It’s fair to say that basketball is massive in America, but it’s not quite as big overseas, particularly in many European countries.
Yes, there are some leagues out there (particularly in Germany), but Europeans are much more likely to make soccer bets (or football bets, as they call them) than basketball bets.
That being said, there’s a surprising number of incredible players that have come over from Europe to play in the NBA and WNBA and have made a big impact on the sport here in the USA.
Dirk Nowitzki – Germany
Dirk Nowitzki is considered by many to be the best European player in NBA history.
The massive seven-foot man-mountain made a vital impact on the game thanks to his incredible shooting ability – particularly his trademark one-legged fadeaway.
During his 21-year career with the Dallas Mavericks, he amassed over 31,000 points, earning him the honor of being the sixth all-time leading scorer in NBA history.
His biggest achievement came in 2011 when he led the Mavericks to the ultimate win – the NBA Championship, and he was named the Finals MVP.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – Greece
Called the “Greek Freak” by his fans, Giannis has just the right combination of size, athleticism, and skill to make him one of the most dominant players of his time. Born in Athens to Nigerian immigrants, his humble beginnings never held him back – and eventually, he became a two-time NBA MVP and an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.
His performance in the 2021 Finals, including a 50-point Game 6, earned him a name as one of the top players of his generation.
He’s still in his prime and pushing the boundaries of what a player of his size, power and finesse can achieve.
Luka Dončić – Slovenia
Next, we have the Slovenian sensation Luka Dončić, who is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA today.
Before heading to the NBA, he was a European basketball superstar and won the EuroLeague championship and MVP with Real Madrid.
Since joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, it didn’t take him long to become one of the league’s best playmakers – with his perfect passes, step-back threes, and clutch performances.
With many All-Star appearances already under his belt, he looks set to be a household name in the NBA for many years.
Tony Parker – France
Parker was among the most important players in San Antonio Spurs history, winning four NBA championships alongside Tim Duncan and Manu Ginóbili. As a Point Guard, the French man has speed, craftiness, and the ability to finish around the rim that made him one of the best-ever players at his position.
In 2007, he became the first European player to win the NBA Finals MVP Award.
Pau Gasol – Spain
Pau Gasol, a two-time NBA champion with the LA Lakers, is considered to be one of Europe’s most skilled big men. He has a versatile offensive game and an impressively high basketball IQ, and he was instrumental in his team’s back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.
He also had an impressive international career, leading Spain to many FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket medals, including a gold medal performance at the 2006 World Championship.
He’s massive in every sense of the word on both sides of the pond!
Ann Wauters – Belgium
Moving over to the WNBA, Ann Wauters has led the way for European players in the W.
The Belgian center had an impressively long and successful career in the league and played for a number of teams, including the Cleveland Rockers and Seattle Storm.
Emma Meesseman – Belgium
Emma Meesseman, another talent from Belgium, made history in 2019 when she led the Washington Mystics to their first WNBA Championship – and earned herself the Finals MVP title.
With her ability to shoot, pass, and defend, she’s one of the most versatile forwards in WNBA history.
Alba Torrens – Spain
She may not have played in the WNBA — despite being drafted by the Sun in 2009 — but Alba Torrens’ accomplishments in European basketball make her one of the best female basketball players worldwide.
As a six-time EuroLeague champion, she makes scoring look easy, and her leadership skills are impressive.
These are just some of the names that have hit our shores – and there are plenty more worth a mention. Basketball may not be as big over there as here, but they can still create some incredible players!
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