Lists

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

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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