By George Efkarpidis/ Gefkarpidis@eurohoops.net
Ranking players is never easy and there are many factors that are part of the equation. That’s true especially for rookies and for players who despite being many years in the league, they have changed teams and it’s pretty hard to predict how things will turn out for them.
With so many European stars being part of the NBA, it was really hard to figure who will make the cut, even if 30 seems like a big number. So an honorable mention goes to Cedi Osman and Ersan Ilyasova of Turkey, to injured Finn Lauri Markkanen, to Serb Nemanja Bjelica, to the Czech guard Thomas Satoransky and also to Georgian icon Zaza Pachulia.
We’ve revealed the players from number 30 to number 21 as well as those who reserved places from number 20 to number 11.
At long last, it’s time for the ten best Europeans in the NBA League.
10. Nikola Vucevic (Magic / Montenegro)
Year of Birth: 1990
Height: 213cm (7-0)
Position: C
One of the most skilled big men in the league, still in his prime at 27 years old, the Montenegrin stud will look to build on a fantastic season.
Vucevic averaged 16.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3 assists in 57 games for the Magic last season.
He was superb prior to suffering a left-hand injury in late December.
He also notched his first career triple-double with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists against the Hawks.
“Vooch” possesses a unique, all-around skill set and he is set to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
With the Magic likely out of playoff contention and having spent their first round pick on Mo Bamba, Vucevic will likely be traded mid-season and contenders will surely line-up to get him.
9. Jonas Valanciunas (Raptors / Lithuania)
Year of Birth: 1992
Height: 213cm (7-0)
Position: C
Despite averaging a career-low 22.4 minutes per game, the Lithuanian center still averaged 12.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game for former coach Dwayne Casey.
Valanciunas also had a game-tying dunk against Milwaukee as well as a 21-21 game during game one of the Eastern semis against Cleveland.
JV owns a player option for the 2019-2020 season and how Nick Nurse utilizes the skilled big-man will likely determine Valanciunas’ future with the franchise who drafted him.
8. Dario Saric (76ers / Croatia)
Year of Birth: 1994
Height: 208cm (6-10)
Position: F
“The homie”, a fan favorite in Philly is coming off a strong season in which he averaged 14.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
Participating in one of the most exciting, young offenses in the NBA, Saric thrives playing off the ball and Ben Simmons is always looking to find him.
The Croatian forward is a pivotal weapon for Brett Brown due to his versatility on both offense and defense.
Saric should have another stellar year.
7. Clint Capela (Rockets / Switzerland)
Year of Birth: 1994
Height: 208cm (6-10)
Position: C
Formerly underappreciated and underpaid Capela Clint Capela signed a 5 year / $90,000,000 contract with the Houston Rockets, including $80,000,000 guaranteed.
The Swiss center had an outstanding season with 13.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 27.5 minutes per game during the regular season.
Capela also led the league in field goal percentage (65.2) and finished second in voting for the most improved player behind Victor Oladipo.
Moreover, Capela notched 42 double-doubles in 74 appearances, tied for 8th in the League.
After playing shut down defense on Karl-Anthony Towns in the playoffs, Capela will try to help the Rockets get back to the Western Conference Finals.
6. Ricky Rubio (Jazz / Spain)
Year of Birth: 1990
Height: 193cm (6-4)
Position: G
Once he adjusted to his new role, Ricky Rubio thrived in coach Snyder’s system.
Utah turned its season around in late January and finished the season 29-6 and Rubio’s performance was pivotal during that run.
The Spanish point-guard averaged 16 points, 6.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds during that stretch.
Rubio is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but the Jazz are likely to resign him to a multi-year contract.
5. Kristaps Porzingis (Knicks / Latvia)
Year of Birth: 1995
Height: 221cm (7-3)
Position: F/C
Even though Porzingis’ exact return date to action is unknown, he remains an elite talent who had a breakout season.
The Latvian star averaged 22.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 48 games for the Knicks last season before suffering a torn ACL.
Remarkably, he scored 30+ points in five of the first 6 games of the season and had 30 or more in 11 of the 48 games he played.
Porzingis got his first all-star nod and while the Knicks weren’t be rushing the “unicorn” back, basketball fans around the world remain hopeful that he will be back strong.
4. Marc Gasol (Grizzlies / Spain)
Year of Birth: 1985
Height: 216cm (7-1)
Position:C
The Memphis Grizzlies won just 22 games last season but Marc Gasol wasn’t in fault.
With his sidekick, Mike Conley out for the year, and a poor supporting cast, Gasol averaged 17.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists to lead his team in all categories.
He also notched his fourth career triple-double with 13 points,12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
With the Grizzlies likely out of playoff contention in the West, and Gasol having a player option for the 2019-2020 season, Gasol may not finish the season with the team he’s played his whole career with.
Still considered one of the best big-man in the league, many contenders will be looking to trade for him if he becomes available.
3. Rudy Gobert (Jazz / France)
Year of Birth: 1992
Height: 216cm (7-3)
Position: C
Reigning defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert will look to lead the Jazz back to the playoffs this season after an outstanding year.
In the 26 games, the French center missed due to injuries on both knees the Jazz were a mere 11-15 compared to 37-19 with him in their lineup.
Last season Gobert averaged 13.5 points, 10.7 boards and 23 blocks with a career-high 68% from the charity stripe.
He also double-doubled in 31 of his 56 appearances.
The “Stifle Tower” remains a force on defense and his offensive game gets better, year by year.