Best international basketball player of all time?

[cougjunkie]

With the NBA going international who is the best player of all time?

I think we need to stick with the criteria that they were good in the NBA, because I am sure most of us have heard the stories about Arvydas Sabonis or Andrew Gage.

I think right now it is probably Dirk Nowitzki, however he has yet to win a ring and it doesnt look like he ever will.

Tony Parker will make a case by the time its all said and done as he is still only 26.

Pau Gasol if he continues on this pace will make a nice case for himself.

A few older guys like Drazen Petrovic and Detlef Schrempf might have a case.

What do you think?

[SipiTau]

As much as I hate him: Manu Ginobelli. The best compliment I can give him is that he plays like an old school American player.

[il Padrino Ute]

I nominate Rik Smits only because of where he played college hoops.

Or Uwe Blab because of his name.

[il Padrino Ute]

As much as I hate him: Manu Ginobelli. The best compliment I can give him is that he plays like an old school American player.

If Ginobili is old school, what would Jerry Sloan be?

[Donuthole]

Yinka Dare or Sasha Danilovic.

Seriously, though, I think the discussion begins and ends with Hakeem.

[Hot Lunch]

Yinka Dare or Sasha Danilovic.

Seriously, though, I think the discussion begins and ends with Hakeem.

I don't think anyone can argue against the African Dream on this one.

[TripletDaddy]

Tim Duncan.

[cougjunkie]

Yinka Dare or Sasha Danilovic.

Seriously, though, I think the discussion begins and ends with Hakeem.

The reason I didnt include Hakeem is because he played his college ball in the US.

[cougjunkie]

Tim Duncan.

The Virgin Islands, I guess that counts.

[il Padrino Ute]

The reason I didnt include Hakeem is because he played his college ball in the US.

So you're saying that my homeboy Smits can't be considered?

[TripletDaddy]

The Virgin Islands, I guess that counts.

but he did play at Wake, so by your criteria, he does not count.

Petro....everyone talks about Petro but I remember Blazer fans not liking him all that much. He was often a liability, played crappy defense, etc. had Petro not died, he would not be mentioned with the deference he gets today when this topic comes up.

Pure foreign, no US experience prior to the NBA....Dirk, Gasol, Manu, Parker. Vlade had a nice career when he was younger, but more as a role player. Peja disappeared after his run with the Kings, otherwise he would be a noteable add to the list.

[Donuthole]

The reason I didnt include Hakeem is because he played his college ball in the US.

Or you're just making up rules as you go to mask your own ignorance.

[cougjunkie]

Or you're just making up rules as you go to mask your own ignorance.

Exactly, because of the players I listed in my initial post how many of them played college ball in the US?

[cougjunkie]

but he did play at Wake, so by your criteria, he does not count.

I was saying it counts in terms of being international. Thats like including Ben Gordon who was born in London but only lived their for a few months and was raised in New York. Yet he still has dual Citizenship.

[RockyBalboa]

Had Arvydas Sabonis not had injury problems and well...age/timing problems...joining the NBA later than he did, he could've been one of the great ones.