By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
The times are changing and after many, many years the holy trinity of Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol and Tony Parker is not included on the top of the European players for the 2016-17 season. Of course, those three names are already legends, knocking the door of the Hall of Fame. Still a new generation of stars has taken the reign for good.
Here are the Top10 European players of the NBA according not only to their numbers but also according to the success they have achieved with their teams. The last player who missed the cut was Houston’s Swiss Clint Capela and also the duo of Spaniard Serge Ibaka and Lithuanian Jonas Valanciunas from Toronto deserve a honorable mention.
Scroll down to see the list!
10. Ricky Rubio – Minessota Timberwolves – 11.1 PPG 4.1 RPG 9.1 ASP
Yes, he has not yet fixed his outside shot. However he improved even that, he is among the Top5 of the league passers and he flirted with a double double in points and assists.
While his future remains a question mark and it’s not sure that he will remain in Minessota, he demonstrated that he remains one of the premier floor generals of the league and one of the most gifted passers of his generation.
9. Marcin Gortat – Washington Wizards – 10.8 PPG 10.4 RPG 0.7 BPG
The “Polish hammer” doesn’t get much love, but he is among the key players for the Washington Wizards who emerged as a contender in the East.
Plus Gortat is averaging a double double for the first time since the 2011-12 season in Phoenix. Yes, he is a role player but not many can play their part in such an effective way, being always where they should be and doing what they should be doing.