NBA Draft: Best international players ever taken

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Mar 15, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Manu Ginobili, SG, Argentina

1999 Draft: No. 57 pick by the San Antonio Spurs

Manu Ginobili has been one of the most dependable, underrated players in the league since he joined the San Antonio Spurs from Bologna in Italy in 2002. Ginobili was an incredible find for the Spurs back in 1999, as he was playing in the Italian second division at the time of the draft. After getting picked up by the Spurs, Ginobili exploded on the Italian league scene, winning MVP honors in the Italian league and a Euroleague title. He then came to San Antonio in 2003, and four titles, two All-Star appearances, two All-NBA nods and a Sixth Man of the Year award later, Ginobili is the most decorated non-European international player in NBA history.

Ginobili’s always been slightly overshadowed by Tony Parker and Tim Duncan as the “third” member of San Antonio’s Big Three, but he easily was talented enough to be a leading scorer for many teams in the league during his peak from 2006-2011. Able to attack off the dribble from a variety of angles, hit threes at a 38-40 percent clip, and distribute when called upon (averaged four assists or more seven times), Ginobili flourished as a sixth-man despite having the talent to carry a much heavier load. We are unsure if we’ve seen the last of Ginobili, but it is safe to say that the second-to-last pick in 1999 panned out pretty well in the NBA.

Next: 3. Pau Gasol

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