NBA Evolution

In today’s NBA, international players haven’t just been on the rise, they have taken over the NBA. From MVP trophies to championship banners, overseas players are dominating the league in ways we have never seen for the past 10 years. Pawprint sat down with three active basketball enthusiasts at Morgan, getting their input on this.

Nikola Jokic: Dominating the league

Before we even get into the debate, it’s important to understand Jokić’s background. Nikola Jokić hasn’t always been the unstoppable force he is now. Born February 19th, 1995, in Sombor, Serbia. He grew up playing basketball with his older brothers and never looked like a future NBA legend. He was overweight and slow. But what he did have was a ridiculous feel for the game. After he was developing in the Serbian league, he was drafted 41st overall by the Denver Nuggets – behind players like Andrew Wiggens and Joel Embid.

When asked for his International pick, senior basketball captain Dylan Cinquino, didn’t hesitate

“I got to say Nikola Jokic,” he said. Cinquino loves his ability as a center to be a playmaker, rebounder and score the ball at the highest level. He’s averaging a triple double, but what Cinquino loves about him is “he’s got the most grit for winning,” said Cinquino.

Jokic who has been with the Denver Nuggets for about nine years has already stacked up quite the resume, stacking up numbers that look like they are straight from NBA 2k.Three MVPs,one final’s MVP, and an NBA championship in 2023. Cinquino pointed out what really makes Jokic different from the other international superstars like Gannis or Luka.

“It’s his attitude. It kinda seems like he doesn’t even like basketball which makes it funny, but then he drops a triple double. He’s just entertaining to watch,” said Cinquino.

One moment that sealed Jokić greatness for Cinquino was his 31-21-22 game against the Phoenix Suns on March 7th 2025 in an OT win marking the first ever 30-20-20 triple double ever in NBA history.

While Jokic is known for his offense and how he creates for his teammates, Cinquino believes he is overlooked on the defensive end.

“His defense is underrated. He gets the job done,” said Cinquino.

When it comes to Jokić’s impact on the Nuggets overall, Cinquino said, “ Well he got them a championship. He makes his teammates better, for example, Jamal Murray can go off for like 40 and Jokic will have 20 assists; he opens up the floor for everyone,” Said Cinquino.

Gannis- Aeden Harkins boy basketball Varsity starter

Before diving into Harkins argument, you can’t talk about international greatness without understanding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s path, which is one of the most inspiring in sports.

Giannis was born in 1994 in Athens, Greece. His parents are from Nigeria, struggling to support the family and find work. Growing up, Giannis and his four brothers sold sunglasses and DVDs on the streets just to help them survive. Giannis didn’t have much access to gyms or training. Sometimes he and his brother had to share the same shoes because they couldn’t afford them. His athletic ability and work ethic stood out in a small second division Greek team, where he quickly gained lots of attention. He entered the NBA Draft in 2013 getting selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. He was raw and inexperienced, barely speaking English.

Despite the slow start, when I asked Aeden Harkins his pick he answered immediately saying “For obvious reasons.”

“Two time MVP, NBA championship ,Finals MVP and one of the most dominant players in the league,” Harkins said.

“He’s one of the best defenders in the league. He can clamp down when he needs to. Jokic isn’t doing that with all the weight he has. Giannis is more fit and ready to go,” Said Harkins

He also highlighted Giannis legendary finals performance in 2021 where he had 50 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 blocks, becoming the first player to have that statline in NBA history.

Harkins brings up a point that Giannis free throws are underrated, saying, “He has improved over the years a lot in his free throw percentage.”

With ongoing media rumors about Giannis potentially getting traded, Harkins noted how big this move would be. Giannis has been with Milwaukee for over a decade, and any team trading for him would have to give up an enormous amount due to his value.

Regardless of what happens, Giannis has brought a championship, dominance and value to the city of Milwaukee and proven how he is a top player in the league.

Pascal Siakam- Chris Phan boys basketball varsity player

Born on April 2nd 1994 in Douala, Cameroon came a sleeper, Pascal Siakam. Siakam didn’t start playing organized basketball until his mid-teens, not really having much of an interest in it.

Attending New Mexico State University from 2014-2016, he became a star at the basketball collegiate level. Which later has him getting much interest from the NBA. Drafted 27th by the Toronto Raptors in 2016, he was viewed as a high energy role player, not a future star. He spent time in the G league, developing and grinding every day. He later had a breakout season in 2019 showing his hard work and improvement. He dedicates his career to his father, who was his role model and passed away in 2014.

While Jokic and Giannis often dominate the spotlight, Chris Phan believes Pascal Siakam deserves more recognition In the international player conversation.

“Siakam is just a complete player,” Phan said. “ He can score inside and out and defensively he can guard almost everyone.”

Phan highlighted Siakam’s versatility as his biggest strength. His length, agility and basketball IQ allow him to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Whether he is scoring or defending or setting up his teammates, he is affecting the game in a positive way leading the path to the team’s success.

What separates Siakam is his constant improvement. “He is always getting better from year to year. You can see something new in his game,” said Phan.

Siakam’s rise became clear in 2019 when he won the NBA’s most improved player award, averaging 17 points 7 rebounds 3 assist and 1 steal.

When I asked Phan about an underrated part in Siakam’s game, he gave me this response: “ His passing doesn’t get talked about enough, the way he sets up his teammates especially in transition.”

Beyond stats, Phan believes his energy and leadership stand out. “He brings effort every night and raises the level of everyone around him”

Phan believes Siakam will be remembered as a key piece on Championship level teams and a symbol of hard work and growth.