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Top 6 Greatest Serbian NBA Players of All Time

· Dec 05 - 6 minutes read

Serbia has produced some of the greatest NBA players from overseas, and their influence on the league shows no signs of slowing down. From gritty role players to full-blown superstars, Serbian hoopers have made their mark, helping to shape the league’s growth and success.

What’s the secret? A mix of skill, basketball IQ, and serious physicality has earned Serbia a reputation as a powerhouse on the international stage. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the greatest Serbian NBA players to ever step on the hardwood, breaking down their careers and the impact they’ve had on the league.

6 Greatest Serbian NBA Players of All Time

1. Nikola Jokic

At the top of the list, it’s all Nikola Jokic. Not only is he the best Serbian player to ever play in the NBA, but he’s also one of the most unique talents the league has ever seen. The 7-foot Denver Nuggets big man has completely redefined the center position with his unreal vision, passing, and tough shot-making abilities.

If you’re curious about Nikola Jokic’s place of birth, he’s from Sombor, Serbia, a town that has produced one of the NBA’s greatest stars. Already in his 10th season, Jokic is a three-time NBA MVP, led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship, and is fourth all-time in triple-doubles with 137.

Love him or hate him, the ‘Joker’ is an absolute force to be reckoned with. His versatility and dominance make him a once-in-a-generation talent – and after each Nikola Jokic offseason, he seems to come back even more unstoppable. Without a doubt, he’s the best of all Serbian basketball players in the NBA

2. Peja Stojakovic

It was a tough call for the second spot, but I’m giving it to one of the deadliest shooters the NBA has ever seen – Peja Stojakovic. For those who might not remember, Stojakovic was known for his ability to light it up from anywhere on the court, especially behind the 3-point line. He made his mark with the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Dallas Mavericks, but it was with the Kings in the early 2000s that he became a key piece of their high-powered offense.
A two-time All-Star, Peja eventually would go on to win an NBA championship with the Mavericks in 2011. His scoring ability and clutch performances made him a household name and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest Serbian basketball players of all time.

3. Vlade Divac

Coming in at the third spot, we’re taking it back to the late ’90s and early 2000s with Vlade Divac, a true pioneer for Serbian basketball in the NBA. A skilled and versatile center, Divac played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Sacramento Kings. He wasn’t just known for his size, but for his exceptional passing ability and court vision, often acting as the offensive hub for his teams.

Divac helped lead the Kings to multiple playoff appearances and made his mark on the Serbia national team (when it was still Yugoslavia), racking up over 145 appearances. Over the years, Divac and the Serbian team have faced Team USA in various international competitions, with the question always lingering – who won, Team USA or Serbia?

Divac was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. But his impact goes far beyond the stats; becoming a global ambassador for the game, helping elevate basketball’s profile both in Serbia and worldwide.

4. Bogdan Bogdanovic

Fast forward to the modern-day, and coming in at number four is Bogdan Bogdanovic, one of the most talented shooting guards in the NBA today. Bogdanovic has been a key contributor for both the Sacramento Kings and now the Atlanta Hawks, proving himself as a versatile and reliable player.

While he might not be the kind of powerhouse or All-Star-level player that grabs the NBA odds, Bogdanovic knows how to make his impact on the court. With his lethal scoring ability, he can hit shots from pretty much anywhere, and over the past few seasons, he’s been a crucial wing player for the Hawks.

He’s not just effective in the NBA – Bogdanovic has also been a vital part of the Serbian men’s basketball team in recent FIBA tournaments and the Olympics. A consistent role player, he’s solidified his place as one of the top Serbian talents to play in the NBA.

5. Vladimir Radmanovic

Sliding into the five-hole is Vladimir Radmanovic, a stretch big who carved out a solid 12-year NBA career. Now, let’s be real – Radmanovic wasn’t a superstar by any means, but no matter where he played, he found a way to contribute and always had a role on the court.

As a skilled forward who could stretch the floor and knock down threes, Radmanovic brought versatility and size to every team he was on. He played for a number of squads, including the Seattle SuperSonics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Atlanta Hawks, and while he wasn’t the headline player, he was often the unsung hero. Known for his toughness and clutch shooting, Radmanovic made his mark by hitting crucial shots when his teams needed them most – helping in key moments.

6. Boban Marjanovic

To cap off the list, we’ve got to give the sixth and final spot to Boban Marjanovic. Look, we know Boban wasn’t exactly an elite player, but when it comes to Serbian NBA basketball players, this guy always found a way to make an impact. Standing at a towering 7’4”, he was a force off the bench throughout his career, and whether it was scoring, rebounding, or just providing energy, Boban had a role whenever he subbed into the game.

Over the course of his career, Marjanovic played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets. In limited minutes, he was a reliable presence in the paint, known for his efficiency and dominance down low. But what really made him a fan favorite wasn’t just his size or his skills – it was his larger-than-life personality. He may not have been a starter, but his role as a key reserve earned him a special place on this list.