Greatest International Top-10 Picks In NBA History

Selection: No. 1 Overall In 1984 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 3.1 BPG

Honors: 2x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP, 1993-1994 MVP, 12x All-Star, 12x All-NBA Team Selection, 9x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2x Defensive Player of the Year, 2x Rebounding Champion, 3x Blocks Champion, Hall of Fame

Even if he was taken ahead of Michael Jordan in the iconic 1984 NBA Draft, Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon earns the top spot as the greatest international pick in NBA history due to his unparalleled combination of defensive prowess, footwork, and offensive versatility. Born in Nigeria, Olajuwon revolutionized the center position with his agility, shot-blocking ability, and an array of post moves.

Drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1984 as the first overall pick, he led the franchise to back-to-back NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP both times. Hakeem Olajuwon's career boasts an impressive list of accomplishments, including 12 All-Star selections, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, his signature move, the "Dream Shake," remains one of the most iconic offensive moves in NBA history, solidifying his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats.

2. Dirk Nowitzki

Selection: No. 9 Overall In 1998 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 20.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG

Honors: 2010-11 NBA Champion, 2010-2011 Finals MVP, 2006-2007 MVP, 14x All-Star, 12x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 and promptly traded to the Dallas Mavericks, German superstar Dirk Nowitzki transformed the power forward position with his lethal combination of size, shooting touch, and footwork. Standing at 7 feet tall, he possessed the shooting accuracy of a guard, making him virtually unguardable. Nowitzki's crowning achievement came in 2011 when he led the Mavericks to an NBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors in the process.

Throughout his illustrious 21-season career, all spent with the Mavericks, Nowitzki amassed 14 All-Star selections and became the highest-scoring foreign-born player in NBA history. Beyond his on-court accomplishments, Nowitzki's humility, work ethic, and loyalty endeared him to fans worldwide because he was one of the greatest players of the 2000s and early 2010s.

3. Pau Gasol

Selection: No. 3 Overall In 2003 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 17.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.6 BPG

Honors: 2x NBA Champion, 6x All-Star, 4x All-NBA Team Selection, 2001-02 Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame

Pau Gasol, the skilled Spanish forward/center, earns his place among the top international picks in NBA history due to his versatility, basketball IQ, and impact on the game both domestically and globally. Selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2001 NBA Draft and traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, Gasol was a force in his rookie campaign. 

Gasol's impact extended beyond individual accolades, as he played a pivotal role in Spain's rise as a basketball powerhouse on the international stage, winning numerous medals in FIBA competitions, including two Olympic silver medals and a FIBA World Cup championship. However, Gasol's crowning achievement came in the NBA when he helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to back-to-back NBA championships in 2009 and 2010, forming a dominant frontcourt partnership with Kobe Bryant.

4. Luka Doncic

Selection: No. 3 Overall In 2018 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 28.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.3 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Honors: 5x All-Star, 4x All-NBA Team Selection, 2023-24 Scoring Champion, 2018-19 Rookie of the Year

Despite only being in the league for six seasons, Luka Doncic secures his position among the greatest international picks in NBA history due to his talent, basketball IQ, and impact on the league at a remarkably young age. Selected third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA Draft and immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic burst onto the scene with a level of skill and maturity rarely seen in players his age.

His seamless transition to the NBA showcased his exceptional court vision, scoring, and clutch performances, earning him Rookie of the Year honors in 2019. His ability to control the game with his playmaking and scoring prowess has drawn comparisons to NBA legends including the great Larry Bird. With a scoring title to his name and a Western Conference Finals appearance at the age of 25, Luka is just getting started in the NBA.

5. Joel Embiid

Selection: No. 3 Overall In 2014 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 27.9 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.7 BPG

Honors: 2022-23 MVP, 7x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, 3x All-Defensive Team Selection, 2x Scoring Champion

Joel Embiid, the Cameroonian center, stakes his claim among the top international picks in NBA history due to his dominance, versatility, and impact on both ends of the court. Selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA Draft, Embiid's journey to NBA stardom was marked by perseverance and resilience. Despite battling injuries early in his career (missing the first two seasons, Embiid emerged as one of the most dominant forces in the league, earning seven All-Star selections, an MVP trophy in 2023, and two scoring titles.

Standing at 7 feet tall with a rare blend of size, skill, and agility, Embiid possesses an array of offensive moves in the post and a knack for protecting the rim on defense. His imposing presence on both ends of the floor has made him a nightmare matchup for opponents and a cornerstone for the 76ers' championship aspirations although he has yet to appear in an Eastern Conference Finals.

6. Yao Ming

Selection: No. 1 Overall In 2002 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.9 BPG

Honors: 8x All-Star, 5x All-NBA Team Selection, Hall of Fame

Yao Ming, the towering center from China, deserves recognition as one of the greatest international picks in NBA history due to his impact on the league's global expansion, his dominant play on the court, and his cultural significance. Selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2002 NBA Draft, Yao immediately captured the attention of basketball fans worldwide with his unprecedented combination of size, skill, and athleticism.

Standing at 7 feet 6 inches tall, Yao possessed exceptional footwork, shooting touch, and shot-blocking ability, making him a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Yao earned eight All-Star selections and became a global ambassador for the NBA, helping to popularize the sport in China and beyond. It is a shame that injuries constantly derailed the Hall of Famer’s career because he completed only eight seasons in the league.

7. Dikembe Mutombo

Selection: No. 4 Overall In 1991 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 9.8 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.4 SPG, 2.8 BPG

Honors: 8x All-Star, 3x All-NBA Team Selection, 6x All-Defensive Team Selection, 4x Defensive Player of the Year, 2x Rebounds Champion, 4x Blocks Champion, Hall of Fame

Dikembe Mutombo, the defensive stalwart from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, earns his place among the greatest international picks in NBA history due to his unmatched shot-blocking ability and defensive presence. Selected No. 4 overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft, Mutombo quickly established himself as one of the premier rim protectors in the league, earning four Defensive Player of the Year awards and eight All-Star selections throughout his illustrious career.

Standing at 7 feet 2 inches tall with a remarkable wingspan, Mutombo intimidated opponents with his shot-blocking prowess and ability to alter shots in the paint. The big man’s distinctive finger wag after blocking shots became an iconic symbol of defensive dominance because very few players could climb Mt. Mutombo during his prime.

8. Detlef Schrempf

Selection: No. 8 Overall In 1985 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 13.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Honors: 3x All-Star, 1994-95 All-NBA Team Selection, 2x Sixth Man of the Year

Detlef Schrempf, from Germany, earns his place among the greatest international picks in NBA history due to his skill set and role in paving the way for European players in the league. Selected No. 8 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1985 NBA Draft, Schrempf enjoyed a successful 16-season career in the NBA, during which he showcased his scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and playmaking skills as a power forward. 

Standing at 6 feet 10 inches tall, Schrempf possessed the size to dominate inside the paint while also boasting the shooting touch and court vision to excel on the perimeter. Schrempf helped break down barriers for international players in the NBA and was one of the best of his generation.

9. Karl-Anthony Towns

Selection: No. 1 Overall Pick In 2015 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 21.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.3 BPG

Honors: 4x All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team Selection, 2015-16 Rookie of the Year

Karl-Anthony Towns is already one of the 10 most talented top-10 picks in NBA history, despite the criticism he sometimes faces. Selected No. 1 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2015 NBA Draft, Towns wasted no time making his mark in the league, earning Rookie of the Year honors in his debut season. Standing at 7 feet tall with a rare combination of size, athleticism, and shooting touch, Towns is a unique player.

The big man believes he is the greatest shooting big man ever, averaging 39.8% from three over his career, and he can space the floor, attack the rim, and rebound at a high level. Towns has a chance to help Anthony Edwards make the Minnesota Timberwolves a title contender for the foreseeable future which could boost his ranking on this list.

10. Rolando Blackman

Selection: No. 9 Overall In 1981 NBA Draft

Career Stats: 18.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG

Honors: 4x All-Star

Rolando Blackman, the smooth-shooting guard from Panama, earns his place among the greatest international picks in NBA history due to his scoring ability and longevity. Selected No. 9 overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1981 NBA Draft, Blackman quickly established himself as one of the premier shooting guards in the league, known for his silky smooth jumper and clutch performances.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, Blackman possessed the size and skill to score from anywhere on the court, making him a perennial threat on offense. Throughout his 13-season NBA career, Blackman earned four All-Star selections and became the Mavericks' all-time leading scorer, solidifying his status as one of the franchise's greatest players. The younger generation might not be aware of Blackman but his skills would have been more apparent if he played today.

Where Will Victor Wembanyama End Up?

French superstar Victor Wembanyama is the first name that comes up when looking at which players could cack the top-10 list. Wembanyama had a terrific rookie campaign after being taken No. 1 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, posting 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game on 46.5% from the field. Leading the NBA in blocks per game and winning Rookie of the Year, Wembanyama could not have had a better start considering he was also a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year and for being an All-Star.

At 20 years old, Wembanyama has not even scratched the surface of his potential which makes it scary to imagine what he can do in just a few seasons under Gregg Popovich’s system in San Antonio. In terms of potential, Wembanyama has a chance to challenge the top two international stars and could even be better than Hakeem Olajuwon one day.

No big man has the combined length, athleticism, handles, and shooting ability that Wembanyama has which is why the hype around him was real. In just a few seasons, the Frenchman will likely be in the top five, and by the time his career is up, we could be looking at the greatest top-10 international pick of all time.