Giannis Antetokounmpo leads charge as Europeans take NBA by storm

The NBA’S sojourn in Europe may only amount to tomorrow’s match-up between the New York Knicks and Washington Wizards, but across the Atlantic, this continent’s top players are finally viewed as worthwhile long-term investments.

European players had, until recently, been accused of being too “soft” to play in the NBA. However, Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo seems destined to be named the NBA’s MVP, perhaps as early as this season, and has propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to title contention almost single-handedly.

Nikola Jokic, of the Denver Nuggets, has emerged as one of Antetokounmpo’s top rivals for the individual prizes, while Luka Doncic, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks, is set to win rookie of the year.

It seems no franchise is complete without a young superstar from Europe. Tomorrow’s home team, the Knicks, have one of the best in Kristaps Porzingis, who combines delicate ball handling and long-range shooting in a 7ft 3in frame, a skillset so unique that 2014 MVP Kevin Durant labelled the Latvian a “unicorn”. Unfortunately, Porzingis will miss this match at the O2 as he has a long-term knee injury, but the Knicks have another budding European in their roster, Frenchman Frank Ntilikina.

“The next generation is very talented, we’ll see plenty coming in,” said Ntilikina. “NBA teams are definitely more alert to players over there, we’ve proven we’re able to come in and play in the league.

“We have a lot of talent of course — most of the time European players need time to learn and become the finished article against these great players in the league.

“But the NBA has recognised it and more and more players will come in.”

The Washington Wizards take on the New York Knicks in the NBA London Game 2019 presented by Norwegian at The O2 on Thursday January 17. Watch It live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports USA