The NBA of the United States is the most prestigious and biggest of all basketball leagues.
No doubt, it has produced some of the best athletes the world has ever seen. From Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, the league is filled with top-notch talents.
However, today, the focus is on Hispanic legends who have dominated the court!
As of October 2024, only 2.2% of Latine players graced the NBA. Though they are underrepresented, many players have made their mark in NBA history and become superstars at team and individual levels.
One thing remains clear though, these players share similar traits: determination, dedication, and skill.
So, let’s explore the best Hispanic basketball players in the NBA.
Manu Ginobili (Argentina)
NBA Ranking: #191
Any list of the best Hispanic basketball players in the NBA cannot be complete without Manu Ginóbili.
He is considered to be the best Latin player of all time!
Ginóbili had a 16-year NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs. His professional career began at Andino Sport Club in the Argentine basketball league.
From there, the San Antonio Spurs selected him 57th overall in the second round of the 1999 NBA draft.
His superb court vision and ability to create scoring opportunities made him one of the best shooting guards. At his peak, his dazzling footwork and unmatched basketball IQ enabled him to single-handedly change the game.
Before retiring, he had 349 starts from 1,057 games and scored 14,043 points, 3,697 rebounds and 4,001 assists.
Whenever basketball experts discuss the best-ever sixth man, his name often comes up, and you can see why with his huge figures.
Resume/Achievements:
- 2× All-NBA
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 3× NBA Player of the Week
- 1× NBA Rookie of the Month
- 1× NBA Sixth Man of the Year
- 1× Olympic Appearance
- 1× Olympic Bronze Medal
- 1× Olympic Gold Medal
- 2× NBA All-Star
- 4× NBA Champion
Nenê (Brazil)
NBA Ranking: #348
Nenê, formerly Mabyner Rodney Hilario, changed his name in 2003. In the 2002 NBA draft, Nenê was selected by the Denver Nuggets as the seventh overall pick in the first round.
He went on to gain a reputation for his field goal accuracy. However, he suffered an ACL injury from the 2005 to 2006 seasons.
His on-court presence was towering, and he excelled at dominating the paint with sheer strength. Nenê could combine finesse and power to dominate his opponents, leaving an indelible mark on the court.
Interestingly, he ranks 36th in Defensive Box Plus and Minus (DBPM) of all NBA players in history who have played as many minyest as him, with a 2.0 rating.
Though he was not a dominant shot blocker, his strength and size allowed him to make it hard for opponents to score.
Resume/Achievements:
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 1× Olympic Appearance
Leandro Barbosa (Brazil)
NBA Ranking: #471
Revered for his ability and unmatched speed, Leandro Barbosa is a formidable presence on the court as a versatile guard.
He was popularly called the “Brazilian Blur” due to his lightning-fast drives to the basket and elusive moves, which made him a scoring threat from any angle.
Barbosa had an unreal ability to change a game’s pace, making him a valuable team asset and a favorite of fans. During his professional career, which spanned 21 years, he played for five NBA teams.
However, his time at the Phoenix Suns is the most notable.
Noteworthy is his superb performance from 2006 to 2008, when he became the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. In 112 starts of 850 regular games, Barbosa recorded 720 rebounds, 1,775 assists, and 9,035 points.
Resume/Achievements:
- NBA Sixth Man of the Year
- NBA champion
- FIBA AmeriCup Top Scorer
- Rio de Janeiro State Championship Winner
- Brazilian League Champion
Luis Scola (Argentina)
NBA Ranking: #481
Popularly known for his court leadership, skill, and toughness, Luis Scola was awarded the All-Rookie selection during its maiden campaign with the Houston Rockets.
After spending 5 years in Texas, he moved to Phoenix Suns, then to Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, and the Brooklyn Nets.
After his first season in 2007, it seemed there was no limit for Luis, but he left basketball’s biggest stage empty-handed after over a decade. However, he was awarded gold at the 2004 Olympic Games, just like Ginobili, who came before him.
Luis Scola was tough, and his playing style was physical, combined with his exceptional scoring ability, which made him one of the best NBA players from overseas. He had a strong desire to improve, which was combined with his relentless work ethic.
As a team player and leader, his determination and energy were infectious and crucial factors in his team’s success on the court.
Resume/Achievements:
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 1× NBA Rookie of the Month
- 1× Olympic Appearance
- 1× Olympic Bronze Medal
Anderson Varejão (Brazil)
NBA Ranking: #1030
Lastly, on our list of best Hispanic basketball players is Anderson Varejão.
He had a 14-year career, spending 13 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Varejão was selected by Orlando Magic as the third overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. However, a month later, he was traded to the Cavaliers.
Anderson Varejão was popular for his aggressive playing style and rebounding ability. Throughout his career, he averaged 51.1% field goal, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.6 points, proving his impact as a rebounder.
Playing a total of 632 games, starting in 209, 4,551 rebounds, 885 assists, and scored 4,550 points.
His relentless trailing of loose balls and tenacious and gritty defense got him the nickname the “Wild Thing.” He could control the board and lock down opponents, proving his incredible understanding of the game.
Hardworking and unselfish, Anderson Varejã was the perfect team player, making him one of the best Latino NBA players and Brazilian NBA players.
Resume/Achievements:
- 1× All-Defensive Team
- 1× Olympic Appearance
Conclusion
Latino players have made great contributions to the NBA, bringing their unique style of play and skills to the game.
Little wonder that, in their honor, the NBA celebrates the “Noches Enebea (NBA)” in March to recognize Latin American players and fans.
This list of the NBA’s Hispanic basketball players not only triumphed due to their hard work and talent but also opened the door for the world to see the greatness of Latin America.
FAQs
Are there Hispanic NBA players?
In 2023, the NBA had 2.2% Hispanic basketball players of any race, 17.5% white players, 70.4% black players, and 0.2% Asians. 9.7% of players were classified as either “other “or multiracial races.
Who was the first Latino NBA player?
Butch Lee was the first Latino basketball player and was also the first to win an NBA title. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he was a legend in the Bronx, where he played for DeWitt Clinton HS before he led his school to their first-ever NCAA championship.
