The landscape of the NBA is changing and international players are leading the way. With international stars winning three MVPs in the last five years, the talent pool outside of the U.S. is full of potential. This season, several international players are vying for first-team All-NBA honors.

Tradition of Excellence:

Before we get to the current contenders, let's recognize the legends who paved the way. Nigerian giant Hakeem Olajuwon leads the pack with six All-NBA First Team selections, followed closely by Giannis Antetokounmpo's five. Dirk Nowitzki from Germany is third with four selections, showing the global reach of basketball greatness.

Top five contenders

5. Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks): The legendary Slovenian star continues to amaze with his outstanding talent. Already a Best XI selection last year, Doncic is currently averaging 33.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 9.4 assists per game and is a strong contender for another Best XI selection.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks): The "Greek Freak" has taken the Bucks to a top-three spot in the East. He put together a dominant performance, averaging 30.9 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game with only one game of turnovers, making him a force to be reckoned with.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder): The Canadian star has been instrumental in the Thunder's surprising success, averaging 31.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game in SGA, and a league-leading 2.6 steals per game, which set the stage for his inclusion in the NBA's Best XI and Best Defensive XI.

2. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets): The reigning Finals MVP is back. Jokic is averaging 25.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game and has posted 11 triple-doubles, making him a threat in every statistical category.

1. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers): Embiid is putting on a scoring show, averaging a league-leading 34.8 points per game for the third straight season. He's also averaging 11.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game. A five-time All-Star, Embiid is eager for his second first-team selection.

International Dominance:

This season will be an exciting testament to the depth and talent of the international talent pool. With these five players vying for a spot on the All-Star starting lineup, one thing is certain: the NBA's global reach will continue to exist and the future of basketball will be bright.