Who are the 3 Greatest European NBA Players of All-Time?
There is no question that the NBA has certainly made its mark in the country that it was created in. However, it has also, without question, made its mark on other countries and continents, too. Just ask some of the greatest European players in professional basketball history. Great scorers, great defenders, great champions, etc. have all made their way over to the US from Europe in an effort to achieve their pro-basketball dreams.
A lot of players have certainly achieved that. But which three European players have separated themselves from the rest of the pack and elevated themselves to the greatest of levels in pro-basketball history? Let's take a look.
Dirk Nowitzki
In most respects, Dirk Nowitzki is considered the greatest European player in the history of basketball. He is a National Basketball Association champion (2011), an MVP (2007), a 14-time All-Star, a member of the 75th Anniversary Team, and pro-basketball record-holder.
The player from West Germany holds the record for most seasons played with one team (21; 1998-2019 with the Dallas Mavericks). He is a member of the exclusive 50-40-90 club (50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, 90% free throw shooter; 2007 with Dallas). The 12-time All-NBA performer is sixth all-time in scoring (31,560) and eighth all-time in defensive rebounds (10,021), according to Basketball Reference.
The former NBA Finals MVP is one of the greatest overall players. That much will always be known. However, his elite shooting style and size made him one of the most feared players in the game for over two decades.
Giannis Antetokunmpo
He is still just 28 years of age and has plenty left in the tank. But the "Greek Freak" is already one of the greatest players in history. He is also, in most people's eyes, the best player in Milwaukee Bucks history. The NBA champion (2021) and two-time MVP (2019-2020) is currently on one of the greatest career runs fans will ever see.
Since 2017, Antetokunmpo has made seven consecutive All-Star teams, six consecutive All-NBA teams, been named National Basketball Association Defensive Player of the Year (2020), been named NBA Most Improved Player (2017), won a championship and NBA Finals MVP (2021), and he is a member of the 75th Anniversary Team.
The Bucks legend ranks better than Charles Barkley, Dwyane Wade, and Hakeem Olajuwon in terms of points-per-game average (22.60). He ranks better than Bob McAdoo, Yao Ming, and Robert Parish in terms of rebounds-per-game average (9.57). His numbers and ability to impact the game have spoken for themselves his entire career.
Pau Gasol
Perhaps the late, great Kobe Bryant's most cherished teammate was a star from Spain in the form of Pau Gasol. The two-time champion and six-time All-Star spent almost two decades playing professional basketball, playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Milwaukee Bucks. Gasol was also a four-time All-NBA performer, Rookie of the Year (2002), and an Olympian.
In his career, Gasol recorded over 20,000 points, 11,000 rebounds, and nearly 4,000 assists. He is in the top 50 all-time in points scored (20,894) and in the top 30 all-time in rebounds recorded (11,305). In short, it was a legendary career. Gasol is the greatest Spanish player to play professional basketball. That much is true, especially after looking at his numbers and his trophy case.