# HoopsHype international basketball player rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hoopshype-international-basketball-player-rankings
> Updated: 2026-08-26T16:20:48.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

HoopsHype has released historical basketball rankings focusing on international and European talent.

Initially, the site published a list of the 80 greatest international players in NBA history to commemorate the league’s 80th anniversary. This ranking placed Hakeem Olajuwon at the top, followed by Dirk Nowitzki and Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Nikola Jokić in fourth place.

Subsequently, the site released a more specific ranking of the 50 greatest European basketball players in history. In this list, Dirk Nowitzki holds the top position, with Giannis Antetokounmpo ranked second. Antetokounmpo, known as the ‘Greek Freak’, is noted for his potential to be considered the greatest international talent in NBA history upon retirement.

The top five of the European rankings is completed by Nikola Jokić, Pau Gasol, and Tony Parker. Other notable names in the top ten include Luka Dončić, Rudy Gobert, Marc Gasol, Dražen Petrović, and Peja Stojaković. Greek basketball figures are well-represented, with Nikos Galis at 45th and Vassilis Spanoulis at 50th. Dejan Bodiroga is ranked 33rd, noted as the highest-ranked player on the list who did not play in the NBA.

## Claims

- HoopsHype published an updated list of the 50 greatest European basketball players in history. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Dirk Nowitzki is ranked as the number one European basketball player. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is ranked second on the list. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Nikola Jokic is ranked third on the list. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Dejan Bodiroga is ranked 33rd and is the highest-ranked player on the list who has not played in the NBA. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Nikos Galis is ranked 45th on the list. (single source)
- Vassilis Spanoulis is ranked 50th on the list. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Giannis Antetokounmpo ranked second in top 50 European basketball players

HoopsHype released a list of the 50 greatest European basketball players, ranking Dirk Nowitzki first and Giannis Antetokounmpo second.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giannis-antetokounmpo-ranked-2nd-in-top-50-european-basketball-players-list

### 2026-08-08: Hoopshype ranks top 80 international NBA players in history

Hoopshype ranked the 80 best international NBA players of all time, placing Hakeem Olajuwon first, Dirk Nowitzki second, and Nikola Jokić fourth.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hoopshype-ranks-top-80-international-nba-players-in-history

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Cite as: HoopsHype international basketball player rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hoopshype-international-basketball-player-rankings