List of French NBA players

Last updated

The following is a list of French players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This list also includes players who were born outside France but have represented the French national team.

Contents

Key

Pos.GFC
Position GuardForwardCenter
*Denotes player who is still active in the NBA

Players

Note: updated on November 1, 2024

PlayerPos.Team(s) playedCareer [a] Regular seasonPlayoffsYear (pick)TeamNotesRef.
Games played NBA draft
Tariq Abdul-Wahad F Sacramento Kings
Orlando Magic
Denver Nuggets
Dallas Mavericks 		1997–2003 23613 1997 (11th) Sacramento Kings — [1]
Alexis Ajinça F Charlotte Bobcats
Dallas Mavericks
Toronto Raptors
New Orleans Pelicans 		2008–2017 2933 2008 (20th) Dallas Mavericks — [2]
Joël Ayayi F Washington Wizards 2022 70Undrafted— [3]
Nicolas Batum *F Portland Trail Blazers
Charlotte Hornets
Los Angeles Clippers
Philadelphia Sixers
Los Angeles Clippers 		2008–present105869 2008 (25th) Houston Rockets — [4]
Rodrigue Beaubois G Dallas Mavericks 2009–2013 1826 2009 (25th) Oklahoma City Thunder Born in Guadeloupe, a French overseas department in the Caribbean. [5]
Howard Carter G Denver Nuggets
Dallas Mavericks 		1983–1985 665 1983 (15th) Denver Nuggets Born in the United States, became a naturalized French citizen, represented France internationally during his playing career. [6] [7]
Malcolm Cazalon G Detroit Pistons 2023–2024 10Undrafted— [8]
Sidy Cissoko *F San Antonio Spurs 2023–present140 2023 (44th)— [9]
Petr Cornelie F/C Denver Nuggets 2022 130 2016 (53rd) Denver Nuggets — [10]

Bilal Coulibaly *

G/F Washington Wizards 2023-present670 2023 (7th) Indiana Pacers — [11]

Pacome Dadiet *

G New York Knicks 2024-present20 2023 (25th) New York Knicks — [12]
Nando de Colo G San Antonio Spurs
Toronto Raptors 		2012–2014 1196 2009 (53rd) San Antonio Spurs — [13]
Moussa Diabaté *G Los Angeles Clippers
Charlotte Hornets 		2022–present370 2022 (43rd) Los Angeles Clippers — [14]
Boris Diaw F/C Atlanta Hawks
Phoenix Suns
Charlotte Bobcats
San Antonio Spurs
Utah Jazz 		2003–2017 1064119 2003 (21st) Atlanta Hawks — [15]
Yakhouba Diawara F Denver Nuggets
Miami Heat 		2006–2010 1879Undrafted— [16]
Ousmane Dieng *G Oklahoma City Thunder 2022–present764 2022 (11th) Oklahoma City Thunder — [17]
Sekou Doumbouya F Detroit Pistons
Los Angeles Lakers 		2019–2022 960 2019 (15th) Detroit Pistons Born in Guinea to Guinean parents, grew up in France, represents France internationally [18]
Evan Fournier G Denver Nuggets
Orlando Magic
Boston Celtics
New York Knicks
Detroit Pistons 		2012–2024 70419 2012 (20th) Denver Nuggets — [19]
Mickaël Gelabale F Seattle SuperSonics
Minnesota Timberwolves 		2006–2008, 2013 1450 2005 (48th) Seattle SuperSonics Born in Guadeloupe, a French overseas department in the Caribbean. [20]
Rudy Gobert *C Utah Jazz
Minnesota Timberwolves 		2013–present76169 2013 (27th) Denver Nuggets — [21]
Killian Hayes G Detroit Pistons 2020–2024 2100 2020 (7th) Detroit Pistons Born in the United States to an American father and a French mother, grew up in France and represents France internationally [22]
Jaylen Hoard F Portland Trail Blazers
Oklahoma City Thunder 		2019–2022 393Undrafted— [23]
William Howard G Houston Rockets 2019–2020 20Undrafted— [24]
Damien Inglis F Milwaukee Bucks
2015–2016 200 2015 (31st) Milwaukee Bucks Born in French Guiana, a French overseas department in South America. [25]
Joffrey Lauvergne F Denver Nuggets
Oklahoma City Thunder
Chicago Bulls
San Antonio Spurs 		2014–2018 2084 2013 (55th) Memphis Grizzlies — [26]
Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot G/F Philadelphia 76ers
Oklahoma City Thunder
Chicago Bulls
Brooklyn Nets
Atlanta Hawks 		2016–2022 32815 2016 (24th) Philadelphia 76ers — [27]
Ian Mahinmi C San Antonio Spurs
Dallas Mavericks
Indiana Pacers
Washington Wizards 		2007–2020 61867 2005 (28th) San Antonio Spurs — [28]
Theo Maledon G Oklahoma City Thunder
Charlotte Hornets
Phoenix Suns 		2020–present1770 2020 (34th) Philadelphia Sixers — [29]
Jérôme Moïso F Boston Celtics
Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets
Toronto Raptors
New Jersey Nets
Cleveland Cavaliers 		2000–2005 1454 2000 (11th) Boston Celtics — [30]
Adam Mokoka G Chicago Bulls 2019–2021 250Undrafted— [31]
Joakim Noah C Chicago Bulls
New York Knicks
Memphis Grizzlies
Los Angeles Clippers 		2007–2020 67262 2007 (9th) Chicago Bulls Born in the United States to a French father and a Swedish mother, grew up in the United States, became a French citizen and represented France internationally [32] [33]
Frank Ntilikina G New York Knicks
Dallas Mavericks
Charlotte Hornets 		2017–2024 32115 2017 (8th) New York Knicks Born in Belgium to Rwandese parents, grew up in France, represents France internationally [34]
Elie Okobo G Phoenix Suns 2018–2020 1080 2018 (31st) Phoenix Suns — [35]
Tony Parker G San Antonio Spurs
Charlotte Hornets 		2001–2019 1254226 2001 (28th) San Antonio Spurs Born in Belgium to an American father and a Dutch mother, grew up in France, represented France internationally. [36]
Johan Petro C Seattle SuperSonics
Denver Nuggets
New Jersey Nets
Atlanta Hawks 		2005–2013 47322 2005 (25th) Seattle SuperSonics — [37]
Mickaël Piétrus G/F Golden State Warriors
Orlando Magic
Phoenix Suns
Boston Celtics
Toronto Raptors 		2003–2013 55769 2003 (11th) Golden State Warriors Born in Guadeloupe, a French overseas department in the Caribbean. [38]
Vincent Poirier C Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers 		2019–2021 321Undrafted— [39]
Yves Pons F Memphis Grizzlies 2022 120UndraftedBorn in Haïti, grew up in France, represents France internationally [40]
Antoine Rigaudeau G Dallas Mavericks 2003 110Undrafted— [41]
Bob Riley F Atlanta Hawks 1970–1971 70 1970 (82nd) Atlanta Hawks Born in the United States, became a naturalized French citizen, represented France internationally during his playing career. [42] [43]

Zaccharie Risacher *

G/F Atlanta Hawks 2024-present50 2024 (1st) Atlanta Hawks — [44]

Rayan Rupert *

G Portland Trail Blazers 2023-present430 2023 (43rd) Portland Trail Blazers — [45]

Tidjane Salaün *

F Charlotte Hornets 2024-present20 2024 (6th) Charlotte Hornets — [46]

Alex Sarr *

G Washington Wizards 2024-present40 2024 (2nd) Washington Wizards — [47]
Olivier Sarr C Oklahoma City Thunder 2021–2024 460Undrafted— [48]
Kevin Séraphin F Washington Wizards
New York Knicks
Indiana Pacers 		2010–2017 42314 2010 (17th) Chicago Bulls Born in French Guiana, a French overseas department in South America. [49]
Pape Sy F/G Atlanta Hawks 2010–2011 34 2010 (53rd) Atlanta Hawks — [50]
Killian Tillie F Memphis Grizzlies 2022 540Undrafted— [51]
Axel Toupane F/G Denver Nuggets
Milwaukee Bucks
New Orleans Pelicans 		2015–2021 334Undrafted— [52]
Ronny Turiaf F Los Angeles Lakers
Golden State Warriors
New York Knicks
Washington Wizards
Miami Heat
Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves 		2005–2015 47347 2005 (37th) Los Angeles Lakers Born in Martinique, a French overseas department in the Caribbean. [53]

Victor Wembanyama *

C/F San Antonio Spurs 2023-present760 2023 (1st) San Antonio Spurs — [54]

Guerschon Yabusele *

F Boston Celtics
Philadelphia Sixers 		2017–present7816 2016 (16th) Boston Celtics [55]

Drafted but never played

Last update NBA draft 2024

PlayerPos.Year (pick)TeamNotesRef.
NBA draft
Jean-Claude Lefèbvre  [ fr ]C 1960 (64th) Minneapolis Lakers
Alain Digbeu F/G 1997 (50th) Atlanta Hawks
Frédéric Weis C 1999 (15th) New York Knicks
Paccelis Morlende G 2003 (50th) Philadelphia 76ers
(traded to Seattle SuperSonics on draft-day)
Livio Jean-Charles F 2013 (28th) San Antonio Spurs
Louis Labeyrie F/C 2014 (57th) Indiana Pacers
David Michineau G 2016 (39th) New Orleans Pelicans
Isaia Cordinier G 2016 (44th) Atlanta Hawks
Mathias Lessort C 2017 (50th) Philadelphia 76ers
Alpha Kaba C 2017 (60th) Atlanta Hawks
Juhann Begarin G 2021 (45th) Boston Celtics
Ismaël Kamagate G 2022 (46th) Detroit Pistons
Hugo Besson G 2022 (58th) Indiana Pacers
Melvin Ajinça F 2024 (51st) Dallas Mavericks

Miscellaneous

PlayerPos.Team(s) playedCareer [a] Regular seasonPlayoffsYear (pick)TeamNotesRef.
Games played NBA draft
Bob Cousy G Boston Celtics
Cincinnati Royals 		1950–1971 924109 1950 (3rd) Tri-Cities Blackhawks Born in the United States to French immigrants living in New York City. He never represented France internationally. [56]
Joel Embiid C Philadelphia Sixers 2016–present39753 2014 (3rd) Philadelphia Sixers Cameroonian-born player who obtained the French nationality in 2022, considered representing France internationally, but opted to play for the United States instead.

Notes

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hedo Türkoğlu</span> Turkish basketball player (born 1979)

Hidayet "Hedo" Türkoğlu is a Turkish basketball executive and former professional player. A 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) forward, Türkoğlu played for six teams in his 15-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He won the NBA's Most Improved Player for the 2007–08 NBA season and played in the NBA Finals for the Magic in 2009. He also played for Turkey's national team in international competition. Türkoğlu has served as president of the Turkish Basketball Federation since October 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mickaël Piétrus</span> French basketball player

Mickaël Marvin Soriano Piétrus is a French former professional basketball player. Listed at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), 215 lb (98 kg), he played both the small forward and shooting guard positions. Piétrus was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the 11th pick of the 2003 NBA draft, and is originally from Guadeloupe, a Caribbean island that is a part of France.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcin Gortat</span> Polish basketball player (born 1984)

Marcin Janusz Gortat also known as "The Polish Hammer" is a Polish former professional basketball player, and current player development and assistant coach at the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), 240 pounds (110 kg) center is the son of boxer Janusz Gortat. He was drafted in the second round by the Phoenix Suns in the 2005 NBA draft and played for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers. He retired from professional basketball in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicolas Batum</span> French basketball player (born 1988)

Nicolas Madelin Victor Andre Batum is a French professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is also a member of the French national team and earned a silver medal in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The 1970 NBA expansion draft was the fifth expansion draft of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The draft was held on May 11, 1970, so that the newly founded Buffalo Braves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trail Blazers could acquire players for the 1970–71 season. Buffalo, Cleveland, and Portland were awarded the expansion teams on February 6, 1970. Houston was also awarded a franchise, but the group backing the team was unable to come up with the US$750,000 down payment on the US$3.7 million entrance fee that was required before the 1970 NBA draft. The Braves later underwent two relocations, moving to San Diego in 1978 and changing their name from the Braves to the Clippers, and then relocating to Los Angeles in 1984. They are currently known as the Los Angeles Clippers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2012 NBA draft</span> 66th edition of the draft

The 2012 NBA draft was held on June 28, 2012, at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The draft started at 7:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time, and was broadcast in the United States on ESPN. In this draft, National Basketball Association (NBA) teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players and other eligible players, including international players. The New Orleans Hornets, who had a 13.70 percent probability of obtaining the first selection, won the NBA draft lottery on May 30. The Charlotte Bobcats and the Washington Wizards were second and third, respectively. This draft marked the first time that the first two players selected were from the same school. It also set a record of having six players from one school (Kentucky) being selected in the two rounds of the draft and was the first draft to have the first three selections be college freshmen all from the same conference. Bernard James was the oldest player drafted in an NBA draft, being 27 years old at the time of the draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raul Neto</span> Brazilian basketball player (born 1992)

Raul "Raulzinho" Togni Neto is a Brazilian professional basketball player for Pinheiros of the NBB. He is also a member of the senior men's Brazilian national basketball team. Neto also holds an Italian passport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evan Fournier</span> French basketball player (born 1992)

Evan Mehdi Fournier is a French professional basketball player for Olympiacos of the Greek Basketball League (GBL) and the EuroLeague. He played junior basketball at the French INSEP academy from 2007 to 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rudy Gobert</span> French basketball player (born 1992)

Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel is a French professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously played for the Utah Jazz who acquired him during the 2013 NBA draft. Gobert also represents the French national team in its international competitions. Standing at 7 ft 1 in (2.16 m) tall with a wingspan of 7 ft 9 in (2.36 m) long, he plays the center position. He is regarded as one of the best defensive players of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frank Ntilikina</span> French basketball player (born 1998)

Frank Bryan Ntilikina is a French professional basketball player for Partizan Belgrade of the EuroLeague, ABA League and the Basketball League of Serbia. Although he was born in Belgium, he grew up in the French city of Strasbourg. Ntilikina stands at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) tall and plays the point guard position. He was selected by the New York Knicks as the eighth overall pick during the 2017 NBA draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Killian Tillie</span> French basketball player

Killian Wiard Tillie is a French professional basketball player for Unicaja Malaga of the Liga ACB and the Basketball Champions League (BCL). He played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Tillie joined Gonzaga University beginning in the 2016–17 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Killian Hayes</span> French-American basketball player (born 2001)

Killian Deron Antron Hayes is a French-American professional basketball player for the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aleksej Pokuševski</span> Serbian basketball player (born 2001)

Aleksej Pokuševski is a Serbian professional basketball player for Partizan Mozzart Bet of the ABA League, Basketball League of Serbia (KLS) and the EuroLeague. Standing at 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) and weighing 210 pounds (95 kg), he plays both the power forward and small forward positions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franz Wagner (basketball)</span> German basketball player (born 2001)

Franz Jacob Wagner is a German professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olivier Sarr</span> French basketball player (born 1999)

Olivier Sarr is a French professional basketball player who last played for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Oklahoma City Blue of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and the Kentucky Wildcats. He is the older brother of basketball player Alex Sarr.

Alexandre Dam Sarr is a French professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He plays the power forward and center positions. Sarr played for the French youth national team and the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) prior to being selected second overall by the Wizards in the 2024 NBA draft. He is the younger brother of basketball player Olivier Sarr.

Tidjane Abdoul Salaün is a French professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pacôme Dadiet</span> French basketball player (born 2005)

Pacôme Djenon Dadiet is a French professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He previously played for Paris Basketball and Ratiopharm Ulm.

References

  1. ↑ "Tariq Abdul-Wahad Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Alexis Ajinca Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  3. ↑ "Joel Ayayi Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  4. ↑ "Nicolas Batum Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  5. ↑ "Rodrigue Beaubois Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Howard O'Neal Jr. Carter Bio". FIBA Europe. Retrieved October 17, 2010.
  7. ↑ "Howard Carter Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  8. ↑ "Malcolm Cazalon Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Sidy Cissoko Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Petr Cornelie Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  11. ↑ "Bilal Coulibaly Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Pacome Dadiet Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Nando de Colo Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  14. ↑ "Moussa Diabaté Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  15. ↑ "Boris Diaw Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  16. ↑ "Yakhouba Diawara Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  17. ↑ "Ousmane Dieng Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Sekou Doumbouya Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  19. ↑ "Evan Fournier Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Mickaël Gelabale Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  21. ↑ "Rudy Gobert NBA & ABA Stats". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Killian Hayes Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Jaylen Hoard Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  24. ↑ "William Howard Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Damien Inglis Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Joffrey Lauvergne Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  27. ↑ "Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  28. ↑ "Ian Mahinmi Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  29. ↑ "Theo Madelon Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  30. ↑ "Jérôme Moïso Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  31. ↑ "Adam Mokoka Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  32. ↑ "FRA – Noah cleared to play for France". FIBA. October 8, 2007. Archived from the original on September 28, 2012. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  33. ↑ "Joakim Noah Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  34. ↑ "Frank Ntilikina Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  35. ↑ "Elie Okobo Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  36. ↑ "Tony Parker Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  37. ↑ "Johan Petro Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  38. ↑ "Mickaël Piétrus Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  39. ↑ "Vincent Poirier Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  40. ↑ "Yves Pons Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  41. ↑ "Antoine Rigaudeau Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  42. ↑ "Robert Riley profile". FIBA. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  43. ↑ "Bob Riley Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
  44. ↑ "Zaccharie Risacher Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  45. ↑ "Rayan Rupert Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Tidjane Salaün Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  47. ↑ "Alex Sarr Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  48. ↑ "Olivier Sarr Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  49. ↑ "Kevin Séraphin Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 24, 2010.
  50. ↑ "Pape Sy Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  51. ↑ "Killian Tillie Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  52. ↑ "Axel Toupane Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  53. ↑ "Ronny Turiaf Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2010.
  54. ↑ "Victor Wembanyama Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  55. ↑ "Guerschon Yabusele Statistics". basketball-reference.com. Retrieved August 1, 2020.
  56. ↑ Reynolds, Bill (2005). Cousy: His Life, Career, and the Birth of Big-Time Basketball . New York: Simon & Schuster. pp.  23. ISBN   0-7432-5476-7.

See also

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.