Ranking 8 international players who won the NBA MVP

In a modern NBA, the league was global than ever, especially with the inflow of international talents. As a result, it is not surprising that the rest of the world is slowly closing the gap, basketball wise. But while international persons continued to grow in the league, a handset even marked as an elite victory at the MVP award.

In fact, the player who was born American did not win the NBA MVP award from 2017-18. When James Harden won Houston rockets. Here are eight international players who won the NBA MVP, ranked.

See the gallery.

MVP Season: 1994

Hakeem Olayuvon was the best big man during his era. 1993-94 NBA MVP, who was Nigerian, was an architect behind the “Strease” icon, leading Houston rockets until returning to the NBA championship. It was 27.3 points, 11.9 jumps and 3.7 blocks per game during its lone season of MVP.

In the same year, Olajuvon also won the NBA defensive player of the year award. The nineties belonged to Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls. However, Olajuvon played a major role in sneaking rockets in conversation, ultimately to make him the best international player to win the MVP award.

2 Tim Duncan

MVP Seasons: 2002 and 2003

Tim Duncan is a legendary icon for Spurse San Antonio. The double NBA MVP was led by Spurs up to five NBA titles, three of whom have seen it on the appointment of the MVP final. Duncan was so great, to the point that he almost made three straight NBA MVP, ends like a runner in 2004. years.

Known as a large basis, the American Veliki Man eventually controlled the color of low, while his strong basis and team style games raised into a franchise stone that turned into a bright-skinner’s hallway.

MVP Seasons: 2021, 2022 and 2024

The dominance was the best way to describe Nikola Jokic in the NBA today. Three Weather NBA MVP is obviously the best center in the league and finished top 2 in the MVP vote for five years. Moreover, these are its exceptional comprehensive skills that put it in their class, heads and shoulders above the rest of the league.

The Serbian center has established its legacy by taking three NBA MVP awards to go along with the NBA title and final MVP award. With him, Denver Nuggets could call themselves champions For the first time in the history of the franchise. In fact, it can even be argued that he has already become the best player outside Europe.

MVP Seasons: 2019 and 2020

Another European star, which took over NBA is a Greek freak in Giannis Antetokounpo, which also has Nigeria origin. Antetokoun Emo has established the NBA NBA Rewards, becoming the first international player from Steve Nash to achieve Feat.

First, the first time in the NBA decayed victory in the NBA’s most prominent player. Since then, he has collected a multitude of several awards, including the NBA defensive player of the year and nine selections of all stars. But more importantly, Giannis even led Milwaukee Dollar to NBA title 2021. Years and NBA Cup title in 2024 years.

5. Dirk Novitzki

The article continues below

MVP Season: 2007

At one point, Dirk Novitzki considered the best player outside Europe thanks to his elite shooting for a large man. In fact, Novitzki was probably the one who revolutionized the idea of ​​a great man, rubbing the path of basketball less position.

He had Stellar MVP season 2006-07, on average 24.6 points, 8.9 jumps and 3.4 helps in the game while filming 41.6% of the city center. Newitzki would also be remembered to wear Dallas Mavericks until the NBA 2011 championship. Despite the complex field of the playoffs.

6 Steve Nash

MVP Seasons: 2005 and 2006

Steve Nash was the first Canadian who won the NBA MVP Award. In addition, he followed this historical season By winning anotherBy making it only by another international basketball player to achieve a feat in fashion on the way back.

Although he was straining his NBA title during his career, Nash was an elite playmaker who possessed a high IK, firm shooting and transmission of the Top. From mid-2000. Until early 2010, the Canadian guard was a central stock for the sunshine of Phoenix, leading them to a handful of competitive playoffs.

MVP Season: 2025

When we talk about Canadians, the 2024-25 season testified to another Win the NBA MVP Award in Shai Gilgeous-Aleksandra. It is originally known that SGA is known for the part of the blockbusters that leaned by the All-Star Paul George. Since then, the city of Lighting Oklahoma transformed into a superstar.

He recently helped the light not fulfilled the place in the NBA 2025 final. Years. And as a team leader, filled with youth and talents, SGA is in a position to be a person possible dynasty. As a result, it will not be surprising if the lightning star pops into this list in the near future.

MVP Season: 2023

In the 2022-23 season, it was Joel EmbiId that denied Nisho Jokic NBA MVP Rand. Cameronian big man consolidated as an elite center in the NBA getting 2023. NBA MVP honors.

Filadelphia 76ers Star had a dominant season, publishing league-best 33.1 points per game to go with 10.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. He was only the third African player who ever won the award. However, Embeid is primarily for the lack of playing success and inability to remain healthy.