Spain continues to be one of Europe’s most proud exporters of top-notch basketball. Rudy Fernández, Ricky Rubio, and the Gasol brothers all made waves in the NBA. There are fewer names now on the Spain NBA Players List, reflecting a noticeable dip in recent years.
Let’s discover the current Spain NBA Players List, the reasons behind the low participation of players in recent memory, and what it means for Spain’s future on the biggest stage in the world.
List of Players From Spain Currently in the NBA
At the moment, just one Spanish is a regular on an NBA roster, and two are inactive or trying to find their way back. There are only three players in the list of players from Spain.
| Player | Status | Position | Height | Weight | Birth Date | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santi Aldama | Active | Center | 7’0″ | 215 lbs | January 10, 2001 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Ricky Rubio | Non-Active | Point Guard | 6’2″ | 190 lbs | October 21, 1990 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Usman Garuba | Non-Active | Power Forward / Center | 6’8″ | 220 lbs | March 9, 2002 | Free Agent / G League |
| Zaccharie Risacher | Active (French-Spanish) | Forward | 6’8″ | 200 lbs | April 8, 2005 | Atlanta Hawks |
Santi Aldama – Memphis Grizzlies
Born in the sunlit city of Las Palmas, Spain, Aldama made waves in U.S. college hoops at Loyola Maryland. Santi Aldama selected in 30th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft, following an impressive season at Loyola Maryland.
Santi Aldama is a 6’11” forward-center with smooth footwork and a sharp shooting touch. He is a rare blend of size and skill. Herer are 2024–25 Stats of Santi Aldama
- Points per game: 13.2
- Rebounds: 6.9
He’s got Memphis buzzing and Spanish fans proudly glued to the screen every time he steps on court. The pride of Las Palmas is carrying the flag with elegance.
Ricky Rubio – Cleveland Cavaliers
Ricky Rubio’s NBA journey began at 18, making him one of the youngest ever international players. He is known for jaw-dropping passes and high basketball IQ.
Ricky Rubio, a 6’3” point guard from El Masnou, Spain. He is currently on mental health leave, with his contract officially suspended by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Usman Garuba – Free Agent / G League
Usman Garuba, is a 6’8” forward-center who is born in Madrid, Spain. After showcasing his talent in Spain, Usman Garuba got selected by the Houston Rockets as the 23rd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Skilled in defense, Garuba hasn’t had a consistent NBA role yet.
Zaccharie Risacher– Atlanta Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher, a native of Spain but raised in France, is the latest European sensation turning heads in the NBA. He stands tall at 6’9″ and plays as a versatile wing.
In the 2024 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks picked him No. 1 overall. Interestingly, it marked the second straight No. 1 pick from France, following Victor Wembanyama.
Though only 19 years old, Risacher brings a mature, veteran-like presence to the court. He polished his skills with JL Bourg in France’s top-tier league. There, he earned the LNB Pro A Best Young Player award.
List of Retired Spain NBA Players
| Player | Pos | HT | WT | Birth Date | NBA Team(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pau Gasol | PF / C | 7’0″ | 250 lbs | July 6, 1980 | Grizzlies, Lakers, Bulls, Spurs, Bucks |
| Marc Gasol | C | 6’11” | 255 lbs | January 29, 1985 | Grizzlies, Raptors, Lakers |
| José Calderón | PG | 6’3″ | 200 lbs | September 28, 1981 | Raptors, Pistons, Mavericks, Lakers, Hawks, Cavaliers |
| Juan Carlos Navarro | SG | 6’4″ | 201 lbs | June 13, 1980 | Memphis Grizzlies (brief NBA stint) |
| Sergio Rodríguez | PG | 6’3″ | 176 lbs | June 12, 1986 | Trail Blazers, Kings, Knicks, 76ers |
| Serge Ibaka (naturalized) | PF / C | 6’10” | 235 lbs | September 18, 1989 | Thunder, Magic, Raptors, Clippers, Bucks |
| Víctor Claver | SF / PF | 6’9″ | 224 lbs | August 30, 1988 | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Jorge Garbajosa | PF / SF | 6’9″ | 245 lbs | December 19, 1977 | Toronto Raptors |
| Raül López | PG | 6’0″ | 185 lbs | April 15, 1980 | Utah Jazz |
