The continent’s influence runs far beyond France, though. Nikola Jokić (Serbia), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), and Luka Dončić (Slovenia) remain among the league’s brightest stars. Between them, they’ve claimed five of the last seven MVP awards, underlining how much of the league’s top-tier talent now comes from overseas.
Behind France, reigning World and European champions Germany (seven players, led by Franz Wagner) and Serbia (six) continue to strengthen their presence, while Greece stays represented by the Antetokounmpo brothers (Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex) in Milwaukee.
One should also not overlook the impact of NBA stars from smaller European nations such as Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Toumani Camara (Belgium), Kristaps Porziņģis (Latvia) and Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania). Their success continues to open pathways for future generations of basketball prospects emerging from across the continent. Who knows where the next European icon will come from?