Current NBA Players from the State of Kansas (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 4 players originating from the state of Kansas.
NBA Players from Kansas
Below is a list of all 4 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gradey Dick | Wichita | Kansas | Toronto Raptors |
| Dean Wade | Wichita | Kansas | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Christian Braun | Burlington | Kansas | Denver Nuggets |
| Jabari Walker | Wichita | Kansas | Portland Trail Blazers |
Player Bios
Here is a little extra background on a couple of the standout players from the state of Kansas.
Christian Braun
Christian Braun was in Burlington, Kansas, a small town known for its close-knit community and strong high school sports culture. Braun attended Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas, where he distinguished himself as an exceptional basketball talent.
His high school career was characterized by his high-energy play, versatility, and leadership on the court, leading his team to multiple state championships. Braun chose to stay in-state for college, playing for the University of Kansas.
At Kansas, he developed into a key player, known for his shooting ability, defensive prowess, and athleticism. Braun’s journey from a small Kansas town to a major college program and then to the NBA is a testament to his hard work, skill development, and adaptability.
Dean Wade
Dean Wade was born in St. John, Kansas, a small rural community with a strong tradition in high school sports. Wade played for St. John High School, where he was a standout player, earning Kansas Mr. Basketball honors his senior year.
His high school career showcased his skill, size, and versatility, dominating the competition and leading his team to a state championship. Wade continued his basketball career at Kansas State University, where he became one of the top players in the Big 12 Conference.
Known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and basketball IQ, Wade’s transition from a small-town Kansas athlete to a pro basketball player underscores his dedication to the game and ability to excel at each level of competition.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Kansas 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 Kansas instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Kansas 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 Kansas 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.
