hectic schedule of the last season, NBA players chose to participate in the Paris Olympics 2024, representing their countries. From big men to the best guards in the league, the NBA is seeing an increasing number of great international players in every position.
With that in mind, here is the list of the top 10 international NBA players in the 2024 Paris Olympics
Top 10 international NBA players playing for their national teams in 2024 Paris Olympics
#10 Josh Giddey - Australia
Josh Giddey has a serious chance to become one of the top playmakers in the league. The 21-year-old Australian guard has all the qualities in his arsenal to elevate a team. He is a great rebounder and is also a reliable point guard for the team. Moreover, the Aussie can also score at a very high volume.
#9 Dillon Brooks - Canada
Don’t misunderstand Dillon Brooks just as a villain the the NBA. A lot of his talent is overshadowed by his on-court and sometimes unnecessary tactics. Brooks is an excellent physical defender and is rarely appreciated.
Moreover, the Canadian player can also score efficiently. In his last season with the Houston Rockets, Brooks averaged 12.7 points while also shooting 35.9% from the three-point line. In the last Team USA vs Canada game in the FIBA World Cup for the third spot, Brooks scored a game-high 39 points.
#8 Dennis Schroder - Germany
Dennis Schroder was last year’s FIBA World Cup MVP and helped his team win the title for the first time. The German player got most of his success with the LA Lakers but since then, he has not found a better place to showcase his skills.
Schroder is a great ball handler and can prove to be an excellent playmaker. But, the biggest reason for his high impact on the game is his ability to make three-point and mid-range shots. Schroder is also a great wing defender.
#7 Rui Hachimura - Japan
There was never a question about Rui Hachimura’s talent. After Darvin Ham put him in the Lakers' starting lineup, not only did the Lakers' output get better but also Hachimura’s production as well.
The Japanese NBA star can play on offense and is one of the best three-point shooters in the league. Last season Hachimura shot 42.3% from the three-point line. With good length and physicality Hachimura also plays great defense against big men.
#6 Franz Wagner - Germany
Franz Wagner is one of the young talents in the NBA. When Wagner came into the league, he was mostly viewed as a tall guy who could score but would need a point guard around him to feed him the ball. However, he has shown in the last few years that he can not only defend but is also not limited in his offense.
The German basketball player signed a five-year $224 million contract extension with the Orlando Magic last week and that should speak about his worth in the NBA.
#5 Jamal Murray - Canada
Jamal Murray didn't have a good postseason. He struggled against the LA Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs. However, that doesn't diminish the fact that Murray can be a nuisance for any team in the world on any given night.
The Canadian player is a great playmaker and can shoot great shots in the most crucial moments.
#4 Rudy Gobert - France
Rudy Gobert is a four-time NBA Defensive Player of The Year and perhaps that should be enough for his resume. The French player is not only the best defender in the FIBA Olympics but also one of the best big men.
#3 Victor Wembanyama - France
The “Alien” is still a mystery to the entire league. Victor Wembanyama is 7-foot-4-inch and moves like a guard on the offensive end. He can shoot a jumper and also three-point shots.
Perhaps the biggest asset of having a player like Wembanyama on a team is that he fills the role of two best players on both ends. With Wemby on the roster, the French will be the best teams in the competition.
#2 Giannis Antetokounmpo - Greece
Giannis Antetokounmpo recently willed his team into the Olympic qualifiers. The "Greek Freak" is a two-time NBA MVP and a Defensive Player of The Year.
Antetokounmpo can elevate his game on both ends of the floor when the time demands. The 2021 NBA champion will be one of the players to watch in this Olympics.
#1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - Canada
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is yet another name among the top international players belonging to Canada. The OKC Thunder player finished second in the MVP voting behind Nikola Jokic last season.
SGA is on an elite level when it comes to scoring. He can post up and shoot mid-range shots at a very high level. The Canadian player is also one of the best on-ball defenders in the league and led NBA players in steals per game last season.