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Greatest Slovenian NBA Players of All Time

· Dec 14 - 6 minutes read

Slovenia might be small, but it’s quickly making a huge impact in the NBA. In recent years, this tiny country tucked between Austria and Italy has become home to some of the greatest NBA players from overseas. Slovenia, Luka Doncic’s home country, is proving that you don’t need to be from one of the traditional basketball powerhouses to dominate the league.

From crafty dribble moves to pinpoint assists, Slovenian players are showing that skill and versatility can come in small packages. If you’re looking to place an NBA bet, keep an eye on Slovenia – its talent pool is only getting bigger.

Let’s take a closer look at the best NBA players from Slovenia and see how these players have turned the NBA upside down with their performances.

4 Greatest Slovenian NBA Players of All Time

1. Luka Doncic

Let’s get straight to it – Luka Doncic is the king of Slovenian players in the NBA, no question about it. At just 25, he’s already secured five All-Star selections and is easily one of the most electrifying players the league has ever seen. Come on, can anyone argue otherwise? Doncic has been dropping jaws since day one, and Luka Doncic career stats only keep stacking up – love him or hate him, he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Standing at 6’7″, with elite court vision, tight handles, and a scoring ability that makes defenders nervous just thinking about guarding him. Whether he’s casually dropping 40 points or hitting a clutch buzzer-beater, Luka controls the game like few can, and when he’s in the zone, the odds shift in his favor.

Luka Doncic MVP? Don’t be surprised if that’s already in his future. From his top-shelf skills to his undeniable swagger, Luka Doncic is redefining what it means to be a game-changer.

2. Goran Dragic

Before Luka, there was Goran Dragic basketball – and let’s be real, prime Dragic was a handful. You might know him from the later years of his career, but if you missed his peak, you missed one of the most competitive point guards of the early 2010s. Dragic was the first Slovenian to truly make a name for himself in the NBA, and he didn’t just show up – he put Slovenia on the basketball map. After being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2008, he bounced around the league, but it was with the Suns and later the Miami Heat that he really made his mark.

While Luka’s ball dominance might overshadow Dragic today, let’s not forget Goran’s smooth, effective game. Doncic may have taken the throne, but Dragic was a key player in putting Slovenian basketball on the global stage. His impact not only helped elevate the Slovenia national basketball team but also showed the world that Slovenia was a serious force in the NBA.

3. Beno Udrih

Moving down the list, we’ve got a name that tends to get overlooked – Beno Udrih. Now, Udrih wasn’t flashy or a player who filled up the statsheet, but don’t sleep on him – the guy was incredibly useful. A steady point guard who spent over a decade in the NBA, Udrih’s best years came with the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings in the mid-2000s.

Udrih was far from the type of player to steal the spotlight, but he was always there when his team needed him. Later in his career, he was the starting point guard for the Sacramento Kings, where he averaged a career highs of 13.7 points and 4.9 assists per game.

Sure, he doesn’t have the accolades of Dragic or Doncic, but Udrih’s quiet consistency and long run as a trusted veteran in the league made him a significant player, even if he wasn’t getting the recognition.

4. Sasha Vujacic

Next up, let’s talk about Sasha Vujacic – the name you knew we couldn’t leave out regarding Slovenian NBA players. Was he top-tier talent? Not exactly. But Vujacic had one thing that mattered: he could shoot the lights out. He wasn’t the guy putting up crazy numbers – his career highs were just 5.3 points and 1.9 assists per game – but when the spotlight hit, Sasha knew how to make it count and knock down the big shot.

Vujacic might not have been the star, but his consistent shooting off the catch and ability to step up in big moments were crucial for the Lakers’, especially during their back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. He didn’t always get the glory, but when it mattered most, he came through with key shots that helped secure the titles.

5. Vlatko Cancar

Lastly, let’s talk about Vlatko Cancar. Is he worth mentioning? Absolutely. Cancar might not be out there dropping 20 a night, but he’s making his mark as a solid role player for the Denver Nuggets. And let’s not forget, he was a part of the Denver Nuggets 2023 NBA title team. Not bad for someone who’s not the star of the show.

Cancar is all about doing the little things – grabbing key rebounds, hitting the occasional corner three, and filling in wherever the Nuggets need him. He’s not the guy you’ll see on highlight reels, but when it’s crunch time and you need someone steady, Cancar’s there, getting it done without the flash.

In a world where Slovenian players in the NBA are few and far between, you have to give Cancar credit for sticking around and contributing when called upon. He may not see the court much, but if you need defense, a quick bucket, or a guy who knows his role, Vlatko Cancar’s your Slovenian secret weapon.