Current NBA Players from the State of Colorado (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 your state lines or even 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 2 players originating from the state of Colorado.
NBA Players from Colorado
Below is a list of both players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick White | Parker | Colorado | Boston Celtics |
| Jalen Williams | Denver | Colorado | Oklahoma City Thunder |
Player Bios
Here is a little more info on the two players from the state of Colorado.
Derrick White
Derrick White, born in Parker, Colorado, demonstrated his basketball prowess early in his career. He began playing college basketball at the Division II level with the UCCS Mountain Lions, where his skills and leadership on the court quickly became apparent.
After three successful years, White transferred to the University of Colorado, Boulder, to play for the Buffaloes in Division I. His time at Colorado was marked by significant development, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility as a guard.
This impressive collegiate journey led to his selection as the 29th overall pick in the NBA Draft. In the NBA, White has established himself as a key player, playing primarily as a shooting guard and point guard, and is particularly known for his defensive capabilities.
Jalen Williams
Jalen Williams, a Denver, Colorado native, carved out an impressive path in college basketball at Santa Clara University. In his final season, Williams’ performance soared, earning him a spot on the WCC All-Conference First Team.
He averaged 18.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, transforming into a go-to player for his team. Williams’ college career was distinguished by his scoring prowess and his ability to play multiple roles on the court, showcasing both versatility and basketball intelligence.
Standing at 6’5″, his size and skill set have made a smooth transition to the professional level, where he continues to adapt and showcase his potential in the NBA.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Colorado 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 Colorado instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Colorado 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 Colorado 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.
