EuroBasket 2025: Ranking the Top 10 NBA Stars Ready to Dominate Europe
When the Olympic stage goes dark, basketball fans often wonder where to find that same mix of national pride, clutch performances, and superstar power. Luckily, EuroBasket 2025 is here to deliver.
Running from August 27 to September 14, this year’s tournament promises one of the strongest NBA-to-EuroBasket connections we’ve ever seen. Powerhouses like Serbia, France, Germany, Greece, and Slovenia are stacked with NBA names, setting the stage for an international showdown that could rival the Olympics in drama.
For NBA fans, EuroBasket isn’t just a filler between seasons—it’s a preview of how the league’s biggest stars might shape the 2025–26 season. Using RAPTOR projections (a stat model combining individual performance with team impact) alongside Basketball-Reference’s projection system, we’ve ranked the 10 NBA players most likely to shine in EuroBasket 2025.
1. Nikola Jokić, Serbia
Age in 2025–26: 30 | Team: Denver Nuggets
Projections: +7.1 Offense | +1.1 Defense | +8.2 Overall
No surprises here. “The Joker” has led the NBA in RAPTOR for five straight seasons and remains the ultimate blend of skill, vision, and efficiency. Fresh off a crushing semifinal loss to Team USA at the 2024 Olympics, Jokić will be hungry to lead Serbia to its first EuroBasket title since 2001.
This might be his best shot at international glory—and considering everything else on his résumé, a EuroBasket crown would be the perfect addition.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece
Age: 31 | Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Projections: +5.0 Offense | +0.7 Defense | +5.7 Overall
Few players dominate physically like Giannis. He averaged 25.8 points at the 2024 Olympics and led EuroBasket 2022 in scoring (29.3 PPG). Yet Greece hasn’t capitalized, finishing just eighth in Tokyo and fifth in 2022.
If Giannis gets the all-clear to play, expect more jaw-dropping highlights—though whether his team can keep pace remains the real question.
3. Luka Dončić, Slovenia
Age: 26 | Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Projections: +4.5 Offense | +0.7 Defense | +5.2 Overall
Dončić enters EuroBasket fresh off his much-hyped Lakers debut and a body transformation that made headlines all summer. Despite a first-round playoff exit, his numbers remain elite—and history shows Luka thrives on the international stage.
He first stunned Europe at age 17 in Slovenia’s 2017 gold medal run and was one of the best players in 2022. If his fitness upgrades hold true, Slovenia could be the tournament’s biggest dark horse.
4. Franz Wagner, Germany
Age: 24 | Team: Orlando Magic
Projections: +3.1 Offense | +0.9 Defense | +4.0 Overall
Germany has quickly become a force, and Wagner is the engine. With medals at EuroBasket 2022 (bronze), the 2023 World Cup (gold), and a strong Olympic showing, he’s already proven he can carry his country.
Germany owns the second-best title odds, and Wagner’s growth—particularly his three-point shooting—could be the key difference between a podium finish and another championship.
5. Alperen Şengün, Turkey
Age: 23 | Team: Houston Rockets
Projections: +1.8 Offense | +0.6 Defense | +2.4 Overall
Şengün has set himself a massive goal: win EuroBasket AND an NBA title in the same year. With Kevin Durant joining Houston’s young core, the Rockets have legitimate Finals buzz. But first, Şengün has a chance to rewrite Turkey’s story, as the team hasn’t medaled since 2001.
If he can finally add a consistent outside shot, he might go from rising star to true superstar.
6. Kristaps Porziņģis, Latvia
Age: 30 | Team: Atlanta Hawks
Projections: +1.7 Offense | +0.4 Defense | +2.2 Overall
Fresh off helping Boston win the 2024 NBA title, Porziņģis now leads Latvia on home soil. His last EuroBasket outing in 2017 was a breakout (23.6 PPG), and this year could be a redemption arc for a player whose career has had ups and downs.
Latvia isn’t among the favorites, but the home-court advantage could spark another memorable Porziņģis run.
7. Lauri Markkanen, Finland
Age: 28 | Team: Utah Jazz
Projections: +2.2 Offense | –0.9 Defense | +1.3 Overall
Markkanen has bounced between stardom and inconsistency, but recent performances suggest he’s back on track. His 42-point, 12-rebound explosion vs. Poland in a warm-up game has fans buzzing.
If Finland is to make any noise, it’ll be on the back of Markkanen’s hot hand.
8. Deni Avdija, Israel
Age: 25 | Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Projections: +0.7 Offense | +0.4 Defense | +1.1 Overall
Avdija quietly had a breakout season after being traded to Portland, setting career highs across nearly every metric—including 16.9 PPG and a 60.5% True Shooting rate.
He’s no stranger to international success either, winning MVP of the 2019 FIBA U20 Euros. Israel won’t contend for the title, but Avdija’s growth makes him one of the most intriguing players to watch.
9. Santi Aldama, Spain
Age: 25 | Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Projections: +0.4 Offense | +0.5 Defense | +0.9 Overall
Spain’s golden generation is fading, and Aldama is stepping into the void. Once a role player, he’s blossomed into a versatile offensive threat and key piece for Memphis.
Spain has historically dominated EuroBasket (4 titles since 2009), but with veteran coach Sergio Scariolo on his way out, this feels like a transition year. Aldama represents the future.
10. Neemias Queta, Portugal
Age: 26 | Team: Boston Celtics
Projections: –0.4 Offense | +0.7 Defense | +0.2 Overall
Queta has shown flashes of impact in limited NBA minutes, and EuroBasket offers him a chance to carve out a bigger role on the international stage. Portugal isn’t a contender, but for Queta, this is a proving ground.
Summary: Why EuroBasket 2025 Matters for NBA Fans
EuroBasket isn’t just a European showcase—it’s a glimpse into the future of the NBA. Stars like Jokić, Giannis, and Luka will bring highlight-reel moments, while rising players like Wagner, Şengün, and Aldama could use this stage to accelerate their leap into stardom.
For fans craving competitive, high-stakes basketball before the NBA tips off again, EuroBasket 2025 promises passion, rivalry, and breakout performances that could define the upcoming season.
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