LeBron James Named the 3 Best International Players in NBA History

As the NBA has grown in popularity, so too has the rise of international players in the game. From strictly being involved with stars from the USA, the modern-day NBA is home to many talents from all over the world, including from Europe and further out. The 1990s saw the first real influx of stars from abroad, and they paved the way for the next generation of players to come through and make their name on basketball’s biggest stage too.

Perhaps more than most, LeBron James is best qualified to give his verdict on some of the best talents from abroad the game has ever seen, having been a part of the league for well over 20 years now. From the start of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers after coming out of high school, to what now appears to be his final sojourn with the Los Angeles Lakers, James has witnessed some Hall of Fame talents from foreign countries make their mark.

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But who does the King declare as the three greatest international players in NBA history? Despite their modern-day excellence, James had no place for the likes of Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic or even his own teammate Luka Doncic – both of whom are among the best in the league today. In fact, even one of the greatest centers of all-time, Hakeem Olajuwon, also doesn’t get a look in. Find out below who makes the cut, including quotes from James himself.

Dirk Nowitzki

One of the greatest power forwards in history, Dirk Nowitzki led the franchise to an incredible title triumph, even overcoming the super-team of Miami Heat that included the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Nowitzki’s ability to stretch the floor and be his side’s main scorer made him someone who took responsibility for the way his team played, and invariably he did it to a great level.

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His run in 2011 where he won the NBA MVP award and then led the team to the championship goes down in history as one of the greatest individual seasons of anybody. A 14-time All-Star, Nowitzki’s longevity saw him make the All-Star game first in 2002, and then finally in 2019 as a special team roster addition.

Manu Ginobili

One of the stars of the San Antonio Spurs’ great success during the 2000s, Manu Ginobili may be best remembered for being one of the greatest sixth men in NBA history, but that would be doing a big disservice to just how good he was in his own right. The Argentine star, with one of the deadliest Eurosteps in the game, is widely regarded as one of the best draft picks in NBA history, given he was chosen in the second round with the 57th overall pick by the Spurs in the 1999 draft.

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One part of the franchise’s ‘Big Three’ alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, Ginobili may have only been named to the All-Star team twice, but he more than delivered on what was needed from him.

Drazen Petrovic

Back in 2013 ahead of the All-Star game, James actually pointed out Drazen Petrovic as being the greatest international player of all-time. The late, great shooting guard sadly only had a short career in the NBA, but when he did play, he showed exactly the kind of quality that had players nodding in appreciation.

Petrovic actually had an outstanding career before he joined the association, winning two EuroLeague championships in 1985 and 1986, while he was a star on the international stage too, collecting various medals at the Olympics and FIBA World Cups. After initially playing for the Portland Trail Blazers in his initial foray into the NBA, Petrovic made his mark after a trade to the New Jersey Nets, averaging more than 22 points per game on shooting splits of 51/45/87.