News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Oct. 21 2024: The Caribbean has seen some of the world’s greatest athletes come from its many small countries. Legends like Usain Bolt and Tim Duncan have hailed from this stunningly beautiful region, but it isn’t just retired athletes that are from Caribbean nations. Many current athletes in a range of sports are from these coastal nations or have direct family that was born in the Caribbean. In this article, we will explore Caribbean NBA players.
Particularly, It is true in the National Basketball Association, where recent years have led to a massive surge in the presence of athletes with Caribbean heritage. This has led to a huge increase in the popularity of basketball across the region. While proud Caribbean residents don’t have one specific Caribbean team to wager on, they can bet on Caribbean NBA athletes on all sports betting apps.
The Caribbean continues to make its mark on the NBA this season, with several standout players who were born in the region. These athletes are representing their nations on one of the biggest stages in basketball, showcasing their skills across multiple teams. Let’s take a look at the Caribbean-born players currently shining in the NBA.
Al Horford
Veteran player Al Horford, born on June 3, 1986, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, is a key player for the Boston Celtics. Horford, a five-time NBA All-Star, finally won his first NBA championship in 2024 after nearly two decades in the league. His leadership and experience remain invaluable to the Celtics. Horford is the highest-paid Latin American basketball player ever and a legendary figure across the Dominican Republic.
Buddy Hield
Chavano Rainer “Buddy” Hield, born on December 17, 1992, in Freeport, Bahamas, is playing for the Golden State Warriors. Hield, known for his sharpshooting abilities, has had an illustrious career since being drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2016. After stints with the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Philadelphia 76ers, he landed in Golden State in a 2024 six-team trade.
Deandre Ayton – Bahamas
Deandre Ayton, born on July 23, 1998, in Nassau, Bahamas, is a dominant force in the NBA as the center for the Portland Trail Blazers. Ayton was the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns and played a crucial role in leading the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals. Now with Portland, Ayton continues to be one of the league’s premier big men.
Kai Jones – Bahamas
Kai Martinez Jones, born on January 19, 2001, in Nassau, Bahamas, currently plays for the Los Angeles Clippers under a two-way contract with their G League affiliate, the San Diego Clippers. A young and athletic player, Jones continues to develop his game after being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2021.
Chris Duarte – Dominican Republic
Christopher Theoret Duarte, born on June 13, 1997, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, is a skilled guard for the Chicago Bulls. Duarte made an immediate impact in the league after being drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 2021 and has since moved to Chicago, where he aims to continue his impressive career trajectory.
