Current NBA Players from the State of Georgia (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 20 players originating from the state of Georgia.
NBA Players from Georgia
Below is a list of all 20 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | Atlanta | Georgia | Boston Celtics |
| Isaac Okoro | Atlanta | Georgia | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Ben Sheppard | Atlanta | Georgia | Indiana Pacers |
| Malik Beasley | Atlanta | Georgia | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Jae Crowder | Villa Rica | Georgia | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Chuma Okeke | Atlanta | Georgia | Orlando Magic |
| Kevon Harris | Ellenwood | Georgia | Orlando Magic |
| Wendell Carter Jr. | Atlanta | Georgia | Orlando Magic |
| Goga Bitadze | Sagarejo | Georgia | Orlando Magic |
| Kentavious Caldwell-Pope | Thomasto | Georgia | Denver Nuggets |
| Anthony Edwards | Atlanta | Georgia | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Scoot Henderson | Marietta | Georgia | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Malcolm Brogdon | Atlanta | Georgia | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Collin Sexton | Marietta | Georgia | Utah Jazz |
| Walker Kessler | Atlanta | Georgia | Utah Jazz |
| Brandon Boston Jr. | Norcross | Georgia | Los Angeles Clippers |
| Davion Mitchell | Hinesville | Georgia | Sacramento Kings |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | Fayetteville | Georgia | Houston Rockets |
| Kaiser Gates | Atlanta | Georgia | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Devin Vassell | Lawrenceville | Georgia | San Antonio Spurs |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background info on a few of the standout players from the state of Georgia:
Jae Crowder
Jae Crowder was born in Villa Rica, Georgia, a small town known for its rich history and close-knit community. Crowder attended Villa Rica High School, where he showcased his athletic prowess in both football and basketball.
Despite being a standout player, he was not heavily recruited out of high school. Crowder’s path to the NBA was unconventional; he played at two junior colleges before transferring to Marquette University. At Marquette, he blossomed into a star, earning Big East Player of the Year honors.
Crowder’s journey from a small Georgia town to the NBA is a story of perseverance and hard work, exemplifying his tenacity and determination to succeed against the odds.
Jaylen Brown
Jaylen Brown was born in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta known for its strong sense of community and sports culture. Brown attended Joseph Wheeler High School in Marietta, where he became one of the top high school basketball recruits in the country.
Known for his athleticism, intelligence, and defensive skills, Brown led his team to a state championship. He chose to play college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley, quickly establishing himself as a top player.
Brown’s transition from Marietta to becoming a key figure in the NBA highlights his exceptional physical tools and basketball IQ.
Anthony Edwards
Anthony Edwards was born in Atlanta, Georgia, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and sports legacy. Edwards attended Holy Spirit Preparatory School in Atlanta, where he quickly emerged as a standout basketball talent.
His high school career was marked by his explosive athleticism and scoring ability. Edwards stayed in his home state for college, playing for the University of Georgia, where he was named SEC Freshman of the Year.
His journey from Atlanta to becoming a top pick in the NBA Draft underscores his natural scoring ability, charisma, and potential to become a star in the league.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Georgia 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 Georgia instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Georgia 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 Georgia 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.
