Current NBA Players from Italy (2023-2024)
Basketball players carry a badge of honor for their birthplaces and Italy is no different.
The same holds true for the fan base. There’s an added thrill in supporting a player who shares the same local stomping grounds, especially when that athlete plays for the team you root for above all others.
We scoured through NBA.com rosters to extract the home states or, in some instances, the home countries of every player listed on the active rosters of each team.
Our findings included 3 players originating from the country of Italy.
NBA Players from Italy
Below is a list of all 3 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danilo Gallinari | Sant’Angelo Lodigiano | Italy | Washington Wizards |
| Reggie Jackson | Pordenone | Italy | Denver Nuggets |
| Simone Fontecchio | Pescara | Italy | Utah Jazz |
Player Bios
Here is a little more info on the players representing Italy in the NBA.
Danilo Gallinari
Hometown: Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy
Danilo Gallinari, from Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy, has established himself as a skilled forward in the NBA. Gallinari began his professional career in Italy, playing for teams like Olimpia Milano, before being drafted 6th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
Known for his scoring ability, particularly his three-point shooting and proficiency at the free-throw line, Gallinari has been a valuable offensive player for teams like the Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Atlanta Hawks.
His versatility to play both small forward and power forward positions, combined with his size and scoring touch, has made him a consistent contributor in the league.
Reggie Jackson
Hometown: Pordenone, Italy / Colorado Springs, Colorado
Reggie Jackson was born in Pordenone, Italy to American parents (Jackson’s father served in the Air Force). He and his family moved back to the US when he was 5 and eventually settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Jackson played high school basketball at General William J. Palmer High School in Colorado Springs and college basketball at Boston College. He was selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jackson is known for his scoring ability, playmaking skills, and clutch performances.
He has played significant roles for teams like the Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Clippers, where his ability to create shots for himself and others has been crucial, especially in key game situations.
Simone Fontecchio
Hometown: Pescara, Italy
Simone Fontecchio, hailing from Pescara, Italy, is a rising talent in the NBA, primarily playing as a forward. Fontecchio developed his skills in Italy, playing for clubs such as Virtus Bologna, and gained recognition for his performances in the Italian league and EuroCup. His professional journey includes representing the Italian national team in international competitions, showcasing his shooting ability and versatility on the court. Fontecchio’s entry into the NBA marks a new chapter in his career, where he brings a combination of size, scoring capability, and European basketball experience, positioning him as an intriguing international prospect in the league.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Italy to the gleaming hardwood of NBA arenas, these players carry with them a piece of their home state, a testament to the talent and determination that Italy instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Italy continues to shine on the national stage. To the fans back home, these players are more than just athletes; they are local heroes, each with a story that resonates with the dreams of young ballers across the state.
As the season unfolds, we will watch their stories develop further, cheering for not only the skills they display but also the communities they represent. The spirit of Italy basketball is alive and well in the NBA, and perhaps, in the cheers of the crowd, the players can hear a little bit of home calling back to them.
