By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
ESPN decided to make a list of the Top 100 athletes that marked the 21st century.
Since 2000, they have ranked the 100 most accomplished athletes, receiving more than 70,000 votes from their contributors. Michael Phelps ended up at the top.
But what about basketball stars? LeBron James is the highest-ranked, taking the fourth spot behind Phelps, Serena Williams, and Lionel Messi, while the late Kobe Bryant was ranked 10th.
As the list goes on, the first European basketball player to appear is Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP. He is the highest-ranked European player, taking the 28th overall spot.
The next European star on the list is the Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki at 41st, with Giannis Antetokounmpo just below him in 42nd place – and that’s about it for the basketball players from Europe.
Overall, the list includes 24 basketball players:
4. Lebron James
10. Kobe Bryant
14. Stephen Curry
16. Tim Duncan
17. Shaquille O’Neal
21. Diana Taurasi
23. Kevin Garnett
28. Nikola Jokic
34. Tamika Catchings
35. Dwayne Wade
36. Maya Moore
39. Kevin Durant
41. Dirk Nowitzki
42. Giannis Antetokounmpo
51. Steve Nash
60. Candace Parker
67. James Harden
69. Jason Kidd
74. Lisa Leslie
81. Sheryl Swoopes
83. Chris Paul
84. Lauren Jackson
85. Kawhi Leonard
90. A’ja Wilson
Check the entire ESPN’s Top 100 Athletes list HERE.