Q: Who would be in your Top 10 of NBA players that came from European leagues and where do you think the Raptors rookie might fit in the list?

David S, Toronto

A: I’m guessing you’re talking solely about guys who played in European leagues or who were born there, right? Not fully „international” players? That leaves out Olajuwon, Mutombo and Yao, right? Or even Nash?

Anyway, in no particular order, I’d say a Top 10 of Dirk Nowitzki, Dražen Petrovic, Arvydas Sabonis, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Peja Stojakovic, Vlade Divac, Sarunas Marciulionis, Toni Kukoc, Detlef Schrempf we’d be okay, right?

Valanciunas? Why don’t we let him at least take part in one NBA practice a year from now before we start thinking about that? Heck, why don’t we let him turn 20 first? He might be No. 1, he might be No. 1,001.

Deal?

http://thestar.blogs.com/raptors/2011/09/the-start-of-the-weekend-mail-includes-an-old-ditty.html