Current NBA Players from the State of Minnesota (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 10 players originating from the state of Minnesota.
NBA Players from Minnesota
Below is a list of all 10 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jericho Sims | Minneapolis | Minnesota | New York Knicks |
| Kendall Brown | Cottage Grove | Minnesota | Indiana Pacers |
| Jalen Suggs | Saint Paul | Minnesota | Orlando Magic |
| Tyus Jones | Burnsville | Minnesota | Washington Wizards |
| Mike Muscala | St. Louis Park | Minnesota | Washington Wizards |
| Zeke Nnaji | Minneapolis | Minnesota | Denver Nuggets |
| Chet Holmgren | Minneapolis | Minnesota | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Amir Coffey | Hopkins | Minnesota | Los Angeles Clippers |
| David Roddy | Minneapolis | Minnesota | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Tre Jones | Apple Valley | Minnesota | San Antonio Spurs |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background on a few of the standout players from the state of Minnesota:
Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, grew up in a city known for its rich basketball history and vibrant arts scene. He attended Minnehaha Academy, where he quickly became a national high school basketball sensation.
His high school career was distinguished by numerous achievements, including being ranked as a top prospect in his class nationally. Holmgren’s playing style is marked by his exceptional height, agility, and skill set, which includes shot-blocking, three-point shooting, and ball-handling.
He chose to play college basketball at Gonzaga University, where he continued to showcase his unique talents. Holmgren’s journey from the competitive basketball environment of Minneapolis to the national stage is a testament to his hard work and extraordinary talent.
Tyus Jones
Born in Apple Valley, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis known for its strong community and sports programs, Tyus Jones emerged as a basketball prodigy at an early age. He played for Apple Valley High School, leading the team to a state championship and earning numerous accolades, including Minnesota Mr. Basketball.
Jones’s high school career was marked by his exceptional playmaking and leadership skills. He went on to play college basketball at Duke University, where he played a key role in winning an NCAA championship.
Jones’ journey from Apple Valley to the NBA is marked by his consistent performance as a reliable and skilled point guard.
Mike Muscala
Mike Muscala, born in Roseville, Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities known for its strong educational system and community involvement in sports, began his basketball journey at Roseville Area High School.
He developed into a standout player, known for his scoring ability and versatility on the court. Muscala chose to attend Bucknell University, where he had a stellar college career, becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder.
His transition from Roseville to a successful college career and then to the NBA highlights his development as a player, characterized by his shooting skills and basketball IQ.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Minnesota 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 Minnesota instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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.
