Ahead of the NBA Paris Games 2025, here is a look at the top 5 French players who are currently playing in the NBA.
Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The NBA is heading back to the city of lights for two regular games in 2025 season. As the San Antonio Spurs and Indiana Pacers prepare to face off, it’s the perfect time to look at some of the top French players currently shining in the NBA. These players are one of the key factors the NBA is getting more recognition in Europe and helping the league to gain global popularity.
Here are the top 5 French players who are currently playing in the NBA:
Ousmane Dieng’s NBA journey has been a slow burn so far. After two years of development, Dieng has seen a bit more playing time recently with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is averaging 3.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists this season but he’s starting to show signs of progress. In the Thunder’s recent win over the Nets, Dieng scored 12 points with three rebounds and two assists, showing the potential many had hoped for.
Bilal Coulibaly, selected 7th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has shown a huge leap in his game this season. After averaging 8.4 points as a rookie, Coulibaly has improved significantly with 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game for the Wizards and has been one of the bright spots for the team who is struggling immensely, languishing at the bottom of Eastern Conference table.
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Nicolas Batum has been a versatile player, but this season has been a bit of a down year for the NBA veteran. Batum is averaging a career-low 3.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, struggling with his shooting (38.8% from the field) for Los Angeles Clippers. However, his experience and ability to contribute in multiple areas still make him a valuable asset for the Clippers.
Rudy Gobert has long been regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league. The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year signed a three-year, $110 million contract extension before the start of the season. Gobert spent his first nine NBA seasons with the Jazz before the Timberwolves acquired him in a trade. Last season, Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. This season, he is seeing a little dip in his performance, averaging 10.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists.
Victor Wembanyama is on the path of becoming the next face of NBA. After exceeding every expectation in his rookie year, the 21-year-old is producing video game stats this season. He has had a record-breaking season so far and has not shown any sign of slowing down. He will return to his home country this week for NBA Paris Games 2025 where Spurs will face Indiana Pacers.
