NBA

All Latvian NBA Players: Complete List of Latvians Who Played in the NBA

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Kristaps Porzingis, Davis Bertans and Dairis Bertans playing for the Latvian national basketball team

Although often in the shadow of their neighbors, the traditional basketball powerhouse Lithuania, Latvian basketball has built its own image in the 21st century and produced a number of attractive players who made it to NBA courts. So far, seven Latvian players have appeared in the world’s strongest league – the NBA. From pioneers who paved the way to today’s stars like Kristaps Porziņģis, Latvians have left their mark on American basketball. Here is an overview of all players from Latvia who recorded at least one NBA appearance.

GUNDARS VETRA

The first Latvian in the NBA. With the Soviet Union national team, he won World Championship silver (1990) and EuroBasket bronze (1989). In the 1992/93 season, he played for Minnesota, becoming a historic figure in Latvian basketball. His NBA adventure was brief, averaging 3.5 points per game in 13 appearances for the Timberwolves.

Teams:

  • Minnesota Timberwolves (1992-93)

ANDRIS BIEDRIŅŠ

A tall center who jumped to the NBA directly from the Latvian league, Biedriņš spent an entire decade with Golden State. Drafted 11th overall in 2004, he was known for his hustle and rebounding. Later he also played for Utah. One of the most famous Latvian NBA players, he logged over 500 games for the Warriors, averaging double-digit points in two different seasons.

Teams:

  • Golden State Warriors (2004-2013)
  • Utah Jazz (2013-2014)

KRISTAPS PORZIŅĢIS

The biggest Latvian NBA star. Selected fourth overall in the 2015 draft by the New York Knicks, he quickly earned the “Unicorn” nickname thanks to his combination of size and shooting. Highlights of his NBA career so far include an All-Star appearance (2018) and winning the NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024.

Teams:

  • New York Knicks (2015-19)
  • Dallas Mavericks (2019-22)
  • Washington Wizards (2022-23)
  • Boston Celtics (2023-2025) 🏆 (’24)
  • Atlanta Hawks (from 2025)

DĀVIS BERTĀNS

Known as the “Latvian Laser,” Bertāns was one of the best three-point shooting big men in the NBA. He entered the league after successful European stints with Olimpija Ljubljana, Partizan, and Baskonia. He played for five NBA teams before continuing his career in Dubai.

Teams:

  • San Antonio Spurs (2016-19)
  • Washington Wizards (2019-22)
  • Dallas Mavericks (2022-23)
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (2023-24)
  • Charlotte Hornets (2024)

RODIONS KURUCS

A Latvian forward who made his NBA debut with Brooklyn after playing for Barcelona. Quickly became known for his energy, later suiting up for Houston and Milwaukee. After his NBA stint, he returned to Europe and joined Partizan.

Teams:

  • Brooklyn Nets (2018-21)
  • Houston Rockets (2021)
  • Milwaukee Bucks (2021)

DAIRIS BERTĀNS

The older brother of Dāvis Bertāns, Dairis spent one season in the NBA with New Orleans. In 12 games he averaged 2.8 points per contest. Although brief, he still etched his name onto the list of Latvian NBA players.

Teams:

  • New Orleans Pelicans (2019)

ANŽEJS PASEČNIKS

Drafted 25th overall in 2017 by the Orlando Magic, Pasečņiks made his NBA debut two years later with Washington, where he spent two seasons. In 28 games, he averaged 5.6 points per game. He later returned to Europe and, still under 30, now plays in Taiwan.

Teams:

  • Washington Wizards (2019-21)

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