NBA: 30 greatest international players in league history
International NBA players have always been somewhat of a mystery upon making their way to the NBA. No matter how talented they may be, they lack the attention playing “off the grid” necessary for the general public to obtain much information before entering the pro level. It’s for this very reason sure things turn into busts while the unknowns have the propensity to break out into future stars.
For much of its early stages, the NBA was dominated by U.S. based players. It made perfect sense given how clear the path to the pros was. Players worked their way up from high school and college to be recognized by NBA franchises. The process hasn’t changed much today, it just resides on a much larger scale due to social media.
In 2019, however, things are far different. The NBA has gone global with as wide a reach as any pro sports league in the United States. Camps are set up across the world and games are broadcast around the world. This plan originally began by the hands of former commissioner David Stern, whose goal was to expand the game beyond comprehension.
The results of his efforts are clear as day. International players have now been woven into the fabric of NBA history, including numerous All-Star and Hall-of-Fame level players and even Finals MVPs. It’s a talent pool that’s grown consistently over the years on a trajectory that will only continue as more and more overseas players continue to find success.
Greatest international NBA players of all time: 30. Rik Smits
The NBA of the 1990s was probably the golden era for big men. Among others, the list includes Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson and Shaquille O’Neal. It was truly a prosperous time for the giants of the league, but one name that seems to fall through the cracks is one that should maybe get a bit more recognition.
This is by no means insinuating Rik Smiths should be grouped together with the true legends of the game. His accolades and numbers simply don’t stack up. That doesn’t mean, though, he warmed the bench as a member of the Indiana Pacers for the better part of his 12 years in the NBA.
Standing at a towering 7’4”, it was hard for Smits not to have an impact on his sheer size alone. His 1.3 career blocks per game may be a little low for someone his length, but that can’t possibly tell the entire story. There may not be any stats to back this up, but it’s hard to believe he didn’t alter plenty of other shots around the rim while deterring countless drives to the basket.
As was the case with many teams during the 90s, Indiana physically imposed its will defensively night after night. That identity was fostered in part by Smits, whose mere presence in the restricted area was a handful to deal with. Even some of the best at his position became worn down mid-game due to the punishment he doled out.
The Dunking Dutchman averaged just 26.6 minutes yet still managed to put up 14.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game on a Pacers squad that proved to be a tough play each and every postseason.
A one-time All-Star, Smits didn’t earn the right to have his name amongst the stars. He still managed to carve out a respectable career that, had it never existed, would’ve seriously hampered Indiana during a streak of 10 playoff appearances in 11 seasons.