Current NBA Players from the State of Washington (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 12 players originating from the state of Washington.
NBA Players from Washington
Below is a list of all 12 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen McDaniels | Seattle | Washington | Toronto Raptors |
| Malachi Flynn | Tacoma | Washington | Toronto Raptors |
| Zach LaVine | Renton | Washington | Chicago Bulls |
| Joe Harris | Chelan | Washington | Detroit Pistons |
| MarJon Beauchamp | Yakima | Washington | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Dejounte Murray | Seattle | Washington | Atlanta Hawks |
| Paolo Banchero | Seattle | Washington | Orlando Magic |
| Corey Kispert | Edmonds | Washington | Washington Wizards |
| Jaden McDaniels | Seattle | Washington | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Gary Payton II | Seattle | Washington | Golden State Warriors |
Player Bios
Here is a little more info on a few of the standout players from the state of Washington.
Zach LaVine
Zach LaVine, born in Renton, Washington, displayed exceptional athleticism and basketball skill at a young age. He attended Bothell High School in Washington, where he was known for his scoring and leaping ability.
LaVine’s high school career was marked by numerous accolades, including being named the 2013 Associated Press Washington State Player of the Year. He played college basketball at UCLA, where his high-flying dunks and scoring talent were on full display. LaVine declared for the NBA after his freshman year at UCLA, showcasing his confidence in his professional potential.
In the NBA, LaVine has established himself as a prolific scorer, known for his versatility in playing both the shooting guard and point guard positions.
Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero, born in Seattle, Washington, attended O’Dea High School where he stood out as a top prospect due to his size, skill, and versatility. In high school, Banchero was a dominant player, leading his team to a state championship and earning multiple player of the year honors.
He chose to play college basketball at Duke University, where he quickly became a key player. At Duke, Banchero was known for his ability to score from various positions on the floor, his rebounding strength, and his versatility as a forward.
His outstanding freshman year at Duke solidified his status as one of the top prospects in his class, becoming the number one overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Gary Payton II
Gary Payton II, the son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, was born in Seattle, Washington. He began his college basketball journey at Salt Lake Community College before transferring to Oregon State University.
At Oregon State, Payton II made a name for himself with his exceptional defensive skills, earning the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award twice. He was also a force on the offensive end, contributing significantly to the team’s scoring and playmaking.
Payton II’s professional career has been characterized by his defensive acumen, athleticism, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, following in the footsteps of his father’s storied NBA career.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Washington 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 Washington instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Washington 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 Washington 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.
