In 2014, there were a total of 101 NBA players who heralded from outside the US, from 37 countries. Intriguingly, this number had increased to 125 players from 40 nations in 2023, representing an incremental increase of nearly 25% in just under a decade.
Unsurprisingly, the ratio of Europeans plying their trade in the NBA has increased during this time, while the quality of players from the old continent has also improved markedly.
Current European NBA stars include Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), and Luka Doncic (Slovenia), while French sensation Victor Wembanyama is also delivering on his status as the most exciting prospect in the sport. In fact, each of these players will have a significant say in the outcome of the 2024/25 NBA season, which you can wager on after accessing the latest GGPoker bonus codes.
But which young European players are likely to next take the NBA by storm? Here’s our pick of the top three!
Izan Almansa, Perth Wildcats
19-year-old power forward Izan Almansa has been one of Spain’s best players at youth level in recent years, with his FIBA resume featuring three tournament appearances and two gold medals. He has also earned the competitions coveted MVP award on all three occasions.
The former Real Madrid and Overtime Elite prospect boasts a rounded and technically excellent game despite his towering 2.08 metre frame, while he also boasts the engine to complete short and medium-distance drives from deep.
He also boasts outstanding vision and an array of no-look passes, making him capable of registering points and assists with ease. From a defensive perspective, he’s also an astute rebounder and regularly completes a high volume of steals.
Almansa is now with the Perth Wildcats Down Under, while he’s considered as a possible pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Some would argue that this is long overdue, and he’ll make an exceptional addition to the world’s premier basketball league.
Berke Buyuktuncel, Tofaş
Berke Büyüktuncel is another highly talented 19-year-old, albeit one who may not make an appearance in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Büyüktuncel is incredibly experienced for his age, having played more than 50 senior games for Tofaş and participated in five different FIBA competitions between 2021 and 2023.
A towering small forward, this 2.06 metre star combines superb offence with a number of versatile defensive plays. He’s also a consistent rebounder and secondary basket protector, while he defends the wings effectively too (thanks to his positional awareness, mobility and physical fitness levels).
A solid passer and finisher, Büyüktuncel is currently playing in his freshman season in the NCAA for UCLA. He’s also one of the highest quality young players in Europe, and one who is sure to make the pro grade in the NBA in the near-term.
Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls
19-year-old point guard Matas Buzelis was recently selected with the eleventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, having been snapped up by the Chicago Bulls.
This highlights his immense ability and promise, which is built on a versatile shooting profile, silky ball handling skills and an innate ability to find open teammates from anywhere on the court. Because of his offensive game and 2.08 metre frame, he has earned numerous comparisons with Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner.
Last season also saw Buzelis’ defensive game improve markedly. To this end, he averaged 0.9 steals and 1.7 blocks per game for Ignite in 2023/24, and is widely expected to continue this form into the new season.
He’ll certainly add depth and attacking quality to the Bulls’ roster, and could well be the next European to take the NBA by storm!
