Current NBA Players from the State of Missouri (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 9 players originating from the state of Missouri.
NBA Players from Missouri
Below is a list of all 9 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | St. Louis | Missouri | Boston Celtics |
| Otto Porter Jr. | St. Louis | Missouri | Toronto Raptors |
| Alec Burks | Grandview | Missouri | Detroit Pistons |
| Landry Shamet | Kansas City | Missouri | Washington Wizards |
| Michael Porter Jr. | Columbia | Missouri | Denver Nuggets |
| Ish Wainright | Kansas City | Missouri | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Bradley Beal | St. Louis | Missouri | Phoenix Suns |
| Saben Lee | St. Louis | Missouri | Phoenix Suns |
| Jacob Gilyard | Kansas City | Missouri | Memphis Grizzlies |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background on a few of the standout players from the state of Missouri:
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum was born in St. Louis, Missouri, a city with a rich sporting tradition and a strong sense of community pride. Tatum attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, where he emerged as one of the top high school basketball players in the country.
His high school career was highlighted by his scoring ability, basketball IQ, and versatility on the court. Tatum played college basketball at Duke University, quickly establishing himself as a top player in the nation.
His transition from the storied basketball culture of St. Louis to becoming an elite player in the NBA underscores his exceptional skill, work ethic, and dedication to the game.
Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal, born in St. Louis, Missouri, grew up in a city known for its deep-rooted love for sports and strong community bonds. Beal attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, the same high school as Jayson Tatum, where he was recognized as one of the nation’s top high school basketball players.
Beal’s high school career was marked by his exceptional shooting skills and overall basketball acumen. He went on to play at the University of Florida, where he continued to impress with his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Beal’s journey from St. Louis to becoming a prominent figure in the NBA is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to perform at the highest levels.
Otto Porter Jr.
Otto Porter Jr., born in St. Louis, Missouri, hails from a city with a rich heritage in sports and a supportive community for young athletes. Porter attended Scott County Central High School in Sikeston, Missouri, where he led his team to three straight state championships.
His high school career showcased his versatility and efficiency on the basketball court. Porter chose to play college basketball at Georgetown University, where he was known for his all-around game, particularly his defensive prowess and scoring efficiency.
Porter’s path from the competitive basketball scene of Missouri to the NBA highlights his steady development and adaptability as a player.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Missouri 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 Missouri instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Missouri 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 Missouri 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.
