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The Best Spanish NBA Players Ever

· Dec 12 - 6 minutes read

When you think about NBA greatness, Spain might not be the first country that comes to mind. But in recent decades, Spanish NBA players have had a massive impact on the league. From Pau Gasol’s dominance to Ricky Rubio’s flashy passes, Spain has produced some serious talent that has shaped the NBA in ways most people don’t fully appreciate.

Spain’s influence extends far beyond just the NBA too. The Spain men’s national basketball team has consistently been a global powerhouse, dominating international tournaments. The players on the Spain basketball roster continue to showcase their skills both in the NBA and on the world stage, making a statement wherever they play. Let’s look at some of the best Spanish players to ever step foot on the hardwood.

The Best Spanish NBA Players Ever — Marc Gasol defended by Pau Gasol - Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP

Top 6 Spanish Players in NBA History

1. Pau Gasol

If we’re talking about the best Spanish basketball players, Pau Gasol is at the top of the list. The 7-foot power forward reshaped what it meant to be a big man in the league with his versatility and basketball IQ in the mid-2000s. Not to mention, Pau Gasol’s stats with the Lakers are a testament to his impact on the game. He was a key player during the Lakers’ championship runs in 2009 and 2010, earning two NBA titles alongside Kobe Bryant. Gasol’s ability to stretch the floor, pass, shoot the baseline jumper, and rebound made him one of the most skilled big men the NBA has ever seen.

Gasol’s impact on Spanish basketball has been legendary. He led the team to multiple European Championships and World Cup medals, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest international players in the NBA.

2. Marc Gasol

We already gave a shout-out to Pau, but let’s not forget about his younger brother, Marc Gasol. While Pau might’ve been the all-around handful, Marc was no slouch either. Sure, he didn’t have the same offensive firepower, but when it came to defense and leadership, Marc was a force to be reckoned with.

Marc made his name with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he quickly earned a reputation as one of the league’s best defensive players. So much so, that he snagged the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013. But don’t get it twisted – Marc’s impact wasn’t just on the low-block. He played a key role in the Toronto Raptors‘ 2019 NBA Championship run, proving his skills went way beyond paint defense.

And let’s not forget Marc’s work on the Spanish basketball roster. He was a cornerstone for the Spanish national team, leading them to multiple international medals and showing that his leadership didn’t just apply to the NBA. So, while he may not have been as flashy as Pau, Marc Gasol’s legacy is one built on smarts, defense, and knowing how to win when it matters.

3. Ricky Rubio

Let’s talk about Ricky Rubio – not quite an NBA icon, but damn, the guy deserves a mention. Known for his no-look passes and ridiculous court vision, Ricky entered the NBA in 2011 with a reputation for being one of the craftiest point guards around. Sure, his shooting wasn’t the best, but his ability to make plays and create opportunities for teammates has always been his real strength.

Before his NBA career, Rubio made his name in the Spanish ACB League, where his flashy passing game became noticed. Once in the NBA, he bounced around with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz, always the guy who could spark an offense with a single pass. Off the court, Rubio’s leadership and charisma have earned him a loyal fan base, and he’s become a fan favorite for his energy and personality.

4. Serge Ibaka

Serge Ibaka might’ve been born in the Republic of the Congo, but he moved to Spain at a young age and became a naturalized citizen, so we’re counting him as part of the Spanish NBA basketball players crew. The guy even suited up for Spain in several international competitions, showing off his insane shot-blocking ability, which made him a household name.

Ibaka’s physicality in the paint has made him a standout both for the Spanish national team and in the NBA. He won an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, and his shot-blocking abilities earned him a spot among the best to ever protect the rim. When you look at NBA odds, it’s clear that Ibaka’s impact goes far beyond the stats, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor.

5. Jose Calderon

Jose Calderon may not be considered one of the best NBA players from overseas, and he certainly didn’t have the flash of Rubio or the dominance of Gasol, but he was a steady, reliable point guard for over a decade in the NBA. With his smooth passing and calm presence, Calderon was the guy who controlled the tempo and kept the offense flowing.

Spending most of his career with the Toronto Raptors, Calderon hit a career-high of 12.8 points and 8.9 assists per game, showing he could put up numbers when needed. But it was his leadership and unselfish play that really made him a fan favorite, always keeping the team’s offense in check and making the right decisions when it counted.

6. Rudy Fernandez

Last but not least, we have Rudy Fernandez. Sure, there was a lot of talk about him being the biggest NBA bust, but that’s just not true. The Spanish sharpshooter may have only played three seasons in the NBA, bouncing between the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets, but his scoring ability and sharp shooting kept him relevant during his time in the league.

While his NBA career was short, Fernandez was a key player for Spain men’s national basketball team, helping them snag quite a few medals. After leaving the NBA, he returned to Europe and became a star, racking up titles and stamping his basketball career as one of Spain’s greatest basketball exports. So, forget the bust talk – Fernandez was a winner.