Who are the top-five European NBA talents playing at EuroBasket?

Basketball-starved hoops fans will likely be counting down the days to the start of FIBA's EuroBasket tournament. The event will feature some of the best players in the NBA, along with some elite-level players from around Europe's most competitive leagues.

While FIBA rules differ slightly from those in the NBA, the games are usually highly entertaining, and the tournament nature helps build excitement among die-hards and casual viewers alike. 

If you're planning on watching EuroBasket but aren't sure which games to be tuning into, here are the top-five NBA talents taking part in the event, which is set to officially begin on Aug. 27. 

5. Lauri Markkanen | Utah Jazz 

Markkanen has spent the past three seasons with the Utah Jazz. During that time, he's drawn interest from the Golden State Warriors, specifically for his unique skill set and size. The 28-year-old played in 47 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 19 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, shooting 34.6 percent from deep on 8.5 attempts per night.

This summer, he will be using his size and skill to help the Finnish national team try to make some noise throughout the tournament. He's already made a splash, too, having dropped a 42-point and 12-rebound game against Poland. 

4. Alperen Sengun | Houston Rockets 

Sengun is entering the EuroBasket tournament fresh off his first All-Star season in the NBA. He's developed into a key member of Ime Udoka's Rockets team and will likely be part of a rotation that could contend for a championship next season.

It should be no surprise, then, that Sengun is also Turkey's best player. Between him and Shane Larkin, the Turkish national team won't be an easy out, either in the group stages or the knockout rounds.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks

It feels weird putting Giannis as the third-best player in the upcoming tournament, but that's just a testament to the level European players have attained in recent years. Unfortunately for Giannis, he won't have much help during the tournament.

Greece lacks depth and high-level support for the two-time MVP. However, he will certainly be good enough to ensure his team remains competitive, and could potentially lead a surprise surge. 

2. Luka Doncic | Los Angeles Lakers

Doncic will undoubtedly be a major draw throughout the tournament. His status as a top-five player in the world, plus his newly found status as the face of the Los Angeles Lakers, will ensure his presence brings fresh eyes to the tournament.

On the court, Doncic will continue to be an unstoppable force. However, it will be interesting to see whether Slovenia deploys a heliocentric offense or tasks Doncic with fitting into the flow of the team's system. Maybe JJ Redick will be looking on, looking to gain some answers on how to bring the best out of his star player.

1. Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets

Undisputedly the best player in the world, Jokic will be supported by a strong and talented Serbian team, which will be among the favorites to secure the championship. Jokic, like Doncic, will be a major draw in terms of viewers and fans in attendance. Nevertheless, it's the impact he will have on the court that will likely make the headlines. 

Jokic is the star of the EuroBasket tournament, and may head back to Denver as a European champion in the coming months.