The game of basketball has become global, with more and more players representing different countries each year.
It makes sense because it is the most competitive league for the sport in the world, so no matter where you are from, the goal would be to make it to the NBA.
Europeans have their own playstyle, which can either translate to the NBA or not.
For Nikola Jokić, it has worked very well, enough for Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey to name him the greatest European basketball player of all time, one spot ahead of Dirk Nowitzki.
“What Nowitzki did for our perception of big men and their ability to shoot from the outside, Nikola Jokić may do for our perception of their ability to run an offense,” Bailey said Wednesday.
“Jokić isn't just the greatest passing big of all time—he's one of the best passers we've ever seen, regardless of position. And his ability to essentially play the point from the center position has helped him put up quite possibly the best per-game numbers we've ever seen.”
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Bailey also mentions that because Jokić averaged a triple-double last season, he is now first all-time in career box plus/minus, win shares per 48 minutes, and playoff efficiency rating.
The rest of his resume consists of three MVPs, one championship, one finals MVP, and shooting percentages that will knock your socks off.
Of course, you can’t put measurements on his IQ, but Jokić has basically reinvented how you can build a team around a center, which was a dying position not too long ago.
While Jokić ranks number one on this list, Dirk is a close second with one of the most impressive championships ever.
Other notable players include Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tony Parker, and Pau Gasol.
A super impressive feature for a guy who is still 30 years old and actively playing in the league.
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