Current NBA Players from the State of Tennessee (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 5 players originating from the state of Tennessee.
NBA Players from Tennessee
Below is a list of all 5 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keon Johnson | Shelbyville | Tennessee | Brooklyn Nets |
| James Wiseman | Nashville | Tennessee | Detroit Pistons |
| Cameron Payne | Memphis | Tennessee | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Garrison Mathews | Franklin | Tennessee | Atlanta Hawks |
| Brandon Miller | Nashville | Tennessee | Charlotte Hornets |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background on a couple of the standout players from the state of Tennessee.
Brandon Miller
Brandon Miller is from Antioch, Tennessee, a suburban neighborhood of Nashville known for its diverse community and sports enthusiasm.
Miller attended Cane Ridge High School in Antioch, where he stood out for his impressive skills on the basketball court. His high school career was characterized by his scoring ability, athleticism, and versatility as a forward.
Miller played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he established himself as one of the top players in the nation. In the 2023 SEC men’s basketball tournament, he was named the Most Valuable Player, averaging 20.3 points and 11 rebounds over three games.
Miller was drafted second overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft, making him one of the most exciting players in his draft class, second only to Victor Wembanyama.
Cameron Payne
Cameron Payne was born in Bartlett, Tennessee, a suburb of Memphis known for its strong sense of community and passion for sports. Payne attended Lausanne Collegiate School in Memphis, where he developed his skills as a basketball player.
Despite being lightly recruited out of high school, Payne’s talent and potential were evident. He played college basketball at Murray State University in Kentucky, where he quickly emerged as a top player, known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Payne’s journey from Bartlett to becoming a notable player in the NBA underscores his development as a dynamic guard, his perseverance, and the impact of the supportive basketball culture of Tennessee.
James Wiseman
James Wiseman, born in Nashville, Tennessee, grew up in a city renowned for its musical heritage and burgeoning sports scene. Wiseman moved to Memphis during his high school years, attending East High School, where he was coached by former NBA player Penny Hardaway.
His high school career was marked by his dominant presence as a center, showcasing his athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and skill around the rim. Wiseman played college basketball briefly at the University of Memphis, displaying his potential as a top-tier talent.
His path from Nashville to the NBA, where he was a high draft pick, highlights his exceptional physical attributes and potential to be a major impact player in the league.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Tennessee 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 Tennessee instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.
