Current NBA Players from the State of Ohio (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 14 players originating from the state of Ohio.
NBA Players from Ohio
Below is a list of all 14 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles McBride | Cincinnati | Ohio | New York Knicks |
| Gary Trent Jr. | Columbus | Ohio | Toronto Raptors |
| Chris Livingston | Akron | Ohio | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Terry Rozier | Youngstown | Ohio | Charlotte Hornets |
| Micah Potter | Mentor | Ohio | Utah Jazz |
| Stephen Curry | Akron | Ohio | Golden State Warriors |
| LeBron James | Akron | Ohio | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Jae’Sean Tate | Toledo | Ohio | Houston Rockets |
| Vince Williams Jr. | Toledo | Ohio | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Luke Kennard | Middletown | Ohio | Memphis Grizzlies |
| CJ McCollum | Canton | Ohio | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Larry Nance Jr. | Cleveland | Ohio | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Malaki Branham | Columbus | Ohio | San Antonio Spurs |
| Caris LeVert | Columbus | Ohio | Cleveland Cavaliers |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background info on a few of the standout players from the state of Ohio, including one NBA legend who was born in Ohio but may not necessarily consider it his “hometown state”.
LeBron James
LeBron James was born in Akron, Ohio, a city known for its industrial history and strong community ties. James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, where he became a national basketball phenomenon, known for his extraordinary athleticism, basketball IQ, and versatility.
His high school career was highlighted by multiple state championships and national recognition, drawing comparisons to some of the greatest players in basketball history. LeBron skipped college basketball and entered the NBA directly from high school, quickly establishing himself as one of the best players in the league.
His journey from Akron to becoming an NBA legend is a story of talent, hard work, and a deep commitment to his community.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry was born in Akron, Ohio, but grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, a city with a rich basketball culture. Curry attended Charlotte Christian School, where he developed a reputation as a sharpshooter with incredible range.
Despite his high school success, Curry was not heavily recruited by major college basketball programs and chose to attend Davidson College. At Davidson, he became a national star, leading his team on a memorable NCAA tournament run.
Curry’s path to the NBA, where he revolutionized the game with his shooting ability, underscores his skill development, determination, and impact on the sport of basketball.
CJ McCollum
CJ McCollum was born in Canton, Ohio, a city known for its rich sports history and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. McCollum attended GlenOak High School in Canton, where he displayed his scoring ability and basketball intelligence.
Despite being undersized and lightly recruited, McCollum chose to play college basketball at Lehigh University. At Lehigh, he gained national attention by leading his team to a historic upset in the NCAA tournament.
McCollum’s journey from Canton to becoming a prominent NBA player is marked by his scoring talent, work ethic, and ability to overcome obstacles, showcasing the perseverance and dedication needed to succeed at the highest levels of basketball.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Ohio 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 Ohio instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Ohio 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 Ohio 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.
