In the last few years, NBA fans have witnessed the transition of talent within the sport. European NBA players have changed the game and are taking their on court ability to another level. The last 4 MVPs in the NBA have been European, Giannis Antetokounmpo went back to back in 2019 and 2020, Nikola Jokic has gone back to back in the last two seasons.
Players such as Giannis, Jokic, and Doncic have transited their game to be statistical machines for their teams. It seems their nightly and season averages are near triple-double figures. It’s fair to say these particular players have elevated their game to become better than even most American superstars.
Greek Freak
Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably one of the most well-rounded and dominant superstars the NBA has ever seen. Giannis is a complete player who has accomplished: winning the NBA Championship, Finals MVP, 2x MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year.
Giannis went through one of the craziest transformations in his game and physically over the span of his NBA career. He is one of those superstars in recent years that did not need a super team or a superstar level number two to accomplish this. He truly is one of the most talented athletes to step on to an NBA court.
The Joker
Nikola Jokic is currently dominating the NBA! Winning two back to back MVPs and on his way to potentially claim a third this season. Jokic is the first Center since Shaq (1999-00) to win the MVP award.
The Joker is a triple-double machine, his averages every year seem to be consistently way above average for a Center. He may also be considered one of the greatest passers for a Big man with his unbelievable assist ability.
Jokic is averaging 26.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 10 assists per game. These statistics are crazy for a Center to be producing. It should be interesting to see if he can lead the Nuggets through the Playoffs.
Doncic
The Slovenian who has become one of the most talented players the NBA has seen. Doncic is an absolute threat for the Mavs and has declared himself a superstar in the NBA.
Doncic is a stat machine who racks up near triple-double numbers. He has also become one of the NBA’s most lethal shooters from long range.
Doncic is on his way to becoming a future NBA MVP and champion.. His newly formed partnership with Kyrie Irving should see success for this team. Doncic is currently having an amazing scoring season with an average of 33.4 points per game.
Looking Ahead for European Players
The European basketball players are exceptionally skilled and well-rounded, proving that they are taking the NBA to a new level. The future of Basketball will continue to see the dominance by European players. Looking ahead, this coming draft will see the best draft prospect since Lebron James, Victor Wembanyama.
The 7’2 French big man plays and shoots like a guard while being an absolute defensive machine. He will surely take over the NBA once he gets drafted, any team to land him will have a very bright future.