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Ranking The Top 30 NBA Stars Born Outside The US

Darren - December 11, 2019

Lists

Ranking The Top 30 NBA Stars Born Outside The US

Darren - December 11, 2019

3. Yao Ming

China’s Ming is a legendary figure in his homeland and the NBA. He helped to break down cultural barriers between the US and the Middle Kingdom. After starring for the Shanghai Sharks, Ming moved to the NBA. The Houston Rockets drafted him and he stayed in Texas for the remainder of his playing career.

Ming’s record is extraordinary. He’s an eight-time All-Star and the only player from outside the United States to lead the league in All-Star votes. Ming is also massive. At the time of his final season, he was the tallest player in the NBA, standing 7′ 6″ tall. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him in 2016.

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2. Hakeem Olajuwon

One of the best foreign players to play basketball, Olajuwon is also one of the most recognizable. Born in Nigeria, the former NBA star never even expected to play the sport. First of all, he played as a soccer goalkeeper in his hometown of Lagos. But he took to the court like a duck to water, spending 18 seasons in the NBA.

Olajuwon is a 12-time All-Star and a six-time All-NBA team pick. After Michael Jordan retired, ‘The Dream’ took advantage, winning back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. The Hall of Famer played in Houston for 17 seasons before moving to Toronto for a year. In short, he’s a true legend of the sport.

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1. Steve Nash

Nash is one of the best foreign-born players to play in the NBA and also to never win a championship. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nash had dual citizenship. Despite the empty space in his trophy cabinet, the Canadian was a phenomenal player. He lasted 19 years in the NBA, winning two MVP titles along the way.

The eight-time All-Star is one of the greatest point guards of all-time. His most successful period was with the Dallas Mavericks. However, he also played for the Phoenix Suns and the LA Lakers. He now works as a consultant for the Canadian national team and the Golden State Warriors.

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Ranking The Top 30 NBA Stars Born Outside The US

Ranking The Top 30 NBA Stars Born Outside The US

3. Yao Ming

2. Hakeem Olajuwon

1. Steve Nash

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