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The 40 greatest European players in NBA history (21-25): 3 active and 2 retired players

author:Basketball secretaries say basketball

21 Ricci Rubio (Spain)

The 40 greatest European players in NBA history (21-25): 3 active and 2 retired players

Top honors: two Olympic medals, one World Cup gold, two European basketball golds, one World Cup MVP award, one Europa League title

NBA rankings: 69th in assists, 94th in steals

Because of his magic as a passer and steady ball control, Richie Rubio still enjoys a fantastic NBA and international career.

22 Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania)

The 40 greatest European players in NBA history (21-25): 3 active and 2 retired players

Highest honor: Two-time All-Star

NBA ranking: 430th in rebounds

In terms of low-post play, rebounding and scoring ability, Domantas Sabonis has developed into a very well-rounded All-Star big man, and his NBA career has become more impressive than his father's.

23 Dino Raja (Croatia)

The 40 greatest European players in NBA history (21-25): 3 active and 2 retired players

Top honours: two Olympic silver medals, one bronze medal at the World Championships, two European Basketball Championship gold medals, two Europa League titles, one Europa League Final Four MVP

One of the few bright spots for the Celtics in the '90s, Raja averaged nearly 20 points per game in his third NBA season before returning to Europe a few seasons later to end his career.

24 Danilo Gallinari (Italy)

The 40 greatest European players in NBA history (21-25): 3 active and 2 retired players

Top honours: a rising star in the Europa League, an Italian league MVP

NBA rankings: 304th in points and 479th in rebounds

Danilo Gallinari is a big, sharp flank who can shoot from beyond the three-point line, but his defense falls short of a bit.

25 Sarunas Machulionis (Lithuania)

The 40 greatest European players in NBA history (21-25): 3 active and 2 retired players

Top honors: three Olympic medals, three Eurobasket medals, one European basketball MVP

There's a theory that European pioneers didn't get any confidence from NBA coaches, but Sarunas Machulionis got playing time early in his NBA career, proving that wrong. As a guard, he is very strong, which allows him to score regularly around the basket.

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