Current NBA Players from Spain (2023-2024)
Basketball players carry a badge of honor for their birthplaces and Spain 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 Spain.
NBA Players from Spain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ricky Rubio | El Masnou | Spain | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Santi Aldama | Las Palmas | Spain | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Usman Garuba | Madrid | Spain | Golden State Warriors |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background info on the players from Spain playing in the NBA.
Ricky Rubio
Hometown: El Masnou, Spain
Ricky Rubio, from El Masnou, Spain, has established himself as a skilled point guard in the NBA. Rubio’s professional career began in Spain, where he played for DKV Joventut and FC Barcelona before entering the NBA.
Drafted 5th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rubio has been known for his exceptional passing, court vision, and defensive abilities. His NBA career includes stints with the Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rubio has been praised for his ability to facilitate offense, contribute in steals, and provide leadership on and off the court, making him a valuable playmaker and veteran presence.
Santi Aldama
Hometown: Las Palmas, Spain
Santi Aldama, hailing from Las Palmas, Spain, has begun to make his mark in the NBA as a forward. Aldama’s basketball journey started in Spain before moving to the United States to play college basketball at Loyola University Maryland.
Selected 30th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, Aldama is known for his versatility, shooting ability, and size as a forward.
His transition to the NBA is still in its early stages, but Aldama has shown potential with his ability to stretch the floor, rebound, and contribute on both ends of the court, showcasing the skills that made him a standout in college.
Usman Garuba
Hometown: Azuqueca de Henares, Spain
Usman Garuba, originating from Azuqueca de Henares, Spain, has emerged as a promising young forward/center in the NBA. Garuba developed his game in Spain, playing for Real Madrid’s basketball team, where he gained recognition for his defensive prowess and rebounding.
Drafted 23rd overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, Garuba is known for his defensive versatility, ability to guard multiple positions, and potential as a rim protector.
While his offensive game is still developing, Garuba’s impact on the defensive end and his high basketball IQ have positioned him as a valuable prospect for the Rockets’ rebuilding efforts.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Spain 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 Spain instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Spain 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 Spain 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.
