EuroBasket 2025: The Best NBA Players in Action
The absence of the Summer Olympics deprives NBA fans of witnessing the performance of figures like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant on the international stage. However, EuroBasket 2025 emerges as an opportunity for basketball fans to enjoy the talent of their favorite stars.
The tournament, which will be held from August 27 to September 14, will bring together teams like France and Serbia, who competed against the United States in the 2024 Olympic Games, along with 22 other European nations. Although not all European NBA stars will participate, the connection between the league and this event has never been so strong. Teams like Serbia, Germany, France, Greece, and Slovenia will have multiple NBA players in their ranks.
The performance of these NBA players offers a valuable perspective on their potential impact on the tournament, and vice versa. Below, we present the ranking of the 10 best NBA players who will participate in EuroBasket 2025.
The ranking is based on the projected performance of each player for the 2025-26 NBA season, using the estimated RAPTOR to assess their overall value. This system combines individual statistics with the player’s impact on their team. In addition, the Basketball-Reference projection system was considered, which takes into account age and previous performance to predict the offensive and defensive RAPTOR of each player with minutes in the NBA during the last three seasons.
It is important to note that these projections reflect the estimated performance for the 2025-26 NBA season. The players’ physical condition could vary in the tournament, especially considering the wear and tear of an 82-game season. Veterans could arrive at the tournament more rested, while young players could be on the rise.
Teams are still defining their rosters, and the participation of players like Giannis Antetokounmpo is not yet confirmed. This ranking focuses on the players expected to participate in the tournament.
Here’s the ranking of the 10 best NBA players in the EuroBasket 2025:
1. Nikola Jokić, Serbia
Age in 2025-26: 30 years old | Denver Nuggets
Estimated projections 2024-25: +7.1 offensive | +1.1 defensive | +8.2 overall
Jokić, with the highest RAPTOR during the 2024-25 regular season, will lead Serbia, one of the favorites to win the tournament. Serbia is looking for its first EuroBasket title since 2001.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece
Age in 2025-26: 31 years old | Milwaukee Bucks
Estimated projections 2024-25: +5.0 offense | +0.7 defense | +5.7 overall
Antetokounmpo, a regular in the NBA MVP voting, seeks to lead Greece to international success. Despite his individual dominance, Greece has not had good results in recent international tournaments. His participation is subject to confirmation.
3. Luka Dončić, Slovenia
Age in 2025-26: 26 years old | Los Angeles Lakers
Estimated projections 2024-25: +4.5 offense | +0.7 defense | +5.2 overall
Dončić, after a physical transformation, will seek to prove his worth in the tournament. His presence is an attraction for NBA fans. Slovenia, with Dončić, could be a title contender.
4. Franz Wagner, Germany
Age in 2025-26: 24 years old | Orlando Magic
Estimated projections 2024-25: +3.1 offense | +0.9 defense | +4.0 overall
Wagner, after a standout season in the NBA, will seek to lead Germany. His performance in the tournament could be a preview of his upcoming NBA season. Germany is one of the favorites.
5. Alperen Şengün, Turkey
Age in 2025-26: 23 years old | Houston Rockets
Estimated projections 2024-25: +1.8 offensive | +0.6 defensive | +2.4 overall
Şengün, with aspirations of winning the EuroBasket and an NBA championship, will seek to improve his game to lead Turkey.
6. Kristaps Porziņģis, Latvia
Age in 2025-26: 30 years old | Atlanta Hawks
Estimated projections 2024-25: +1.7 offense | +0.4 defense | +2.2 overall
Porziņģis, after his time with the Celtics, will seek to stand out in the EuroBasket. Latvia, the host country, expects a good performance from its star.
7. Lauri Markkanen, Finland
Age in 2025-26: 28 years old | Utah Jazz
Estimated projections 2024-25: +2.2 offensive | -0.9 defensive | +1.3 overall
Markkanen, with fluctuating performance in the NBA, will seek to regain his best form in the tournament. His performance in the preparation matches suggests a good performance.
8. Deni Avdija, Israel
Age in 2025-26: 25 years old | Portland Trail Blazers
Estimated projections 2024-25: +0.7 offensive | +0.4 defensive | +1.1 overall
Avdija, underestimated in the tournament, will seek to prove his worth. His transfer to the Trail Blazers has benefited him, and he hopes to maintain his good level on the international stage.
9. Santi Aldama, Spain
Age in 2025-26: 25 years old | Memphis Grizzlies
Estimated projections 2024-25: +0.4 offensive | +0.5 defensive | +0.9 overall
Aldama will lead a Spain in transition. Spain, with a new generation of players, will seek to maintain its legacy in European basketball.
10. Neemias Queta, Portugal
Age in 2025-26: 26 years old | Boston Celtics
Estimated projections 2024-25: -0.4 offensive | +0.7 defensive | +0.2 overall
Queta, with a limited role on the Celtics, will seek to stand out in the EuroBasket. The tournament represents an opportunity for him to improve his level.
The EuroBasket 2025 promises to be an exciting event, with the participation of NBA stars who will seek to leave their mark on European basketball.
