By George Efkarpides & Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
In recent times, more and more European players join the NBA and this year, a record-breaking 74 European players will be playing in the NBA.
The NBA has been attracted to international players, who seem to have unique talents, and are ready to conquer the basketball world.
Last season, many European players had dazzling campaigns with their respective teams. Others are considered to be ‘rising stars’ and players like Giannis Antetokounmpo have already established themselves as top-10 players in the league.
An exciting season is just around the corner and eurohoops.net has ranked the top 30 Europeans for the upcoming year.
The criteria for this year’s rankings are: The quality of the player, his role on the team and what is expected from him this upcoming season. Moreover, the playing time we anticipate he will get by his coach in combination with what he has been able to achieve in his NBA career so far.
- Jonas Valanciunas (Toronto Raptors / Lithuania)
Year of Birth: 1992
Height: 213cm (7-0)
Position: C
JV has continued to post impressive numbers despite seeing his minutes decrease. With “small ball” becoming a trend in the NBA JV’s inability to stretch the floor has cost him playing time but he continued to impress regardless. Last season, Valanciunas nearly averaged a double-double with 12 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in 25.5 minutes. The Lithuanian stud participated in this years Eurobasket and was an unstoppable force especially in the group stage.
Lithuania managed to make it to the knockout round but couldn’t advance further. Still, Valanciunas averaged 14.5 points and 12.0 rebounds per contest.
Coach Dwayne Casey has praised Valanciunas, multiple times, saying that “This is the best I’ve seen Jonas play” and he should have a great year.