The 10 best NBA player performances in the FIBA World Cup

Epsilon // Getty Images Top NBA stars have long been reluctant to embrace international competition. Players often prefer to prioritize skill development and recovery after a grueling 82-game season instead of even more organized basketball. Given that the U.S. produces the majority of the best basketball players, the general perception is that the United States should dominate every competition even if many of the top players decline to participate. Such overconfidence has cost the U.S. in the past, most notably when they took home bronze medals in the 2004 Olympics and 2006 FIBA World Championship. The following 2008 U.S. Olympic team was then dubbed the “Redeem Team,” which was lined with the best American talent to ensure their highest chance of winning. The camaraderie among NBA foes gives them a rare opportunity to bond and learn from one another. With the Olympics drawing more attention, the FIBA World Cup has become a great international showcase for budding young stars in the NBA. Players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry played in FIBA basketball early on in their careers. Given the recent growth of top European NBA players, the FIBA World Cup is as competitive as ever right now. In honor of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, The Game Day compiled a ranking of the 10 best NBA player performances in the FIBA World Cup using data from RealGM. Only FIBA competitions after 1991, when NBA players were allowed to participate, were considered. Rankings were determined by applying John Hollinger’s Game Score formula to each player’s tournament stats. Players who did not play more than five total games were not considered. Keep reading to see if your favorite NBA players made the list. #10. Shaquille O’Neal Getty Images – Tournament averages: 23.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, 17.1 game score – Country: Germany – Years participated: 2002 (Bronze medal), 2006 (8th place) Dirk Nowitzki is undoubtedly one of the best international NBA players ever and possibly the greatest shooting big man of all time. Teams were used to defending sharp shooting guards and forwards, but Nowitzki defied all expectations with his 7-foot height, skill, and shooting ability. Especially at the international level, defenders had no chance of defending against his patented one-legged fadeaway. Nowitzki led an underdog German team to a bronze medal in 2002 while winning tournament MVP. #2. Kevin Durant BULENT KILIC/AFP // Getty Images – Tournament averages: 22.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 18.1 game score – Country: United States – Year participated: 2010 (Gold medal) Kevin Durant’s all-around scoring ability is unparalleled in the NBA. Entering the 2010 FIBA World Cup, Durant had already made All-NBA First Team and led the league in scoring at just 21 years old. His shooting, skill, and fluidity while standing 6-foot-10 made people question whether he was designed in a lab to play basketball. Durant recorded one of the most dominant single tournament performances in FIBA history, winning a gold medal and tournament MVP. #1. Yao Ming