NBA Special Report: Top foreign players to step in the league
In the past 20 years NBA has stretched around the world, grabbing the best international players and bringing them to the league. Players from across Europe and Asia have come to NBA and have made their mark over the years for being one of the best players in the world, winning numerous championship titles and awards.
Here is list of the top most foreign players in the NBA:
Dirk Nowitzki, the nine times NBA All-Star is a German native. He came to NBA in 1998 to the Dallas Mavericks and still remains their patriot. Dirk is the No.1 on the list is because of his high scoring average of 25.6 with 10.9 rebounds per game. The 7feet tall German is one of the most versatile players in the NBA, his game at offensive and defensive skills are remarkable. Due to his sheer size opponents find it extremely difficult to block his shots.
Steve Nash is a Canadian by birth but somehow one always forgets that, he might be without a championship ring but is one of the most aspiring down-to-earth players ever to come in NBA history. Experts say he will me making the Hall-of-Fame for certain in a few years. He is without doubt one of the best passers in the league, his ability to find his teammates in the most crucial of moments, it does not matter if he is triple teamed he will make sure he assists to score.
Yao Ming came to the NBA with an attitude nobody will forget, he stands at 7feet 6inches. He sheer size made him into a beast but with finesse. Going around the Chinese monster was almost close to impossible, he’d block anything that would come in his way even big players like Shaquille O’Neal had trouble going around the player. The 7feet centers we consider monsters, Yao makes them seem like midgets. Yao has made it to the NBA All-Star team seven times in a row from 2003-2009 and has won FIBA Asian Championship MVP three times.
This 33 year old Argentinean has basketball in his blood, his elder brother Leandro played for the Argentine basketball league, while his dad was a coach at Bahia Blanca a basketball club. Manu Ginobli’s talent is inexpressible; he is one of the most consistent players ever to walk in the NBA with keeping a high average of 16 points per game with only 31 minutes of play. He plays as the shooting guard for the San Antonio Spurs and has one 3 NBA championships till date.
Pau Gasol is a Spaniard can not only play as a center but as a power forward, he came the Los Angeles Lakers only two years ago and since then has helped them achieve two NBA Championship titles back to back once in 2009 and 2010 respectively. He is an amazing pick-and-roll player with an absolutely high free throw percentage.
Tony Parker the French hybrid is one of the best point guards in the league, he is considered to be faster than lightning. He stands at only 6feet 2 inches but has dominated the court with his relentless fast crossovers. Parker was one of the best things that ever happened to the San Antonio Spurs and has aided them into winning three NBA Championships since his arrival. He is not only swift but an excellent ball dribbler and passer, his efficiency has just increased over time.
Al Horford the Dominican who was criticized for his game at offense when he came to the NBA but the 24 year old determined player has considerably improved since then. Experts say he could possibly prove to be one of the best centers in the near future as he is already showing signs of having unlimited potential. The 6feet 10inch foreigner scored 25 points with 19 rebounds and 5 blocks in a game. One of the most noted things about Horford by basketball purists is his work ethic, which they say is like a true leader.
Nenê is not only the face of Denver Nuggets but he is an athlete who fought of cancer and returned to the court to play the sport he loves most basketball. The Brazilian national has proved to the NBA nation that he is one of the most efficient and dynamic players, his play at the offense and defence is remarkable. Nene is one of the reasons experts believe the Nuggets still has life in it. He has amazing footwork and can make a position for himself to score no matter how active the opponents defence is.
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