The arrival of European players in the NBA picked up in the early 90s, giving the traditional western basketball fan exposure to Europe’s best and brightest talents like Vlade Divac, Peja Stojakovic, Tony Kukoc and others. Interestingly, some of the best players in the National Basketball Association today are European — Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic.
Active Latvian Players in the NBA
Kristaps Porziņģis
7 foot 3 inches tall Kristaps Porziņģis is among the few international players who has been able to sustain himself in the NBA. Having been picked fourth overall by the New York Knicks in the 2015 NBA Draft, many were confused why a less popular European player was drafted over more popular college players.
As fans and sports analysts would later realize, Porzingis proved to be the best choice for the Knicks in the 2015 Draft. He averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game on 42.1% shooting.
An Abrupt ACL injury cut his 2017-18 season short, forcing him to sit out the next season. Between 2020 to 2023, Porzingis has averaged 21.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game.
Davis Bertans
Davis Bertans made his NBA debut for the San Antonio Spurs in 2016 and showed lots of potential. While playing for the Washington Wizards in the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 15.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and shot 42.4% from 3-point range.
Davis is an impressive power forward who can shoot the ball well and get points in limited minutes. He is very agile and quick for someone who is 6 feet 10 inches tall.
Non-Active/Retired Latvian Players in the NBA
The following list contains the names of Latvian Basketball players who once played in the NBA and have now retired and those who are active but play professional basketball outside of the NBA:
| Player Name | DOB | Position | Last Franchise/Team | Career Average (per game) |
| Gundars Vetra | May 22, 1967 (age 56) | Shooting guard | Minnesota Timberwolves | 3.5 points, 0.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.2 steals per game (1992-93 season, 13 games) |
| Andris Biedrins | April 2, 1986 (age 37) | Center | Utah Jazz | 6.3 points, 7 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, 1.1 blocks per game (10 seasons) |
| Dairis Bertans | September 9, 1989 (age 33) | Shooting guard | New Orleans Pelicans | 2.8 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.1 steals per game (2018-19 season, 12 games) |
| Anzejs Pasecniks | December 20, 1995 (age 27) | Center | Washington Wizards | 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.4 blocks per game (two seasons, 28 games) |
| Rodions Kurucs | February 5, 1998 (age 25) | Small forward | Brooklyn Nets | 6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.6 steals, 0.3 blocks per game (three seasons) |
FAQs
A. Gundars Vera. He played in the 1992-93 season for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A. Only two, Kristaps Porzingis and Davis Bertans.
A. Kristaps Porzingis was selected as an All-Star in 2018.
