Throughout NBA history, American players have dominated the league. And while there has been an influx of international players in the past, basketball has become a global sport since then. As a result, more and more stars from around the world have started to make their mark.
With Arvydas Sabonis first opening the door for overseas players, the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, and Pau Gasol soon followed. However, the impact of international players has further grown since then. Today, they make up some of the best players in the league, including the likes of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic.
In fact, the rapid rise of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama as the league's top stars is the best manifestation of the international wave. But with these names ruling the league now, it's worth wondering who's next.
Let's take a look at 15 international players who could become the NBA's next global superstars.
Alperen Sengun (Turkey)
When it comes to the current crop of big men in the NBA, it's hard to leave out Alperen Sengun. The Turkish center, widely regarded as “Baby Jokic”, has the tools to become the next global star. In fact, Sengun has had a phenomenal start to the 2026-27 season. He's currently averaging 21.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. But more importantly, with Sengun as the driving force, the Houston Rockets have raced to an 8-3 start to the season.
Sengun is expected to carry Houston in the present and the future. Placing him under the guidance of NBA star Kevin Durant certainly pushes his ceiling to no limits. With already two All-Star selections under his belt, the Rockets center is on the right track to be in the same conversation as the likes of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Victor Wembanyama.
V.J. Edgecombe (Bahamas)
After finishing third in last season's NBA Rookie of the Year race, V.J. Edgecombe entered the 2026-27 season hungrier than ever. As of this writing, the 6-foot-4 athletic guard has been averaging 13.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per outing. Although his production took a dip offensively, his two-way play has been huge for the LeBron James-led Philadelphia 76ers, helping the team race to a 9-2 start.
The Sixers' strong start has turned them into serious championship contenders. While the team has a surplus of proven players and talent, it's Edgecombe's youth, energy, and intangibles that have been the x-factor for Philadelphia. As a result, the Bahamas national team mainstay is in an ideal situation to make a significant impact.
Franz Wagner (Germany)
There's no question that Franz Wagner has been a critical piece for the German national team's rise back to relevance on the international basketball stage, having helped Germany win the gold medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and 2025 EuroBasket. As a result, it's only a matter of time before Wagner can translate his international impact into the NBA with the Orlando Magic.
It's safe to say that the 6-foot-10 forward continues to be a part of the Magic's future. After all, he's in the midst of another solid year, averaging 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, despite playing without his brother for the first time in his NBA career. Orlando is currently in a slump, after a 2-7 start to the 2026-27 season. However, it's fertile ground for Wagner to make something happen.
Josh Giddey (Australia)
Not too long ago, Josh Giddey had a dream start to his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, as a walking triple-double. However, an alleged encounter with a minor threw a wrench in his NBA tenure. Furthermore, with Giddey unwilling to take a bench role, the Thunder raised their ceiling by swapping the Australian stalwart for NBA champion Alex Caruso. Since joining the Chicago Bulls, Giddey has emerged as the franchise cornerstone.
In a Bulls uniform, the Boomers star has casually dropped triple-doubles left and right. In fact, he has also been rewriting the record books. As of late, Chicago has a slow 1-8 start to the 2025-26 season, and it seems Giddey is nursing an injury. Should he revert back to full health, the Bulls should be able to rack up more wins.
Dyson Daniels (Australia)
Defense wins championships, and that's simply the calling card for Australia's Dyson Daniels. Widely nicknamed “The Great Barrier Thief”, Daniels has made a name for himself in the NBA as a defensive specialist. In fact, the Hawks forward has already been making an impact defensively, posting numbers only a few legends have matched.
Night in and night out, the Boomers mainstay has consistently defended the best superstars, including Karl-Anthony Towns, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and many more. If Daniels continues to be a thorn in the side of the league's best players, it's only about time before the former All-Defensive Team player can be considered for the Defensive Player of the Year down the road.
Deni Avdija (Israel)
The Portland Trail Blazers are stacked with offensive weapons. One of which is Israeli star Deni Avdija. The Blazers forward has also been racking up the numbers by putting up 22.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per outing. After a slow start with the Washington Wizards in his NBA tenure, Avdija has turned things around by finding a home in Portland.
In fact, just last season, the three-time Israeli League champion earned his first NBA All-Star nod. Taken under the guidance of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, the 25-year-old forward should have a bright future ahead. If Avdija can translate his success for Maccabi Tel Aviv into the NBA, the league better watch out.
Matas Buzelis (Lithuania)
Like Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis is also seen as a crucial piece for the Chicago Bulls' rebuild. The Lithuanian national team mainstay is currently tallying 13.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. To make matters more interesting, the former All-Rookie Second Team player even managed to make the highlight reel after crossing up LeBron James in the Bulls-Sixers matchup.
But while Buzelis has proved his potential in the NBA, there's no doubt that the 22-year-old forward needs to adapt and buy into the Bulls' system. With former NBA champion Tiago Splitter taking over the Windy City's coaching reins, Buzelis admitted the team is still trying to figure things out.
Khaman Maluach (South Sudan)
A lot of Phoenix Suns basketball fans will agree that Khaman Maluach has the tools to extend his play to another level. In fact, even Suns star Devin Booker agrees. The 7-foot-1 center is also having a respectable production off the bench. In the 2026-27 season, Maluach is averaging 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Aside from Booker, even defensive specialist Dillon Brooks has taken the Suns' big man under his wing. With all the support and motivation he's been receiving, the sky is the limit for the South Sudanese star. To make matters more interesting, the already physically gifted big man has no problems when it comes to work ethic, as he's willing to put in the offseason work.
Yves Missi (Cameroon)
The New Orleans Pelicans have played like a deflated team since Zion Williamson has not played like the face of the franchise they had hoped for. However, one of the brightest spots for the franchise has been the emergence of Yves Missi. The 6-foot-11 big man has been making an impact in the league as a premier rim-protector. In fact, even Williamson believes his teammate can replicate Hakeem Olajuwon's defensive intensity.
Missi even had a strong start to the Pelicans' campaign by averaging 9.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per outing. Unfortunately, the Cameroonian big man's campaign was cut short due to a knee bone bruise. If Missi can stay healthy on the court and continue with his defensive growth, even the best offensive players in the league should have long nights with him guarding the rim.
Aday Mara (Spain)
The Oklahoma City Thunder fell short in defending their title against the San Antonio Spurs at the 2026 Western Conference Finals. With Victor Wembanyama running havoc, the Thunder conceded in seven games. At the 2026 NBA Draft, a few months later, Oklahoma selected Aday Marra with the 12th overall pick.
The 7-foot-2 center from Spain was impressive in the preseason, including a 17-point and 10-rebound double-double performance against the Atlanta Hawks. And with the Thunder's style of play, it's not a surprise that Mara is already making an impact during the regular season. In his rookie year thus far, Mara is averaging 8.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per outing off the bench. In fact, even Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only has positive things to say about the young center. It remains to be seen whether Mara can become a future “Wemby stopper,” but he's undoubtedly in a perfect position to do so.
Yang Hansen (China)
It's been quite a long time since a Chinese prospect made waves in the NBA. In fact, Yang Hansen became the third Chinese player to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft and the first since Yi Jianlian in 2007. At the 2025 NBA Draft, Yang was selected with the 16th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. Since then, he has been a project that the Blazers have been patiently building up.
Article Continues BelowAlthough Yang is still finding his footing in the NBA, the potential is clearly there. Early on, the former CBA Defensive Player of the Year has already drawn comparisons to none other than Nikola Jokic. Furthermore, Yang is also coming off a productive stint with the Chinese national team, after appearing in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers. He also nailed the game-winning bucket to propel China to an 89-87 win, highlighted by his 19 points and nine rebounds.
Tidjane Salaun (France)
With LaMelo Ball taking his talents to Minnesota, it's safe to say that the Charlotte Hornets have entered another rebuilding chapter. On the bright side, the Hornets already have a promising player in Tidjane Salaun. The 21-year-old forward from France has been averaging 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. However, a breakout season is possibly on the horizon.
In his last outing against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Salaun tallied a season-high 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field in just 17 minutes of action in the first half. His production off the bench allowed the Hornets to nab an unlikely 124-112 win over the Eastern Conference contender. If Salaun can produce like this on a nightly basis, Charlotte may have something special cooking, especially if Brandon Miller and Kon Kneuppel return to the fold.
Miikka Muurinen (Finland)
As early as 18 years old, Miikka Muurinen is already turning heads for Finland. It's only about time the rest of the world finds out what he's all about. Muurinen first got everyone's attention when he was punishing rims with his thunderous slam dunks. The 7-foot-0 power forward averaged 6.6 points per game at the 2025 Eurobasket, establishing himself as a promising NBA prospect in the near future.
But while it's too early to say whether Muurinen will be the next global star, his journey has already begun. In fact, the Finnish basketball star is expected to make waves after committing to the Arkansas Razorbacks as a five-star recruit. Under the guidance of head coach John Calipari, Muurinen is in good hands to develop into the next biggest international sensation.
Dash Daniels (Australia)
With his brother Dyson Daniels already making a name for himself in the NBA, it won't be a surprise if Dash Daniels makes a name for himself in the league in the future. At only 18 years old, the younger Daniels is already making a splash in Australia's NBL. While playing for the South East Melbourne Phoenix, he is putting up 12.4 points per game on 50% shooting from the field. Furthermore, Daniels has also been a fixture for Australia's national team as of late.
He was expected to be one of the prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft earlier this year. However, Daniels opted to focus on development by staying put in the NBL. Over the years, the NBL has produced players who have carved out solid careers in the NBA, thanks to its remarkable development.
Luigi Suigo (Italy)
Given that the likes of Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic have taken over the league, big bodies are in demand. Enter Luigi Suigo and his 7-foot-3 frame. Suigo first garnered attention at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, where he averaged 7.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. His presence down low helped Italy bring home the silver medal.
Despite being only 19 years old, he was called up to the senior men's national team to play in the 2027 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers. In four games, Suigo averaged 2.3 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in limited action. Although the Italian big man was invited to the NBA Draft Combine, Suigo opted to withdraw and decided to join the Villanova Wildcats. The move should further boost his stock and adapt better to the NBA style of play.