Šarūnas Marčiulionis was one of the first players from the Soviet Union to play in the NBA. Though not as decorated in EuroLeague as others on this list, his time with Statyba Vilnius and his international performances made him a household name.
Joining the Golden State Warriors in 1989, Marčiulionis became an instant fan favorite. Known for his aggressive drives to the basket and tough defense, he averaged double-digit scoring for much of his career.
Marčiulionis helped break political barriers, proving European guards could thrive in the NBA. He later became a key figure in Lithuania’s basketball renaissance post-independence.
Joining the Golden State Warriors in 1989, Marčiulionis became an instant fan favorite. Known for his aggressive drives to the basket and tough defense, he averaged double-digit scoring for much of his career.
Marčiulionis helped break political barriers, proving European guards could thrive in the NBA. He later became a key figure in Lithuania’s basketball renaissance post-independence.