Current NBA Players from the State of Oregon (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 6 players originating from the state of Oregon.
NBA Players from Oregon
Below is a list of all 6 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payton Pritchard | Tualatin | Oregon | Boston Celtics |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | Eugene | Oregon | New York Knicks |
| Stanley Umude | Portland | Oregon | Detroit Pistons |
| Cole Anthony | Portland | Oregon | Orlando Magic |
| Jerami Grant | Portland | Oregon | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Domantas Sabonis | Portland | Oregon | Sacramento Kings |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background info on a few of the standout players from the state of Oregon.
Payton Pritchard
Payton Pritchard was born in West Linn, Oregon, a suburb of Portland known for its strong community and sports programs. Pritchard attended West Linn High School, where he was a standout basketball player, leading his team to four consecutive state championships.
His high school career was marked by his leadership, scoring ability, and high basketball IQ. Pritchard played college basketball at the University of Oregon, where he became one of the top guards in the nation, known for his clutch performances and playmaking skills.
His journey from West Linn to the NBA highlights his development as a reliable and skilled guard, embodying the competitive spirit of Oregon basketball.
Cole Anthony
Cole Anthony was born in New York City, a metropolis known for its intense basketball culture and history. Anthony attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, New York, and later transferred to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, a renowned program for high school basketball.
His high school career showcased his explosive scoring ability and athleticism. Anthony played college basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he quickly established himself as a top point guard prospect.
His path from the basketball courts of New York City to the NBA underscores his dynamic playmaking ability, scoring talent, and the influence of New York’s rich basketball environment.
Jerami Grant
Jerami Grant was born in Portland, Oregon, a city known for its strong basketball community and rich sports culture. Grant attended DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, a powerhouse in high school basketball, where he developed into a highly regarded prospect.
His high school career was marked by his athleticism, versatility, and defensive prowess. Grant played college basketball at Syracuse University, where he showcased his abilities as a forward, known for his length, defensive skills, and evolving offensive game.
His journey from Portland to Syracuse and then to the NBA highlights his growth as a player, known for his defensive versatility, scoring ability, and strong work ethic, making him a valuable asset in the league.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Oregon 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 Oregon instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Oregon 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 Oregon 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.
