NEW YORK (USA) - The excitement of representing one's national team on the FIBA stage is a key motivation for many basketball players. Nikola Jokic exemplified this commitment during a recent friendly match for Serbia against France, demonstrating his dedication by sprinting the court for rebounds. This level of effort underscores the significance of international competition for players like Jokic and his opponent, Victor Wembanyama.
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ESPN's NBA Top 100 ranking for 2026 reveals that 75 out of 100 players featured have participated in FIBA events. Since NBA players were first included in national rosters during the 1992 Olympics, their involvement in continental championships and global tournaments has increased, driven by the sport's worldwide evolution.
As in the previous year's rankings, the USA leads with 73 players in the Top 100, although notably, none are in the Top 5. In total, players from 20 different countries are represented in ESPN's rankings.
Here are some notable players and their FIBA affiliations:
- Lu Dort (Canada) - Ranked 100, participated in FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas Qualifiers
- RJ Barrett (Canada) - Ranked 99, heading to the 2024 Olympics
- Jalen Suggs (USA) - Ranked 98, played in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2019
- Draymond Green (USA) - Ranked 93, represented the USA at the 2021 Olympics
- Jimmy Butler III (USA) - Ranked 92, played in the 2016 Olympics
Other prominent players include Giannis Antetokounmpo, ranked 5, for Greece, and Nikola Jokic, ranked 1, for Serbia, both involved in the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers.
This increasing engagement of NBA talent in FIBA events illustrates the ongoing globalization of basketball and the rising prominence of international competition.