Current NBA Players from the State of Illinois (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 17 players originating from the state of Illinois.
NBA Players from Illinois
Below is a list of all 17 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Beverley | Chicago | Illinois | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Robert Covington | Bellwood | Illinois | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Javon Freeman-Liberty | Good Hope | Illinois | Toronto Raptors |
| Jevon Carter | Oak Park | Illinois | Chicago Bulls |
| Ayo Dosunmu | Chicago | Illinois | Chicago Bulls |
| Max Strus | Hickory Hills | Illinois | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Jett Howard | Chicago | Illinois | Orlando Magic |
| Patrick Baldwin | Evanston | Illinois | Washington Wizards |
| Talen Horton-Tucker | Chicago | Illinois | Utah Jazz |
| Anthony Davis | Chicago | Illinois | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Max Christie | Arlington Heights | Illinois | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Jordan Goodwin | Centreville | Illinois | Phoenix Suns |
| Richaun Holmes | Lockport | Illinois | Dallas Mavericks |
| Fred VanVleet | Rockford | Illinois | Houston Rockets |
| Derrick Rose | Chicago | Illinois | Memphis Grizzlies |
| John Konchar | West Chicago | Illinois | Memphis Grizzlies |
| E.J. Liddell | Belleville | Illinois | New Orleans Pelicans |
Player Bios
Here is a closer look at a few of the standout players from the state of Illinois:
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis, born in Chicago, Illinois, is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in basketball. He started his journey at Perspectives Charter School in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, leading him to a standout season at the University of Kentucky, where he received numerous awards and set NCAA records.
Drafted first overall in the 2012 NBA draft by the New Orleans Hornets, Davis has since become an eight-time NBA All-Star and NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his defensive prowess and scoring ability, he is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Derrick Rose
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Derrick Martell Rose emerged from the tough Englewood neighborhood to become a basketball prodigy at Simeon Career Academy. After an impressive year at the University of Memphis, Rose was drafted first overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2008.
He quickly made his mark by winning the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2009 and, at just 22, became the youngest player to be named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2011. Despite facing significant injuries throughout his career, Rose has demonstrated resilience and skill, currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet, born in Rockford, Illinois, stayed true to his roots by playing for his local Rockford AAU team, despite offers from more prominent Chicago teams. His high school commitment led him to Wichita State University, where he played a key role in the team’s resurgence, earning All-American honors and setting assist records.
Undrafted in 2016, VanVleet began his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors, contributing significantly to their 2019 NBA Championship win. Known for his leadership and scoring ability, he made his first NBA All-Star Game appearance in 2022 and currently plays for the Houston Rockets.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Illinois 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 Illinois instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Illinois 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 Illinois 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.
