By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Perhaps biased toward European players and their status in the NBA, but the annual Top 10 list powered by Eurohoops indeed features the majority of the projected contenders for individual awards and championships.
The 2024-25 NBA Regular Season is set to launch with Serbian Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets looking to bounce back, Slovenian Luka Doncic and Dallas Mavericks confidently hoping to improve from Western Conference champions, and Greek Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks also ramping up for an extended run.
Coming out of the 2024 Olympic Games, the Joker and the Freak represented their countries in France. International action for Doncic concluded at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Piraeus with Greece and Giannis booking the Olympic ticket at home. Nevertheless, a busy offseason for them and more European superstars in the NBA set the pace for more showstopping displays in the new NBA season.
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The players making the Top 10 were ranked based on status within their respective teams, team and individual accolades, and projected showings in the 2024-25 campaign.
One new addition compared to the 2023-24 list combined with moves up and down the ladder for others.
Serbia
1. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets)
2023-24: 26.7 points and 12.5 rebounds per game
Career: 21.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game
Topping our list yet another season, Jokic and the Nuggets are aiming for the NBA title. Another year of the Joker seems to be coming sooner rather than later.
Fueled by an Olympic bronze medal with Serbia and Croatian Dario Saric adding necessary depth to the roster, his unique talents were already more than enough for a second championship ring.
Slovenia
2. Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
2023-24: 32.7 points and 9.4 assists per game
Career: 28.9 points and 8.3 assists per game
From third to second among the Big Three of European basketball, Doncic continued the upward trend, going from strength to strength throughout his career.
Leading the Mavs to the 2024 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV made his case. He did not become an NBA champion but momentum worked in his favor. Certainly, there is more to come from the Slovenian sensation on the quest to conquer the NBA.
Greece
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
2023-24: 30.4 points and 11.5 rebounds per game
Career: 23.7 points and 10.0 rebounds per game
On the opposite route, from second to third, the Greek Freak seems rejuvenated from working under the guidance of Vassilis Spanoulis in the summer. A synonym to the Bucks, the Wisconsin organization continues to build around him, seeking the third NBA championship in team history.
The reason behind reaching the top in 2021, the Finals MVP that year and season MVP in 2019 and 2020, he is determined for more championship experiences.
France
4. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)
2023-24: 21.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game
Career: 21.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game
Placed sixth on our list before actually debuting in the NBA, Victor Wembanyama paved his way up to the fourth spot with brilliant performances for the San Antonio Spurs over his rookie season. The French prodigy was rewarded with the Rookie of the Year distinction.
The team coached by Gregg Popovich placing veteran point guard Chris Paul on the roster will surely work wonders for Wemby.
Latvia
5. Kristaps Porzingis (Boston Celtics)
2023-24: 19.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game
Career: 18.0 points and 7.2 rebounds
Working to recover from the latest injury setback impacting his career, Kristaps Porzingis went from ninth to fifth place in our Top 10. Overcoming adversity to play in the NBA Finals and help the Boston Celtics make it to a league-high 18 NBA championships, he earned his spot.
In any case, this season will be special for the Latvian big as well. He is on the verge of reaching 10,000 points in the NBA.
Lithuania
6. Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)
2023-24: 19.4 points and 13.7 rebounds per game
Career: 15.6 points and 10.1 rebounds per game
From shockingly missing the All-Star Game to the Sacramento Kings falling short of a postseason berth, Domantas Sabonis made room for the aforementioned climbers.
Beyond any doubt, the Lithuanian big remains the leader of the Kings. Putting those skills to the test, he needs to catch up, elevating the franchise based in the capital of California to contender status during his ninth campaign in the best league in the world.
Germany
7. Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic)
2023-24: 19.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game
Career: 17.8 points and 4.7 rebounds
The leader of the senior national team of Germany, Dennis Schroder, did not make the list. However, the country is represented by his co-pilot, Franz Wagner. Contributing to ending the playoff drought of the Orlando Magic kept him in our Top 10.
Only 23, the native of Berlin is only scratching the surface of his potential.
Turkiye
8. Alperen Sengun (Houston Rockets)
2023-24: 21.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game
Career: 14.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game
The new entry to our list is Alperen Sengun. Coming out of a breakout campaign, the 22-year-old Turkish versatile center is destined to lead the Houston Rockets to the Playoffs for the first time since 2020.
He is the centerpiece of the roster for the team coached by Ime Udoka.
Finland
9. Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
2023-24: 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game
Career: 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game
Besides Sengun, Lauri Markkanen is also seeking postseason experience for the first time in his career.
Flourishing with the Utah Jazz over the last two years, following subpar showings with the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers earlier in his career, the Finnisher is coming off a five-year contract extension, confirming his status as team leader.
France
10. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves)
2023-24: 13.6 points and 12.4 rebounds per game
Career: 12.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game
A former Jazz player, French center Rudy Gobert completes the Top 10. The four-time and reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year constantly faces extreme criticism. With the Minnesota Timberwolves eager to finally meet expectations this season, there will be even more pressure and additional responsibilities, especially with Karl-Anthony Towns out of the picture.
Montenegrin Nikola Vucevic went from seventh last season to narrowly missing the cut this season. He remains a force in the paint but being part of disappointing campaigns with the Chicago Bulls over the last few years was damaging compared to other candidates.