The NBA has seen a surge of international stars in recent years, with the last six MVP awards being claimed by players outside the United States.
Players like Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo have also led their teams to championships in the past three years but both are out of the playoffs before the Conference Finals, and a number of other international names have a chance to impress.
Jokic was left crestfallen after his Denver Nuggets were knocked out of the NBA playoffs, ending their hopes of defending the title they won last year, despite him bagging his third regular season MVP following a stellar 2023/24 season.
The Nuggets, who were favourites to emerge from the Western Conference, shockingly squandered a 20-point lead in the third quarter of their Game Seven against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Here's a look at four names who could put their name up in lights as the NBA season heads towards it's finale.
Man fined £165 after outraging the internet by dying puppy to look like PikachuREAD MORE: Netflix to show NFL games after Roger Goodell goes back on his word
EXCLUSIVE: NBA's Avengers come to London as USA face world champions Germany in Olympics warmup
Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks)
Doncic has been instrumental in the Mavericks unexpectedly successful campaign, especially after they missed out on the playoffs last season. Despite battling injuries, the Slovenian, who averages 33 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, continues to orchestrate their offense brilliantly alongside Kyrie Irving.
The Mavericks, considered underdogs, are heading into their games with the Timberwolves, marking Doncic's first-ever Western Conference Finals.
Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Gobert has now bagged the Defensive Player of the Year title in four different seasons, further cementing his reputation as the best defensive big man in NBA history.
The Frenchman was traded to the Timberwolves for a massive package, including five players and two first-round picks. Initially seen as a desperate move by the team, it now appears to be a clever strategy - with the Timberwolves maximising the offensive talents of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns while Gobert handles the defensive duties.
Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers)
The Pacers' decision to trade for Siakam seemed a bit odd at the time, adding the talented wing to a team being rebuilt around superstar point guard Tyrese Haliburton.
However, Siakam immediately made a significant impact on the team, spearheading their charge to the playoffs before defeating both the third seed Milwaukee Bucks and second seed New York Knicks to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Since joining at the trade deadline, the Cameroonian has been the Pacers' top scorer and will be crucial to any hope against the top-seeded Boston Celtics.
Kristaps Porzingis (Boston Celtics)
The Celtics made several moves this offseason, with perhaps the most high-profile being the biggest and riskiest. Porzingis has had a career plagued by injuries.
NFL ace copies Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration days after star rejected MLS moveHaving previously played for struggling teams in Dallas, New York and Washington, Porzingis joined a well-stacked Celtics team as the third or fourth scoring option. However, he quickly became one of the key scorers on the team, with his height and three-point shooting skills creating opportunities for teammates like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday.
Porzingis has been absent from the last two series but is anticipated to return for the Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics are currently the strong favourites to secure their first championship since 2008.