Current NBA Players from the State of Florida (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 15 players originating from the state of Florida.
NBA Players from Florida
Below is a list of all 15 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Robinson | Pensacola | Florida | New York Knicks |
| Paul Reed | Orlando | Florida | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Killian Hayes | Lakeland | Florida | Detroit Pistons |
| Josh Minott | Boca Raton | Florida | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Anfernee Simons | Altamonte Springs | Florida | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Jordan Clarkson | Tampa | Florida | Utah Jazz |
| Taylor Hendricks | Deerfield Beach | Florida | Utah Jazz |
| Brice Sensabaugh | Wilton Manors | Florida | Utah Jazz |
| Colin Castleton | Pembroke Pines | Florida | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Alex Fudge | Lauderhill | Florida | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Grayson Allen | Jacksonville | Florida | Phoenix Suns |
| Nassir Little | Pensacola | Florida | Phoenix Suns |
| Keon Ellis | Eustis | Florida | Sacramento Kings |
| Scottie Barnes | West Palm Beach | Florida | Toronto Raptors |
| Tre Mann | Gainesville | Florida | Oklahoma City Thunder |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background info on a few of the standout players from the state of Florida:
Anfernee Simons
Anfernee Simons was born in Altamonte Springs, Florida, a suburban city known for its serene parks and community-oriented lifestyle. Simons attended Edgewater High School in Orlando and later transferred to IMG Academy, a top sports training facility in Bradenton, Florida.
His high school career showcased his scoring ability and athleticism, making him one of the top guard prospects in the nation. Instead of playing college basketball, Simons took a unique path by entering the NBA Draft directly from prep school, a testament to his confidence and skill level.
His journey from Altamonte Springs to becoming a promising young player in the NBA highlights his adaptability, scoring talent, and dedication to the game.
Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes, born in West Palm Beach, Florida, grew up in a city known for its vibrant culture and athletic talent. He attended Cardinal Newman High School before transferring to Montverde Academy, a premier basketball program in Florida.
Barnes’ high school career was distinguished by his exceptional versatility, defensive skills, and leadership. He played college basketball at Florida State University, where he was known for his all-around game and impact on both ends of the court.
Barnes’ path from West Palm Beach to becoming a versatile and impactful player in the NBA reflects his comprehensive skill set, competitive spirit, and strong work ethic.
Grayson Allen
Grayson Allen was born in Jacksonville, Florida, a city with a strong sports tradition and community focus. Allen attended Providence School in Jacksonville, where he became a highly regarded basketball recruit, known for his shooting ability and athleticism.
His high school career was highlighted by winning a state championship and earning numerous individual accolades. Allen played college basketball at Duke University, where he was part of a national championship team and became known for his scoring ability and competitive nature.
His journey from Jacksonville to the NBA underscores his development as a sharpshooter and a player who can contribute significantly in high-pressure situations.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Florida 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 Florida instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Florida 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 Florida 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.
