Current NBA Players from the State of Pennsylvania (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 17 players originating from the state of Pennsylvania.
NBA Players from Pennsylvania
Below is a list of all 17 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamar Stevens | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Boston Celtics |
| Mikal Bridges | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Brooklyn Nets |
| Cameron Johnson | Moon Township | Pennsylvania | Brooklyn Nets |
| Lonnie Walker IV | Reading | Pennsylvania | Brooklyn Nets |
| Charlie Brown Jr. | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | New York Knicks |
| Ryan Arcidiacono | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | New York Knicks |
| Marcus Morris Sr. | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Philadelphia 76ers |
| T.J. McConnell | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | Indiana Pacers |
| De’Andre Hunter | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Atlanta Hawks |
| Kyle Lowry | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Miami Heat |
| Collin Gillespie | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Denver Nuggets |
| Jalen Hood-Schifino | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Cam Reddish | Norristown | Pennsylvania | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Dereck Lively II | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Dallas Mavericks |
| Derrick Jones Jr. | Chester | Pennsylvania | Dallas Mavericks |
| Markieff Morris | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Dallas Mavericks |
| Jalen Duren | Sharon Hill | Pennsylvania | Detroit Pistons |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background on a few of the standout players from the state of Pennsylvania.
Cam Reddish
Cam Reddish was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia known for its rich sports culture. Reddish attended The Haverford School and later Westtown School in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where he established himself as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation.
Known for his smooth shooting stroke, athleticism, and versatility, Reddish’s high school career was marked by numerous accolades and a high national ranking. He played college basketball at Duke University, where he was part of a star-studded lineup.
Reddish’s journey from Pennsylvania to becoming a first-round pick in the NBA Draft highlights his talent, potential, and the basketball legacy of the Philadelphia area.
Kyle Lowry
Kyle Lowry was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city with a storied basketball history and passionate fan base. Lowry attended Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia, where he was known for his tenacity, leadership, and playmaking abilities.
His high school career paved the way for his selection to Villanova University, a local college with a strong basketball program. At Villanova, Lowry’s gritty and determined play style was further honed.
His path from the courts of Philadelphia to becoming a six-time NBA All-Star and NBA champion is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and dedication to the game.
TJ McConnell
TJ McConnell was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city known for its rich sports tradition and blue-collar work ethic. McConnell attended Chartiers Valley High School in Bridgeville, near Pittsburgh, where he was a standout basketball player, known for his leadership and basketball IQ.
He began his college career at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh before transferring to the University of Arizona, where he made a significant impact as a point guard.
McConnell’s journey from Pittsburgh to the NBA, where he’s known for his hustle, defensive ability, and playmaking, reflects the gritty and determined spirit of his hometown, combined with his own hard work and perseverance in the sport.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.
