With another season in the books, HoopsHype has published its [top 78 international players list](https://www.hoopshype.com/story/sports/nba/2025/08/14/78-greatest-international-players-ever-the-hoopshype-list/85658784007/) for this year. Every summer, the list undergoes significant adjustments due to the abundance of international talent currently dominating the sport. FIBA accomplishments were taken into account for the ranking, but HoopsHype valued NBA accomplishments higher. Similar to other HoopsHype lists, this list was voted on by the staff. Out of the 78 players on the list, eight of them played for Houston for at least one season.
Indisputably the greatest Rocket of all time, Hakeem Olajuwon comes in at #1 on the list. Hakeem Olajuwon was born and reared in Nigeria and even competed for a Nigerian youth team at the All-Africa Games, but he ultimately played for Team USA and won an Olympic gold medal with the red, white, and blue. Olajuwon is now a unanimous choice at number one by HoopsHype voters, who have him just outside of the Top 10 in our own HoopsHype78 rankings, even though Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo pose a threat to his spot in the future.
The Dream was the whole package as a player, and his speed and athleticism, together with his unpredictable maneuvers, made him perhaps the most unstoppable post-game player ever. In addition, he was a superb defender with exceptional shot-blocking ability.
While not known only for his time with Houston, Dikembe Mutombo was part of the Rockets team that had the 22-game win streak in the 2007-2008 season and comes in at #10. With his ability to change shots, Dikembe Mutombo, who joined the NBA at the age of 25, rose to become one of the most successful defensive players in NBA history. Despite having a lackluster offensive game, he was able to maintain an 18-year career in the NBA because of his legendary shot-blocking skills and low-post finishing abilities.
Top honors include four Defensive Player of the Year awards, six All-Defensive Team selections, eight All-Stars, and three All-NBA Team selections.
The big man selected with the number one overall pick in the 2022 draft, Yao Ming, comes in at #16. Yao Ming made eight All-Star squads during his brief NBA career. Yao was a fantastic center when healthy, largely because of his enormous 7-foot-6 frame and surprisingly soft touch for a man his size. When he had it rolling, he had a turnaround jumper that was hard to stop. After spending several seasons with little to no rest due to offseason commitments with the Chinese National Team, he saw his career cut short by persistent foot issues. Most importantly, Yao Ming is credited with helping globalize the NBA by INCREASING the Chinese audience.
A beloved Rocket from the Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming days, Luis Scola comes in at #28. Luis Scola, who consistently scored high scores for Argentina and carved out a respectable career for himself in the NBA, was one of the most dedicated members of his country. Even though Scola will be remembered as one of the greatest foreign players of all time, his ten-year NBA career was nonetheless noteworthy because the Argentine big man was a potent scorer and playmaker, particularly while playing for the Rockets.
Top honors: Nine FIBA Americas medals, two World Cup silver medals, and one Olympic gold medal
One half of the fan favorite double big lineup, the Big Kiwi himself, comes in at #52 on the list. One area in which Steven Adams excels is as a screen setter. In addition to rebounding well enough and being able to score down low when set up by teammates, Adams excels at boxing out rather than securing the rebounds off the glass.
Top Honors: All Rookie 2nd Team
A returning fan favorite for Houston fans, Clint Capela comes in at #53 on the list. Clint Capela transformed from a slender, big man with little stamina early in his career to an above-average NBA starter who excels at rebounding and blocking shots.
Top honors: Led the league in rebounds during the 2020-2021 NBA season
A lesser-known Rocket to the younger generation, Vassilis Spanoulis comes in at #75. Vassilis Spanoulis, a ball-handling, explosive shooting guard, played just 272 minutes in his one NBA season with the Rockets, despite Jeff Van Gundy not being a fan of his. However, he is a true legend throughout Europe. He will be remembered as one of FIBA basketball’s most clutch players. leads the Euroleague in scoring in the modern era.
Top honors: Three Euroleague crowns, one Euroleague MVP award, three Euroleague Final Four MVPs, one World Cup silver medal, and one Eurobasket gold medal
With all that said, what do you all think about the list? Are there any players you think are missing COUGH COUGH ALPEREN SENGUN! Let me know what you think, and as always, GO ROCKETS!
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