Vucevic, Gasol, and the NBA's All-European team
Foreign NBA players are becoming more prominent each year as the league steadily increases in popularity across the globe. And whether it has been Vlade Divac, Dirk Nowitzki, or Tony Parker -- we've seen our fair share of European stars over the years.
Looking at the numbers, here is our NBA All-European team.
(To qualify, the player must be officially recognized by the NBA as an international player)
PG - Ricky Rubio, Spain
Despite dealing with repeated injury throughout his career thus far, there are few point guards in the league who can match the court vision and basketball IQ of Rubio. He's not a talented scorer or particularly gifted athlete, but he makes up for it with the other aspects of his game, and has the potential to be one of the NBA's top point guards, provided that he can stay healthy.
2015-16 statistics - Points: 9.7, assists: 9.1, rebounds: 4.7, steals: 2.3, field goal percentage: 33.8%, player efficiency rating: 18.20
SG - Nicolas Batum, France
The Frenchman is in the midst of his best season during his first year with the Charlotte Hornets, putting up career highs in points, assists, and usage rate. Standing at 6-8 -- with deadly three-point shooting ability and ample passing skills -- he helps space the floor, making the Hornets a much more efficient team on the offensive end (101.8 points per game this season with Batum, compared to 94.2 points per game last season without).
2015-16 statistics - Points: 16.3, assists: 5.2, rebounds: 6.5, steals: 1.1, field goal percentage: 42.5%, three-point percentage: 37.0%, player efficiency rating: 17.26
SF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece
Often referred to as the "Greek Freak," the lengthy forward is quickly developing into one of the top young talents in the league. Standing at 6-11 with scary athleticism and an even scarier wingspan, he possesses the unique ability to play just about anywhere on the floor, at just about any position. Only 21-years-old and in his third season for Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo has a bright future ahead of him.
2015-16 statistics - Points: 15.5, rebounds: 6.7, assists: 2.7, steals: 0.9, blocks: 1.1, field goal percentage: 50.4%, player efficiency rating: 16.43
PF - Pau Gasol, Spain
Currently in his 15th season, the 35-year-old Spaniard is at it again this year, showing the league that he can still keep up with the NBA's best big men. He lost a step on the defensive side of the ball in recent years (1.32 defensive plus-minus in past two seasons), but has improved in that category this season (3.50 defensive plus-minus). His offensive skill set is once again proving to be top notch, as he ranks sixth among centers in scoring and is tied for third in assists.
2015-16 statistics - Points: 16.4, rebounds: 10.7, assists: 3.0, blocks: 2.3, field goal percentage: 45.1%, player efficiency rating: 22.03
C - Nikola Vucevic, Montenegro
Even though he played his college ball at USC, Vucevic's background extends beyond Southern California, to Switzerland, Belgium and Montenegro. In his fifth season in the league, he is continuing in his development to become a top tier NBA center. He has a vast offensive skill set, and -- although his defensive talent has been questioned in the past -- he has shown a slight improvement under coach Scott Skiles this season.
2015-16 statistics - Points: 16.8, rebounds: 8.5, assists: 2.7, blocks: 0.9, field goal percentage: 52.7%, player efficiency rating: 22.32