NBA Draft: Best international players ever taken

3. Pau Gasol, PF/C, Spain

2001 Draft: No. 3 pick by the Atlanta Hawks

Gasol vs. Ginobili is an interesting debate. Both had immense success on the international stage, with Gasol helping Spain win one FIBA World Cup and three Eurobasket titles, and Ginobili helping Argentina to a gold medal. Ginobili was a shocking success as the No. 57 pick, while Gasol lived up to lofty expectations as a No. 3 overall pick. Ginobili won four titles and two All-Star bids. Gasol has two titles and six All-Star bids. Ultimately, though, Gasol’s been more consistent than Ginobili, and you have to give him credit for helping to generate a three-year power-swing in the Western Conference in favor of the Lakers from 2008-2010.

Gasol’s consistency has been remarkable, as he’s been an All-Star level player almost from the get-go after joining the league with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2001 from Barcelona. Gasol has averaged between 16.5 and 20.8 points in all but one of his 15 NBA seasons, he’s averaged a double-double five times, and it’s hard to pick out a peak season for him. Was it for the 2005-06 Grizzlies (20/9/5 on 51.3 percent shooting)? The 2008-09 Lakers (19/10/4 on 56.7 percent shooting)? The 2014-15 Bulls (19/12/3)?

Gasol helped land the Grizzlies on the map after their move from Memphis, helped Kobe Bryant win his two Shaq-less titles, made four All-NBA teams, and has been one of the most versatile big men of the 2000s, helping the league begin its transition from traditional bigs to today’s en vogue “stretch” bigs. Combine that with Gasol long being one of the most interesting players in the NBA today, and it goes without saying that Gasol’s one of the most impactful international players ever.

Next: 2. Tony Parker