Current NBA Players from the State of Louisiana (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 11 players originating from the state of Louisiana.
NBA Players from Louisiana
Below is a list of all 11 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Oubre Jr. | New Orleans | Louisiana | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Garrett Temple | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | Toronto Raptors |
| Thaddeus Young | New Orleans | Louisiana | Toronto Raptors |
| Damian Jones | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Amari Bailey | New Orleans | Louisiana | Charlotte Hornets |
| Jared Butler | Reserve | Louisiana | Washington Wizards |
| Skylar Mays | Baton Rouge | Louisiana | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Robert Williams III | Shreveport | Louisiana | Portland Trail Blazers |
| De’Aaron Fox | New Orleans | Louisiana | Sacramento Kings |
| Dexter Dennis | Baker | Louisiana | Dallas Mavericks |
| Aaron Holiday | Ruston | Louisiana | Houston Rockets |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background on a few of the standout players from Louisiana.
Thaddeus Young
Thaddeus Young was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city known for its vibrant culture and sports enthusiasm. Young attended Mitchell High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was recognized as one of the country’s top high school basketball players.
His high school career highlighted his versatility and efficiency, leading him to be highly recruited by several top college programs. Young chose to play at Georgia Tech, where he was known for his athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive skills.
His path from New Orleans to the NBA underscores his adaptability and commitment to refining his all-around game.
Robert Williams III
Robert Williams III was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, a city with a strong sense of community and a growing sports culture. He attended North Caddo High School in Vivian, Louisiana, where he stood out for his athletic ability, particularly his shot-blocking and dunking.
Williams’ high school career was marked by his dominance on the defensive end and his ability to impact games with his rebounding and athleticism. He played college basketball at Texas A&M University, where he was recognized for his defensive prowess and energy on the court.
Williams’ progression from Louisiana to a standout player in the NBA highlights his development as a defensive anchor and an exciting rim protector.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Louisiana 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 Louisiana instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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.
