The NBA is home to some of the best basketball players from around the world. Europe has long been a hotbed of basketball talent, and many of the league’s top players hail from the continent. Lets take a look at the top 5 European players in the NBA 2022-23 season.
Top 5 European players in the NBA for the 2022-2023 season
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks (Slovenia)
Luka Doncic is widely regarded as one of the best young players in the NBA, and for good reason. In his third season with the Dallas Mavericks, the Slovenian guard is averaging 27.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game. He has been instrumental in leading the Mavericks to a winning record so far this season, and his combination of scoring, playmaking, and clutch performances make him a strong contender for the MVP award. Luka Doncic won the player of the month award in December. Luka’s insane no look passes, 3 point shooting and his high efficiency makes him the top candidate in the NBA. He is paired up by another top scorer in the league Kyrie Irving ahead of the NBA Playoff’s. Dallas are having a great season largely due to Luka’s on court dominance. Dallas are 5th seeded in the west.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (Serbia)
Nikola Jokic won the NBA MVP award in the 2020-2021 season, and he has continued his dominant play into the current season. The Serbian center is averaging 25.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, and he has been a force on both ends of the court. Jokic’s unique combination of size, skill, and passing ability make him one of the most versatile players in the league. Jokic is finally having some support in form of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell Pope. Denver are the number one seeded team in the West.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (Greece)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time NBA MVP and one of the most dominant players in the league. The Greek forward is averaging 28.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game so far this season, and he has helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a winning record. Giannis’ size, athleticism, and ability to finish at the rim make him one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA. Giannis is one of the all time best active players in the league. He is a multi dimensional player. He can shoot three pointers, collect rebounds, score midrange shots, can make plays and a very good defender.
Rudy Gobert, Minnesota TimberWolves (France)
Rudy Gobert is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, and his impact on the Utah Jazz is undeniable. The French center is averaging 14.2 points, 15.7 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game. He has helped lead the Jazz to one of the best records in the league before getting traded. Gobert’s rim protection and rebounding make him a valuable asset for any team. Gobert has been traded to Minnesota Timberwolves before the regular season. He hasnt had a huge impact in Minnesota. Gobert’s efficiency and defensive prowess has largely diminished. The big European Player will once again look to make his impact in the NBA after his return from injury ahead of the NBA playoff’s.
Kristaps Porzingis, Washington Wizards (Latvia)
Kristaps Porzingis has had a rocky start to his career with the Dallas Mavericks, but he has shown flashes of his immense talent this season. The Latvian forward is averaging 18.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He has been a key contributor to the Mavericks’ success in the past. The big Latvian’s size, shooting ability, and shot-blocking make him a unique player in the league. Porzingis got traded to Washington Wizards. Porzingis is having his career best season in Washington in the ongoing season. He can drag the Wizards to the playin spot if he can keep up his scoring rate for the rest of the season. He is one of the big European Players in the NBA
In conclusion, these five European players have had impressive starts to the 2022-2023 NBA season. Their skill, talent, and impact on their respective teams make them some of the most exciting players to watch in the league. It will be interesting to see how they perform as the season progresses and whether they can continue to be among the best in the NBA.
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