Current NBA Players from the Country of New Zealand (2023-2024)
Basketball players, and indeed competitors across all athletic fields, carry a badge of honor for their birthplaces. It could be their home state, the neighborhood they grew up in, or the area code they associate with; there’s always a noticeable desire to represent one’s beginnings.
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.
Bearing this in mind, we scoured through NBA.com 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 1 player originating from the country of New Zealand.
NBA Players from New Zealand
Below is a “list” of the one player on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometown and the respective team they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Adams | Rotorua | New Zealand | Memphis Grizzlies |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background info on the lone player representing New Zealand.
Steven Adams
Hometown: Rotorua, New Zealand
Steven Adams, from Rotorua, New Zealand, has become a notable center in the NBA. Adams’ journey in basketball began at Scots College in Wellington, New Zealand, followed by a move to the United States where he attended Notre Dame Preparatory School in Massachusetts.
He played college basketball at the University of Pittsburgh before being selected 12th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Known for his physical presence, rebounding ability, and defensive skills, Adams has been a key interior player for teams like the Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, and Memphis Grizzlies.
His strength and toughness in the paint, combined with his screen-setting and efficient scoring around the rim, make him a valuable asset to any team’s frontcourt.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town New Zealand to the gleaming hardwood of NBA arenas, these players carry with them a piece of their home country, a testament to the talent and determination that New Zealand instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of New Zealand 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 country.
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 New Zealand 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.
