Many international players have made names for themselves in the NBA. Which international players are on top this year?
10. Dennis Schröder – Germany
Team: Atlanta Hawks
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 19.8 • FG% – 44.7
• REB – 3.1 • 3p% – 31.8
• ASST – 6.7 • FT% – 87.2
The Hawks are in full rebuild and the team will reorganize around Schröder. While the Hawks won’t be a good team this year, it’s Schröder’s opportunity to develop the kind of leadership Atlanta will need to be a future contender.
Courtesy: The Sporting News
9. Lauri Markkanen – Finland
Team: Chicago Bulls
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 14.5 • FG% – 43.3
• REB – 7.8 • 3p% – 35.1
• ASST – 1.5 • FT% – 82.8
Markkanen is a prized rookie. He had a great stint in Eurobasket playing for Finland’s national team, where he averaged 19.5 ppg, 5.7 reb, and 0.7 ast. This kid has potential as a stretch 4. He has time to develop, too, as the Bulls are also in rebuilding mode.
8. Ricky Rubio – Spain
Team: Utah Jazz
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 13.6 • FG% – 37.1
• REB – 3.8 • 3p% – 25.8
• ASST – 5.6 • FT% – 91.8
Rubio is an exceptional passer with league-leading assist statistics. Utah plays team basketball now that Hayward is gone, and everyone will need to step up. Adding a pass-first point guard in Ricky Rubio was an excellent addition. Rubio still needs to improve his shooting and defense, but expect his assist numbers to increase. Jazz fans should expect a lot from him.
Courtesy: Complex.com
7. Steven Adams – New Zealand
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 12.3 • FG% – 65.2
• REB – 8.4 • 3p% – 0.0
• ASST – 1.2 • FT% – 76.0
Adams, who’s one of the few remaining pure centers in the game, is tough to play against. He’s ranked 2nd in the league in FG% and is excellent at generating points-in-the paint because of pick-and-roll plays that are executed with Westbrook. To help the team optimally, Adams will need to rebound and be OKC’s defensive anchor in the paint.
6. Rudy Gobert – France
Team: Utah Jazz
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 12.3 • FG% – 65.2
• REB – 8.4 • 3p% – 0.0
• ASST – 1.2 • FT% – 76.0
If you want to talk about defense, Gobert should be at the top of your list. Gobert led the NBA in blocks last season and he’s leading the league again (2.50 bpg). With length and quickness, if Gobert isn’t blocking a shot he’s likely altering it. Those skills could land him his first Defensive Player of the Year Award. If Gobert adds offensive skills, he’ll be a complete package. Assist-conscious Rubio will help in that domain.
Courtesy: Thehoopstuff.com
5. Goran Dragic – Slovenia
Team: Miami Heat
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 19.8 • FG% – 47.1
• REB – 4.2 • 3p% – 37.9
• ASST – 4.8 • FT% – 81.5
The Dragic-led Slovenia team won its first Eurobasket title. Dragic contributed by averaging 22.6 ppg, 4.4 reb, and 5.1 ast and was named the league’s MVP. With experience gained overseas, NBA expectations are on the rise. Dragic should lead the Heat this year.
4. Joel Embiid – Cameroon
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 23.0 • FG% – 51.6
• REB – 11.2 • 3p% – 26.3
• ASST – 3.5 • FT% – 76.4
Embiid is still under restricted minutes due to a chronic foot injury. We’ve seen how good he was–and how good he could be–if he’s healthy, If Embiid can play a full season healthy, then expect the Sixers to compete in the Eastern Conference.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
3. Ben Simmons – Australia
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 17.8 • FG% – 50.5
• REB – 9.2 • 3p% – 0.0
• ASST – 7.7 • FT% – 60.0
Simmons isn’t Magic Johnson, but he’s definitely the closest player you can compare to Johnson right now. Listed at 6’10’’, but probably more like 7′, Simmons has the ability to play the point. He’s close to being unstoppable when he penetrates the paint, but he needs to improve his outside shooting. The watchword for the Sixers is “improve,” and that’s exactly what Simmons needs to do.
2. Kristaps Porzingis – Latvia
Team: New York Knicks
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 28.9 • FG% – 49.3
• REB – 7.3 • 3p% – 40.0
• ASST – 1.2 • FT% – 82.1
Porzingis all-around game is out of this world. At 7’3’’ he has long arms, good shooting form, solid handles, and high basketball IQ. Phil Jackson’s greatest contribution was drafting Porzingis. Now that Jackson is gone, along with Carmelo, Porzingis is “the man” for the Knicks.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Greece
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
2017-18 Season Stats:
• PPG – 30.6 • FG% – 57.8
• REB – 10.0 • 3p% – 28.0
• ASST – 4.5 • FT% – 77.0
The NBA is Giannis’ world right now. After leading the Bucks last season and carrying Milwaukee to the playoffs, Giannis is on track to repeat. Giannis is doing what Kobe challenged him to do — be this year’s MVP. But perhaps the best news is that Giannis is just 22 with his best years likely yet to come. Bucks fans are blessed to have a player of his quality on the court.
