The NBA has undergone a significant transformation, with international athletes dominating the league’s most prestigious honors. Over the last seven years, every NBA MVP award has been claimed by a player born outside the United States, highlighting a new era of global influence. Central to this shift is Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, a Serbian center and three-time MVP, widely recognized as the premier player in today’s basketball landscape.
Jokic’s consistent excellence is historic, as he has placed in the top two of MVP voting for five straight seasons—a streak only matched by Celtics legend Larry Bird. Alongside him, players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic form the nucleus of this international elite, dominating conversations about the league’s top talent. Although Doncic, representing the Los Angeles Lakers, has yet to secure an MVP or championship, his skill level firmly places him in this distinguished group.
The Distinct Impact of Jokic and Doncic on Modern Basketball
While the NBA has seen international stars rise before, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic represent a new pinnacle of global basketball artistry and intellect. Their unique playing styles and strategic approaches demonstrate basketball innovation on multiple levels. Tyson Chandler, a former Dallas Mavericks champion, recently addressed this trend during the Basketball Without Borders Europe camp, emphasizing the profound influence of international players on the NBA.
They are brilliant to watch; all their games are beautiful and different. And I love what it’s doing for the competition of the game. Before, if I ran off the top 10 or top 15, it was going to be American-led. Now, you run off that top 10, top 15, and it’s a lot of internationals in there.
—Tyson Chandler, Former Dallas Mavericks Champion
Chandler outlined how Jokic and Doncic’s presence is reshaping the sport on and off the court.
And that’s a beautiful thing for the game because it’s helping evolve the game. Jokic plays the game differently than anybody we’ve ever seen. Luka plays the game differently than anybody we’ve ever seen,
Chandler continued.
It’s these players that now are going to give American players something to look at. The game continues to evolve, and there’s always some artist from somewhere.
—Tyson Chandler, Former Dallas Mavericks Champion
These two European stars are not only trailblazers but also inspire future generations worldwide, ensuring that international talent will keep flowing into the NBA and expanding its global reach.
What the Rise of International Stars Means for the NBA’s Future
The growing prominence of players like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic signals a long-term shift in the NBA’s composition and competitive landscape. As these athletes continue to push the boundaries of the sport, their influence encourages an increasingly diverse pool of talent from around the world. This global infusion is expected to raise the bar for competition and creativity within the league, fostering a richer and more dynamic basketball culture. The momentum generated by this international wave suggests that the NBA will maintain and deepen its international appeal in the years to come.