The Best NBA Players from Alabama
Who are the best NBA players from Alabama? Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this list of basketball players who were born in Alabama includes Charles Barkley, DeMarcus Cousins, Robert Horry, and Eric Bledsoe. Who is the best NBA player from Alabama?
Vote up the top Alabama NBA players, and help decide the best basketball players from Alabama in history!
- 1
An iconic figure with a larger-than-life personality, Sir Charles Barkley hailing from Leeds, Alabama, revolutionized the power forward position in the NBA with his relentless tenacity and fierce competitiveness. Known for his physical play and incredible rebounding ability despite being undersized for his position, Barkley's fearless attitude and never-back-down demeanor was a force to be reckoned with throughout his illustrious career. A trailblazer on and off the court, Charles became an influential sports commentator post-retirement, making his presence felt in the basketball world for generations to come.
- Birthplace: Leeds, Alabama
- Team: Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers
- Position: Power forward
- 2
Fear the Fro! Big Ben Wallace, born in White Hall, Alabama, embodied the spirit of grit and grind throughout his storied career, becoming one of the league's premier defensive anchors. Anchoring the paint with his imposing presence and shot-blocking prowess, Wallace's tenacious rebounding and fearless defense were instrumental in leading the Detroit Pistons to an NBA championship, solidifying his place as one of Alabama's finest exports to the basketball world.
- Birthplace: While Hall, Alabama, United States
- Team: Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic
- Position: Center
- 3
DeMarcus Cousins, a Mobile, Alabama native, has carved out a reputation as one of the most skilled big men in the NBA today, showcasing a rare combination of toughness, agility, and finesse around the basket. Boogie, as he is affectionately known, is a dominant presence on both ends of the floor, with an uncanny ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting, while also terrifying opponents with his sheer power inside. Cousins' versatility and adaptability have made him an invaluable asset to any team he's played for, constantly pushing the boundaries of what a traditional center can do on the court.
- Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama
- Team: Los Angeles Clippers
- Position: Center
- 4
Robert "Big Shot Bob" Horry, born and raised in Harford, Alabama, was a consummate professional and the epitome of clutch when it came to performing under pressure. Widely regarded as one of the most successful role players in NBA history, Horry had a near-magical ability to deliver game-winning shots time and time again, earning himself an incredible seven NBA championship rings. Horry's propensity for coming up big in crucial moments solidified his status as one of Alabama's most impactful players to ever grace the hardwood.
- Birthplace: Harford County, Maryland
- Position: Small forward, Power forward
- 5
From the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, Eric Bledsoe has become a staple in the NBA when it comes to elite point guard play, bringing with him explosive athleticism, gritty defense, and a knack for making crucial plays in clutch moments. With a compact, muscular frame and a lightning-quick first step, Bledsoe poses a challenge for any defender, getting to the rim with ease or dishing out assists to his teammates. His strong defensive instincts and aggressive playstyle have allowed him to be a valuable two-way player, proving that big things can indeed come in small packages.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
- Team: Portland Trailblazers
- Position: Point guard
- 6
Blessed with exceptional athleticism and a tireless motor, Gerald "Crash" Wallace, from Childersburg, Alabama, was a versatile and relentless contributor, capable of locking down opponents on the defensive end while also being a threat on the offensive side. Wallace's distinctive ability to make plays on both ends of the floor was a testament to his versatility and overall basketball IQ, earning him a reputation as one of the toughest competitors to ever lace up from the Yellowhammer State.
- Birthplace: Sylacauga, Alabama
- Team: Portland Trail Blazers
- Position: Small forward, Power forward
- 7
Known as "The Rifleman," Chuck Person from Brantley, Alabama, was a scoring machine from beyond the arc; his sweet shooting stroke and quick release made him a constant threat to light up the scoreboard. Standing 6'8" with an uncanny ability to drain threes, Person helped pave the way for the modern-day stretch four in the league. His impact on the game was undeniable, as he provided a blueprint for future generations of versatile forwards who could space the floor and knock down shots from long range.
- Birthplace: Brantley, Alabama
- Position: Small forward
- 8
From the streets of Mobile, Alabama, Derrick Coleman burst onto the NBA scene as an athletically gifted power forward with a skill set ahead of his time. Coleman's ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting, combined with his powerful inside game, made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. His trailblazing style of play laid the groundwork for the modern-day stretch four, altering the game in a significant way.
- Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama
- Position: Small forward, Power forward, Center
- 9
As the pride of Mobile, Alabama, Jeff Malone was an expert marksman with a silky-smooth jump shot, establishing himself as one of the finest shooting guards of his time. Boasting a seemingly endless array of offensive moves and an unshakeable confidence in his scoring ability, Malone was a constant headache for opposing defenders. A true offensive force throughout his career, Jeff Malone left an indelible mark on the game that will never be forgotten.
- Birthplace: Mobile, Alabama
- Position: Shooting guard
- 10
An emerging star from Greensboro, Alabama, Herb Jones has made an immediate impact on the league with his incredible versatility and high basketball IQ. His unique combination of length, athleticism, and defensive prowess allows him to guard multiple positions with ease, becoming a force to be reckoned with on that end of the floor. Offensively, Jones is no slouch either, showcasing a rapidly improving offensive game that is sure to continue evolving as he gains more experience in the pros.
- Birthplace: Northport, Alabama
- Team: New Orleans Pelicans
- Position: Small forward
- 11
Born in Birmingham, Reggie King forged a solid NBA career by leveraging his relentless work ethic and physical prowess. An imposing force on the court, King used his size and strength to bully opponents in the low post, scoring at will while also being an absolute handful on the boards. His commitment to the fundamentals and team-first attitude left a lasting impact on those he played with and against, cementing his place among Alabama's all-time greats.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
- Position: Shooting guard, Small forward
- 12
The epitome of a blue-collar worker on the basketball court, DeMarre Carroll, hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, has made a name for himself as a tenacious defender and gritty, hustle-oriented player. Embodying the "Junkyard Dog" moniker befitting of his hard-nosed style, Carroll's relentless pursuit of loose balls and willingness to put his body on the line for his team have earned him much respect throughout his career. A dependable contributor on both ends of the floor, DeMarre Carroll is a true embodiment of the heart and spirit of Alabama basketball.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
- Team: San Antonio Spurs
- Position: Small forward
- 13
Hailing from Birmingham, Andrew "The Boston Strangler" Toney was a prolific scorer with a lethal shooting touch, making him a feared offensive weapon during his time in the league. With his uncanny knack for making tough shots and a fearless flair for the dramatic, Toney was a true game-changer and a nightmare for opposing defenses to contain. His smooth stroke and timely scoring earned him a reputation as one of the premier guards to come out of the heart of Alabama.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
- 14
Montgomery, Alabama's own JaMychal Green has carved out a solid NBA career as a versatile forward, able to contribute in various ways on both ends of the floor. Green's combination of size, skill, and athleticism allows him to switch between playing inside and out, providing valuable spacing for his teammates on offense. Defensively, Green's mobility and instincts make him an asset on that end of the floor, proving that he belongs among the best to come out of Alabama.
- Birthplace: Montgomery, Alabama
- Team: Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, San Antonio Spurs
- Position: Power forward
- 15
An electric guard with blazing speed, Kira Lewis Jr. from Meridianville, Alabama, is quickly establishing himself as an exciting young talent in the NBA. Lewis' quickness and agility allow him to blow by defenders and get to the rim with ease, while his improving jump shot keeps opponents honest, making him a dual threat. As he continues to hone his craft, the sky's the limit for this dynamic playmaker from the Yellowhammer State.
- Birthplace: Meridianville, Alabama
- Team: New Orleans Pelicans
- Position: Point Guard
- 16
Known for his hard-nosed demeanor and relentless work ethic, Michael Curry from Anniston, Alabama, enjoyed a successful NBA career as a defensive specialist with an unyielding commitment to doing whatever it took to help his team win. Although not blessed with the most impressive offensive arsenal, Curry was a true believer in the saying "defense wins championships," dedicating himself to the art of shutting down opponents and making life difficult for opposing scorers. His determination and perseverance embodied the spirit of Alabamian grit and grind.
- Birthplace: Anniston, Alabama
- 17
A shot-blocking machine, Theo Ratliff from Demopolis, Alabama, was the epitome of a defensive anchor throughout his NBA career. With an uncanny ability to time and contest shots from anywhere on the court, Ratliff struck fear into the hearts of opponents when they ventured near the rim. His presence in the paint alone was enough to disrupt offensive game plans, proving that defense could indeed be a potent weapon for players hailing from the Yellowhammer state.
- Birthplace: Demopolis, Alabama
- Position: Power forward, Center
- 18
Like his older brother Chuck, Wesley Person out of Brantley, Alabama, was a proficient sharpshooter with a pure stroke that could heat up in a hurry. Standing at 6'6", Person had an ideal combination of size and shooting ability that allowed him to consistently create his own shot and punish defenders from beyond the arc. His deadly marksmanship made him an offensive force and added another talented Person to Alabama's rich basketball legacy.
- Birthplace: Brantley, Alabama
- Position: Shooting guard, Small forward
- 19
A versatile scorer who epitomized the term "glue guy," Buck Johnson out of Birmingham, Alabama, contributed to his teams in a variety of ways throughout his NBA tenure. With a steady jump shot and impressive athleticism, Johnson possessed the rare ability to score both inside and outside, causing matchup problems for opponents. His reliability on offense and commitment to defense made him an essential component to any team he played for, further cementing Alabama's legacy of producing hard-nosed and skilled basketball talents.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
- Position: Small forward, Power forward
- 20
JD Davison
Age: 22A young phenom with electrifying athleticism, JD Davison from Letohatchee, Alabama, is a burgeoning talent in the basketball world, eagerly awaiting to make his mark in the NBA. With exceptional leaping ability and a lightning-quick first step, Davison is capable of creating highlight-reel plays at any given moment, showcasing the star potential that has fans eagerly anticipating his ascension to the professional ranks. As he continues to develop his game, Davison has the potential to become yet another extraordinary name among Alabama's storied basketball history.
- Birthplace: Latohatchee, Alabama
- Team: Boston Celtics
- Position: Point guard
- 21
A pass-first point guard with a keen eye for finding open teammates, Ennis Whatley from Birmingham, Alabama, made his mark in the NBA as a steady floor general and playmaker. With an impressive court vision and selfless approach to the game, Whatley consistently set up his teammates for success, showcasing the importance of a true point guard in orchestrating winning basketball. His ability to lead and facilitate helped put Alabama on the map as a breeding ground for skilled basketball talent.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
- 22
Donta Hall
Born in Luverne, Alabama, Donta Hall is a hardworking big man who thrives on providing energy and hustle off the bench in the NBA. Hall's combination of size, athleticism, and relentless effort make him a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor, as he excels in grabbing rebounds and finishing strong around the rim. As his career continues to progress, Hall's tenacity and desire to improve will undoubtedly serve him well and continue Alabama's tradition of impact players.
- Birthplace: Luverne, Alabama
- 23
A versatile forward with a bright future ahead of him, Trendon Watford hails from Birmingham, Alabama, and brings with him a unique skillset that makes him a difficult matchup for opponents. Watford's combination of size, ball handling, and smooth scoring touch allows him to exploit mismatches and create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. As he continues to develop and adapt to the NBA game, Watford has the potential to become another shining example of Alabama's basketball excellence.
- Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
- Team: LSU Tigers
- Position: Power Forward
- 24
With a blue-collar work ethic and tenacity, Donald Williams from Birmingham, Alabama, carved out a role for himself in the NBA as a reliable contributor on both ends of the court. Williams' commitment to defense and hustle plays allowed him to make a significant impact on the game, regardless of his offensive output. His never-say-die attitude demonstrated the grit and determination that has come to define Alabama's finest basketball talents.
- Birthplace: Demopolis, Alabama
- Team: New Orleans Jazz
- Position: Point guard
