These 4 NBA Players Hailed From Countries That No Longer Exist

By Peter C

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has attracted players worldwide, including many talented athletes from countries that no longer exist.

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In this article, we will look at four NBA players born in countries that have gone through significant political and geographical changes over the years.

1. Boban Marjanovic

Boban Marjanovic, born in 1998 in Zajecar, Serbia, is the last current NBA player born in the Socialist Federal Party of Yugoslavia. He is a three-time Serbian Super League MVP and has won multiple titles in various leagues around the world.

2. Bismack Biyombo

Bismack Biyombo, who was born in Zaire before it became the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1997, has played for several NBA teams since being drafted seventh overall by the Kings in 2011.

3. Bojan Bogdanovic

Bojan Bogdanovic, born in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1989, began his NBA career with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014. The 33-year-old is now a Croatian player and has represented the country in various international competitions.

4. Bogdan Bogdanovic

Bogdan Bogdanovic, born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia 1992, began his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings in 2017. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, the 30-year-old now represents Serbia, one of the six countries that emerged from Yugoslavia.

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These players have achieved great success in the NBA and their respective countries, with numerous accolades and championships under their belts. Marjanovic has played for six NBA teams, Biyombo has been a consistent presence on the court for the Suns in recent years, Bogdanovic is currently leading the Detroit Pistons in scoring, and Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a valuable role player for the Atlanta Hawks.

Despite the political changes that have occurred since their birth, these players continue to represent the cultures and legacies of their home countries. They have achieved success at the highest level of professional basketball, and their achievements serve as a testament to the talent and hard work of athletes worldwide.