In the NBA today, there is impressive talent that transcends race or ethnicity. A number of exceptional white players currently showcase tremendous skill and ability in 2024 that rivals their peers of any background. Let’s examine some current, emerging, legendary, and even international white players in the NBA who demonstrate phenomenal prowess on the court.
Current White NBA Players 2024
The NBA has seen an influx of international talent in recent years, including some very skilled white players from Europe and abroad. Here are some of the most prominent current white NBA stars in 2024 making their mark:
Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic is undoubtedly the best current white player in the NBA today. The 28-year old Serbian won his second straight MVP award in 2023, averaging a triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists per game. Standing at 6’11” and 284 lbs, Jokic uses his incredible footwork, passing, shooting, and high basketball IQ to systematically pick apart defenses.
Jokic carries Denver with his versatile inside-outside offensive game. He shot 58% from the field and 34% from three last season, while breaking the record for most triple doubles in a season with 19. His elite scoring, rebounding, and distribution make him an undisputed top 5 player in the league right now. Many predict he will go on to become the greatest international NBA player ever.
Luka Doncic
Luka Doncic, alongside reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, represents the very best white basketball players in 2024. Just 23 years old, the Dallas Mavericks’ Slovenian phenom Doncic already has 3 All-NBA First Team selections after only 4 years in the league. He finished 5th in MVP voting last season, averaging 28.4 points, 9 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game while leading Dallas to the Western Conference Finals.
Doncic possesses the entire offensive package as a primary shot creator and distributor, able to break down defenders at all levels. His size at 6’7” and 230 lbs allows him to shoot or pass over smaller defenders or post up others. Doncic shoots 46% from the floor, 35% from three and 75% free throw, while his tricky handles and deceleration dribbles produce space anytime. With Dirk Nowitzki retired, Doncic now carries the torch as Dallas’ next legendary European talent.
Gordon Hayward
A versatile 6’7” small forward, Gordon Hayward is currently enjoying new life with the Charlotte Hornets after recovering from injuries. Coming from Butler University as the #9 overall pick in 2010, Hayward became an All-Star with the Utah Jazz. He signed with Boston three years ago before a series of unlucky injuries derailed his time there.
Now Hayward appears rejuvenated at age 32, averaging nearly 17 points per game last season on 45% field goal shooting and 39% from downtown. A talented shot creator and secondary distributor, Hayward utilizes his size, footwork and basketball game and IQ to manipulate defenses with patience and precision. Charlotte hopes for his veteran production to continue leading their young nucleus.
Joe Ingles
33-year old wing Joe Ingles has been a staple of the Utah Jazz for eight seasons with his heady, selfless style of play. While he only averaged about 7 points per game last season, Ingles shot a scintillating 45% from three point range in his career on high volume as an elite spot-up shooter.
His Basketball IQ, passing ability, positional size and sneaky athleticism make Ingles a versatile role player who contributes across all facets of the game. While not a primary scoring threat anymore, his perimeter shot-making, distribution skills and defensive positioning makes him a valuable rotational piece for Utah.
White NBA Players Current 2024 List
Beyond MVP Nikola Jokic and rising superstar Luka Doncic, additional white basketball players make important impacts around the NBA currently in 2024:
- Gordon Hayward – Versatile veteran forward producing for Charlotte
- Joe Ingles – Utah’s long-range sharpshooter and heady team player
- Alex Caruso – Gritty defensive guard energizer for the Lakers
- Joe Harris – Brooklyn’s elite three point specialist
- Duncan Robinson – Miami’s undrafted long-range shooter
- Jonas Valanciunas – Veteran center with size and post scoring for Memphis
- Tyler Herro – Clutch versatile shooting guard on the rise for Miami
And the list goes on. The common thread between these great white players is overall fundamentals and basketball IQ – the ability to manipulate defenses through skill and nuance versus pure explosive athleticism. Combined with the influx of international talent, we’re seeing white NBA players maximize their strengths within team systems incredibly well.
All-Star White NBA Players
While reigning back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic is clearly the class of all current white NBA stars, Luka Doncic also establishes himself squarely as a face of the league moving forward. Just 23 years old, Doncic already has 3 All-Star selections and an All-NBA First Team selection under his belt. His unlimited offensive arsenal makes him a triple-double threat every night for the Dallas Mavericks.
Other prominent white players like Gordon Hayward and Jonas Valanciunas have been past All-Stars as well. Hayward averaged over 20 points per game during his 2017 All-Star campaign with Utah. Memphis big man Valanciunas was an All-Star in 2019, continuing his solid production of interior scoring and rebounding currently.
Joe Ingles also plays a pseudo All-Star role for Utah as a versatile wings who contributes across the board despite a lack of flashy numbers or athletic prowess. His incredible three point shooting at high volumes paired with heady decision-making make him an impact player.
Rising Stars in the NBA: White Players on the Horizon
Beyond current stardom, a slew of promising young white talent has entered and continues entering the NBA games through recent drafts:
Lauri Markkanen – The 24 year old Finnish power forward had his best season yet for Cleveland last year, averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds per game. His size at 7 feet tall, shooting ability and offensive footwork provide nice upside.
Luke Kennard – Just 26 years old, Kennard’s elite outside shooting already makes him a valuable floor spacer for the Clippers. He shot 45% from three last season on good volume.
Bones Hyland – An electric 22 year old rookie guard for Denver, Hyland averaged 10 points in just 19 minutes per game by shooting 40% from three and exhibiting flashy ball-handling and shot creation skills. Could become a Sixth Man of the Year candidate soon off Denver’s bench.
Kevin Huerter – Traded to Sacramento, the 24 year old Huerter continues trending upward as a 3-and-D wing, knocking down 39% of this threes last season.
With the NBA featuring more European presence lately, emerging white talent highlights developing foundations of versatile size, shooting ability and finesse footwork. These young players carry potential to maintain skilled reputations built by current white stars like Jokic, Doncic and others.
International White NBA Players
The NBA features players from teams all over the world. In addition to current European stars Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic and others highlighted earlier, white international talent continues trickling into the NBA from places like:
Australia – Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Aron Baynes
Croatia – Bojan Bogdanovic, Ivica Zubac, Dario Saric
France – Evan Fournier, Rudy Gobert
Germany – Maxi Kleber, Moritz Wagner, Isaiah Hartenstein
Latvia – Kristaps Porzingis, Davis Bertans
Lithuania – Jonas Valanciunas, Domantas Sabonis, Ignas Brazdeikis
New Zealand – Steven Adams
Serbia – Nikola Jokic, Nemanja Bjelica, Boban Marjanovic
Slovakia – Tomas Satoransky
Slovenia – Luka Doncic, Goran Dragic, Vlatko Cancar
Spain – Marc Gasol, Willy Hernangomez, Juancho Hernangomez
Some other recognizable European names over the years have included Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Peja Stojakovic, Andrea Bargnani, Kristaps Porzingis and Tony Parker.
The pipeline of international talent, especially from Europe, continues supplying the NBA with fundamental skills and elite size or shooting. Scouting has expanded globally, connecting personnel with promising overseas prospects like never before – evidenced by transcendent foreign stars such as reigning back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic.
Iconic White NBA Legends Players
While today’s current group of white NBA players exhibit phenomenal talent, they follow the footsteps of all-time greats setting the standard in decades past:
Larry Bird – Arguably the greatest small forward ever, Bird was a 12x All-Star, 3x Champion and 3x MVP for the Boston Celtics in the 80s. He is viewed as one of the most skilled and intelligent players to ever play. Bird could shoot, pass and rebound at an elite level, playing with a fiery confidence and competitiveness. His legendary battles with Magic Johnson defined an era.
Jerry West – “The Logo” himself modeled the NBA’s iconic silhouette. West was a 14x All-Star and only Finals MVP from the losing team (1969) after averaging nearly 38 points per game. At 6’2″, his silky smooth jump shot and tenacity made him utterly dominant.
John Stockton – Stockton owns the NBA record for both career assists and steals, embodying a pass-first selfless approach. He mastered precision fundamentals leading to 15 All-Star bids alongside Karl Malone in Utah. Stockton currently holds the mark for assists in a season with 1,164 back in 1992.
Steve Nash – The cerebral Nash utilized flare and creativity to produce as an undersized scoring point guard. He led the NBA in total assists for five seasons, also becoming a two-time MVP, eight-time All-Star and finishing his career fourth all-time in assists. His shooting, handles and vision entertained crowds alongside Amar’e Stoudemire’s Phoenix teams.
Pete Maravich – “Pistol Pete” entered the NBA after setting ridiculous NCAA scoring records that still stand today and averaging 44.5 points per game as a senior at LSU. Though only a 5x NBA All-Star, Maravich dazzled crowds with no-look, behind-the-back passes and a sizzling offensive arsenal. His flash and charm brought style with his substance every night.
From past to present, white NBA players like the legends above set standards across different eras for fundamental skill, offensive creativity, competitive fire and overall intelligence to perpetually build advantages over opponents.
NBA White Players Percentage
During the 2019-2020 NBA season, only an estimated 17% of players were white, while over 81% of players were black, comprising a large majority. The contrast highlights why dominant white stars like reigning MVP Nikola Jokic immediately draw attention relative to rarity across the overall landscape of players.
In a game commonly defined by athleticism and vertical explosiveness, white professionals showcase the capacity to thrive through alternative attributes like finesse, shooting touch, flawless footwork, court vision, positioning and basketball IQ.
Of over 400 total NBA players, roughly 68 were white across rosters last season. This tally aligns with typical representation annually, though international expansion has cultivated more European presence lately. Improved scouting and development overseas continues supplying fundamental skill sets to the league in players like Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic, Pau and Marc Gasol, Peja Stojakovic, Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Hedo and Ersan Ilyasova over recent years.
NBA White Players Positional Strengths
Most modern white NBA players thrive playing positions center, power forward, small forward or shooting guard. The strengths demanded at these spots better fit typical white skill sets versus pure point guard playmaking:
Center – Size, strength and post offense
Power Forward – Interior rebounding and mid-range shooting range
Small Forward – Versatility, court vision and high basketball IQ
Shooting Guard – Spot-up three point shooting and off-ball movement
Based on these strengths, some current and former white NBA stars at these positions include:
Center – Nikola Jokic, Jonas Valanciunas, Arvydas Sabonis, Bill Walton, Bill Laimbeer
Power Forward – Nowitzki, Gasol, Larry Bird, Kevin Love, Chris Mullin, Frank Kaminsky
Small Forward – Luka Doncic, Gordon Hayward, Hedo Turkoglu, Detlef Schrempf
Shooting Guard – Drazen Petrovic, Steve Kerr, Jeff Hornacek
The Center and Power Forward spots rely more on size and strength, suiting some current Eastern European stars like Nikola Jokic. Small Forward and Shooting Guard require finesse perimeter skills, creating fits for players like Luka Doncic and prime Gordon Hayward.
Overall, intelligent use of footwork, shooting touch, court awareness and craftiness help contemporary white players maximize effectiveness against opponents regardless of position.
NBA White Players College and Early Career
All current NBA stars built foundations through college basketball and early professional years that propelled eventual stardom:
Nikola Jokic – Started playing pro basketball at age 15 in Serbia before entering the NBA draft in 2014. He was the 41st overall pick to Denver and took time to refine conditioning and skills before winning MVP awards in recent years.
Luka Doncic – Burst onto professional European basketball at 16 years old in 2015. Doncic won EuroLeague MVP before even turning 20. Dallas traded up to draft him 3rd overall in 2018, as he seamlessly continued his versatile dominance.
Gordon Hayward – A three-time Horizon League Player of the Year for Butler University, Hayward’s March Madness heroics carried them to the 2010 Championship Game. Utah selected him 9th overall as an upperclassman with polished skills to contribute quickly.
Joe Ingles – From Australia, Ingles grinded across European leagues and never entered the NBA until 27 years old in 2014. But his persistent development eventually translated into a key rotational role player in Utah.
Some common threads exist between ingles and other white players’ origins – either emerging on professional European teams as teenagers like Doncic or sharpening skills through four years playing American college basketball before NBA entry like Hayward. These backgrounds shaped fundamentals to stand out currently against premier competition.
Awards and Accolades of NBA White Players
The current and historical pool of standout white NBA talent has accumulated fantastic accolades:
3 MVP Awards – Larry Bird, Steve Nash, Nikola Jokic
1 NBA Championship MVP – Tony Parker
2 Finals MVP Awards – Jerry West (only player on losing team to win Finals MVP in 1969), Larry Bird
6 NBA Championships – Larry Bird (3), Kevin McHale (3), Bill Walton, John Salley, Brian Scalabrine
4 Olympic Gold Medals – Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond, Steve Alford
15 Scoring Titles – George Mikan (1), Neil Johnston (3), Bob Pettit (4), Jerry West (1), Pete Maravich (1), Adrian Dantley (2), Dominique Wilkins (1), Dirk Nowitzki (1)
5 Rebounding Titles – Jerry Lucas, Bob Pettit (2), Jerry West, Kevin Love
7 Assist Titles – Lenny Wilkens (1), John Stockton (5), Steve Nash (5)
Steals Title – John Stockton
Coach of the Year – Mike D’Antoni, Doc Rivers
6th Man of the Year – Bobby Jones, Detlef Schrempf, Toni Kukoc
Most Improved Player – Rony Seikaly, Boris Diaw
All-Rookie Teams – Gordon Hayward, Adam Morrison, Hedo Turkoglu, Andrea Bargnani, Dragan Bender
15+ All-Star Selections – Larry Bird (12), John Havlicek (13), Jerry West (14), Steve Nash (8)
White players like the dynamic ones excelling currently combine tremendous skill with elite team basketball IQ to make decisive impacts towards winning. From Nikola Jokic’s MVP proliferation to Luka Doncic’s early superstardom, white representation seems in good hands moving forward based on fundamental strengths standing the test of time.
The game continues evolving toward position-less flexibility with advantages created through nuance rather than just athletic prowess. We should expect white professionals embracing skill craft, creativity, intellect and precision to resonate even greater in today’s climate. As exceptional talents like Jokic and Doncic showcase, race or ethnicity hardly limit what’s possible at the highest level.
In competitive sports, there are wins and losses. The charm of basketball lies in the fact that even if we experience failures and setbacks, we must be more courageous and have faith. Some people are willing to give up, and some people rise to the occasion. Anyone who loves basketball will be the latter, and if they do it one day, it will make a lot of sense to design Challenge Coins for themselves.
Coby White NBA Player Preview vs. the Raptors
An intriguing young talent for Chicago, guard Coby White looks to help the Bulls bounce back against Fred VanVleet and the Toronto Raptors tonight.
Selected 7th overall in 2019 out of North Carolina, White has shown promising scoring abilities early on. Though just 22 years old, he averaged over 15 points per game in his second season through an aggressive offensive mentality.
Standing 6’4” with a lean frame, White uses quickness and rangy strides to attack defenses off the dribble. He shot 35% from three point land and 80% from the foul line last season, diversifying his pick and roll playmaking with enough spot-up shooting gravity.
Tonight White matches up against Toronto’s VanVleet, coming off a career year where he averaged 21 points and 7 assists per contest. The battle of point guards presents an opportunity for White to showcase improving creation skills against tough competition.
After trading for DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic last season, Chicago looks to take another step toward contending. Growth from young pieces like White lessens reliance on DeRozan and Zach LaVine for every possession. Any steady scoring or playmaking contributions from White helps Chicago’s balanced attack significantly.
For the Bulls to secure an important early season victory despite injuries to Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, breakout potential from White would be timely.Toronto boasts long athletic wings ready to counter and disrupt rhythm.
White can run high pick and roll combinations with Vucevic to attack downhill gaps. His pull-up shooting must fall to prevent Toronto from going under every screen. If White stretches the defense just enough alongside LaVine, more avenues open up near the rim and beyond the arc.
Defensively, containing VanVleet’s shifty scoring off the bounce poses a challenge. White must cut off driving angles by moving feet and not fouling. He can use his length to contest shots better than most defenders VanVleet sees.
For young talents like White across the league, opportunities presenting themselves against tough opponents set the table to showcase evolution. White looks to assert his ascending offensive versatility in support of Chicago’s overall team goals, starting with a skirmish versus scrappy Toronto tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Americans are in the NBA?
Currently there are about 133 Americans out of 450 total players in the NBA, so around 30% in the league.
Who was the first African American NBA player?
Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton was the first African American player to sign an NBA contract when he joined the New York Knicks in 1950.
Who is 35 years old in the NBA?
Some current 35-year old NBA players include Chris Paul, LeBron James, Marc Gasol, and LaMarcus Aldridge.
Who is number 2 in the NBA?
Right now most experts consider Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks as the 2nd best player in the NBA behind the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
