The NBA has long been a melting pot of talent from around the globe, and Serbian players have made a significant impact on the league’s landscape. With a rich basketball tradition rooted in passion and skill, Serbia has produced a remarkable array of athletes who have not only excelled in European competitions but have also made their mark in the NBA.
From the legendary Vlade Divac, who paved the way for future generations, to modern stars like Nikola Jokić and Bogdan Bogdanović, Serbian players have brought their unique playing style and resilience to the hardwood.
Their success stories are a testament to the country’s commitment to developing basketball talent and the influence of its rich sporting culture, especially when it comes to NBA picks today.
As the NBA continues to grow in international scope, Serbian players stand out as key contributors, showcasing their abilities and inspiring young athletes back home to pursue their dreams on the global stage.
With that in mind, here are ten of the most notable Serbian NBA players:
10. Aleksandar Đorđević
Years in the NBA: 1
Career Averages: 3.1 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 0.6 APG; 50.0 FG%, 71.4 FG3%
Aleksandar Đorđević is a legendary Serbian basketball player and coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in European basketball history. As a player, Đorđević was known for his exceptional skills as a point guard. He played for several top European clubs, including Partizan Belgrade, where he won the 1989 EuroLeague title. He also had a successful stint with the Italian club Virtus Bologna, winning multiple Italian league championships and the EuroLeague in 1998. Over his playing career, Đorđević earned numerous individual honors and became a national hero in Serbia.
Internationally, Đorđević had an outstanding career with the Serbian national team. He won numerous medals in prestigious tournaments like the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket. Đorđević was a key player in Serbia’s gold medal-winning team at the 1991 FIBA European Championship. He later served as a key part of their success in the 2000 Olympics, winning a silver medal.
That said, Đorđević had a brief stint in the NBA, playing for the Portland Trailblazers during the 1996-97 season.
After retiring from playing, Đorđević transitioned to coaching and achieved even greater success. He served as the head coach of the Serbian national team, leading them to a silver medal at the 2014 FIBA World Cup and a gold medal at the 2017 EuroBasket. Under his leadership, Serbia became one of the top teams in international basketball, with Đorđević being praised for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent.
Đorđević also had stints as a coach in European club basketball, notably with Virtus Bologna. His legacy as both a player and coach has made him a central figure in the history of Serbian and European basketball.
9. Milos Teodosic
Years in the NBA: 2
Career Averages: 8.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 4.0 APG; 42.0 FG%, 37.8 FG3%
Miloš Teodosić is a professional basketball player known for his incredible playmaking, passing skills, and basketball IQ. Regarded as one of the best point guards in Europe, Teodosić has had a successful career both in European basketball and in the NBA.
Teodosić’s playing style is defined by his exceptional court vision, creativity, and ability to make difficult passes look effortless. Known for his flashy and no-look passes, he has been widely regarded as one of the best passers in the game, with a unique flair that makes him stand out on the court.
In 2017, Teodosić made the move to the NBA, signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. Although his NBA tenure was relatively short due to injuries, he showcased his playmaking ability in the league, especially during the 2017-2018 season. After his stint in the NBA, Teodosić returned to Europe to play for Virtus Bologna in Italy, where he continued to demonstrate his talents.
In addition to his club career, Teodosić has been an important player for the Serbian national team. He helped lead Serbia to silver medals at both the 2014 FIBA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, establishing himself as a key figure in Serbia’s international success.
Teodosić’s basketball intelligence, creative passing, and leadership make him one of the most respected figures in European basketball.
8. Nikola Jović
Years in the NBA: 2
Career Averages: 8.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.2 APG; 45.0 FG%, 37.0 FG3%
Nikola Jović is a Serbian professional basketball player who plays as a forward in the NBA for the Miami Heat. Born in 2003, Jović is a promising young talent known for his versatility, basketball IQ, and skills. He was drafted by the Miami Heat as the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Before joining the NBA, Jović had a standout career in Europe, playing for Mega Basket in Serbia. His performance in the ABA League (Adriatic Basketball League) caught the attention of scouts, and he earned a reputation as a skilled player who can score, pass, and rebound effectively. Jović is also known for his solid perimeter shooting and ability to handle the ball, which makes him a versatile player who can contribute in multiple areas on the court.
As a member of the Serbian national team, Jović has represented his country in international competitions, further showcasing his potential on the global stage. Currently in his second year, Jovic’s future in the NBA is seen as very promising, and many expect him to continue developing into a key player for the Miami Heat.
7. Nemanja Bjelica
Years in the NBA: 7
Career Averages: 7.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.8 APG; 46.6 FG%, 38.4 FG3%
Nemanja Bjelica is known for his versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. He plays as a forward and has had a successful career in both the NBA and European basketball.
Bjelica began his professional career in Serbia with the team Partizan Belgrade before moving to Europe, where he played for several top clubs, including Fenerbahçe in Turkey. His success in Europe, particularly in the EuroLeague, helped him transition to the NBA in 2015, where he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves. Over his NBA career, he has also played for the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat.
Bjelica is known for his excellent shooting, particularly from three-point range, as well as his ability to stretch the floor and create plays. His versatility allows him to play both forward positions, and he is also effective as a passer and rebounder. He contributed to the Miami Heat’s deep playoff run in 2020 and won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2022.
In addition to his NBA career, Bjelica has been a key player for the Serbian national basketball team, representing his country in international competitions like the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket, where Serbia has consistently been a top contender.
6. Nenad Krstić
Years in the NBA: 7
Career Averages: 10.0 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 0.8 APG; 49.4 FG%, 14.3 FG3%
Nenad Krstić is a retired Serbian professional basketball player who played as a center in the NBA and had a successful career in both the NBA and Europe. Standing at 7 feet (2.13 meters), Krstić was known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and basketball IQ.
Krstić began his professional career in Serbia with Partizan Belgrade, where he quickly gained attention for his skill set. He made his way to the NBA in 2004, joining the New Jersey Nets, where he played for several seasons and made a solid impact as a versatile center with an ability to stretch the floor.
He later played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics, and a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets. Krstić was known for his soft touch around the basket, ability to hit mid-range shots, and efficient play in the post. His time in the NBA was marked by moments of consistency, though injuries somewhat limited his career.
After retiring from the NBA, Krstić continued his career in Europe, playing for various clubs, including a return to Partizan Belgrade. He also represented Serbia in international competitions, helping his country win several medals in tournaments like the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket.
Krstić remains one of the prominent figures in Serbian basketball, known for his strong contributions both domestically and internationally.
5. Boban Marjanović
Years in the NBA: 9
Career Averages: 5.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 0.5 APG; 57.8 FG%, 23.8 FG3%
Boban Marjanović is known for his incredible size and efficiency in limited minutes. Standing at 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters), he is one of the tallest players in the NBA. Boban primarily plays as a center and played for several NBA teams, including the Spurs, Pistons, Clippers, and Mavericks.
Despite his size, Marjanović has a soft touch around the basket. He is an effective scorer and rebounder, often excelling in short stints on the court. That said, Boban is often a hit-or-miss for NBA prop bets since he usually isn’t part of the rotation, and only gets subbed in during garbage minutes.
Boban is also beloved for his fun-loving personality and interactions with teammates, becoming a fan favorite. Most notably, Boban became best friends with Luka Dončić during his time with the Mavericks.
Beyond his NBA career, Marjanović has represented Serbia in international competitions, earning medals at major tournaments like the FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket. His friendly nature and entertaining off-court presence have made him a beloved figure both in the basketball world and beyond.
4. Bogdan Bogdanović
Years in the NBA: 7
Career Averages: 14.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.2 APG; 43.5 FG%, 37.9 FG3%
Bogdan Bogdanović is an offense-first Guard/Forward known for his scoring ability, especially as a shooting guard and small forward. He’s had successful seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings. Bogdanović currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers where he showcases his sharp three-point shooting, offensive versatility.
Before joining the NBA in 2017, Bogdanović had a successful career in Europe. He playing for teams like Partizan Belgrade and Fenerbahçe, where he earned multiple All-EuroLeague honors. After his NBA debut with the Kings, he signed with the Atlanta Hawks and continued to showcase his offensive skills.
Bogdanović has been a significant part of the Serbian national basketball team, helping them win numerous medals in international competitions. As captain of the Serbian National Team, he competes in FIBA World Cup and EuroBasket.
Bogdanović’s smooth playing style and clutchness makes him one of the top international players in the NBA.
3. Vlade Divac
Years in the NBA: 16
Career Averages: 11.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.1 APG; 49.5 FG%, 23.5 FG3%
Vlade Divac is a retired Serbian professional basketball player and one of the most influential European players in NBA history. Divac played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and the Sacramento Kings, where he became a fan favorite.
He was essential in the Kings’ 2000s success, helping them become one of the top teams in the NBA.
Divac was a two-time NBA All-Star and is widely praised for his exceptional passing and basketball IQ. He was also one of the first European players to have a significant impact in the NBA.
After retiring as a player, Divac transitioned to an executive role, having multiple administrative roles for the Sacramento Kings. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
2. Peja Stojaković
Years in the NBA: 13
Career Averages: 17.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 APG; 45.0 FG%, 40.1 FG3%
Peja Stojaković is a retired Serbian professional basketball player known for his exceptional shooting ability, particularly from three-point range. He played in the NBA for several teams, most notably the Sacramento Kings, in the early 2000s.
Stojaković was a key part of the Kings’ successful run, known for his sharp shooting and high basketball IQ. Alongside Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, Vlade Divac, and Doug Christie, the Kings were a well-rounded squad.
He was a two-time NBA All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. Over the course of his career, Stojaković was widely recognized as one of the best shooters in the league. He ranked among the top in three-pointers made and shooting percentage in his prime.
Stojaković was inducted into the FIBA Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. This reflects his impact on both NBA and international basketball.
1. Nikola Jokic
Years in the NBA: 10
Career Averages: 21.5 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 7.1 APG; 55.9 FG%, 36.0 FG3%
Jokic is a 3-time MVP, 1-time Finals MVP, and won a championship with the Denver Nuggets. He blossomed into one of the most versatile stretch 5 who can expertly facilitate plays for his team. His basketball IQ is always showcased whenever he assists his teammates with an assortment of dazzling passes.
That said, Jokic can also get buckets for himself. He is deadly in the post, as well as from beyond the arc, as he can reliably hit three-pointers. Jokic can also bang with the best of them down low, securing defensive and offensive rebounds.
The Joker is currently the best all-around NBA player, often registering triple doubles in games. Whenever Jokic and the Nuggets are playing, chances are NBA betting lines will be high on Jokic producing his numbers.</p>