The Best Croatian Basketball Players in NBA History

· Dec 17 - 5 minutes read

Croatia might not flood the NBA with players, but the few Croatian players in the NBA who have made it to the league have certainly made their mark. While they don’t make up a huge portion of the league, these players have left an impression that’s hard to ignore, with legends like Drazen Petrovic paving the way and current players like Bojan Bogdanovic, and Ivica Zubac continuing to carry the flag.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the top Croatian NBA players who have stood out and represented their country on the biggest stage.

The Best Croatian Basketball Players in NBA History — Dario Saric of Croatia | Stefanos Kyriazis / NurPhoto via AFP

7 Best Croatian Basketball Players in NBA History

1. Drazen Petrovic

When you talk about Croatian NBA players, the conversation always starts with Drazen Petrovic. He was the first of any Croatian basketball players to truly make an impact in the NBA, and his playing style was revolutionary for European players at the time.

With Drazen Petrovic’s career stats, averaging 15.4 points per game, he was a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end. His legacy paved the way for countless European players, and his tragic death in a car accident in 1993 only cemented his status as a legend. Without Petrovic ever stepping on the hardwood, the path for Yugoslavian basketball players might not have been the same.

2. Antonija Sandric

While this article is aimed to highlight Croatian NBA talent, it’s only right we take a moment and highlight female athletes making a big mark too – including Croatian women’s hooper, Antonija Sandric. Sandric is one of the top players from Croatia, having played for top European clubs.

While she isn’t an NBA player (WNBA player), her contributions to Croatian basketball have earned her recognition as one of the country’s best talents in the game, and we couldn’t pass up the chance to mention it.

3. Dario Saric

Next up is Dario Saric, a forward who’s made a name for himself in the NBA thanks to his well-rounded game. He’s one of the more versatile Croatian basketball players, capable of playing both forward positions, and he can pass, score, and rebound with the best of them. Whether he was with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phoenix Suns, or the Denver Nuggets, Saric has shown that his ability to contribute in many areas makes him an invaluable asset to any team. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t always get the spotlight, but you can bet his impact is felt every time he steps on the court.

4. Bojan Bogdanovic

When you think about elite shooters in the NBA, Bojan Bogdanovic is always in the conversation. The Croatian player’s career has been exceptional, being regarded as one of the best long-range shooters in the league, shooting nearly 40% in his career from 3-point land. Whether it was his time with the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, or the Detroit Pistons, Bogdanovic always finds a way to get his points and light it up from deep at will.

His ability to hit big-time shots and stretch the floor has made him a reliable weapon for every team he’s played for. If you’re watching a game and Bojan Bogdanovic is on the court, you know it’s just a matter of time before he hits a clutch shot, especially when the NBA second half lines start to tighten up.

5. Toni Kukoc

Before players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic were getting attention for their all-around games, Toni Kukoc was the original “unicorn.” The 6’10” forward played a huge role on the Croatian national basketball team and in the Chicago Bulls dynasty during the 1990s, winning three championships with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

His unique ability to play multiple positions, pass, shoot, and rebound made him one of the most versatile players in NBA history and easily puts him into the conversations regarding the top 10 NBA players from overseas. Kukoc was way ahead of his time and set the stage for the modern “positionless” game. Simply put, Toni Kukoc was a foreign NBA pioneer who showed the world that tall players could do more than just rebound.

6. Gordan Giricek

Not all Eastern European NBA players get the attention they deserve, and Gordan Giricek is a perfect example. Giricek was a reliable shooting guard who played for several NBA teams, including the Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Orlando Magic.

While he never made All-Star teams, his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc and play solid defense made him an important role player on any team he was a part of. Gordan Giricek may not be a household name, but his contributions to Croatian basketball and the NBA were significant.

7. Ivica Zubac

Currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, Ivica Zubac has become one of the more reliable centers in the NBA. Standing at 7’1″, Zubac’s presence in the paint is a huge asset, both defensively and offensively. His ability to defend the rim and grab rebounds makes him an important player for the Clippers.

While he doesn’t get as much media attention as some of the flashier stars in the NBA, Zubac has consistently been a solid contributor for any team he’s a part of. With Croatia basketball predictions pointing to a bright future, Zubac is helping ensure the next generation of Croatian players in the NBA continues to shine.