The NBA has benefited from the play of many talented Latino basketball players over the years. From crafty veterans to young rising stars, Latino players have made their mark with skill, determination, and passion for the game.
This list highlights the 8 greatest Latino NBA players of all time based on statistical production, impact on winning, honors such as All-Star appearances and All-NBA selections, and overall influence on the league.
8. Carlos Arroyo
Carlos Arroyo played for 8 different NBA teams over his career, serving mostly as a backup point guard.
However, Arroyo stepped up when given opportunities. He led Puerto Rico to a shock victory over the United States in the 2004 Olympics.
Arroyo also once scored 30 points and had 12 assists as a member of the Utah Jazz. While lacking consistency, he provided a spark off the bench.
7. Carlos Delfino
Carlos Delfino was a versatile swingman capable of playing shooting guard or small forward.
The Argentine played 8 NBA seasons, averaging 8.1 points per game primarily with the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors.
His best year came with Toronto where he put up over 13 points a game.
Delfino was also money from the outside, shooting 36.5% from three for his career.
6. J.J. Barea
The diminutive J.J. Barea has overcome height limitations to become one of the best backup point guards in the NBA.
The 6-foot (1.82m) Puerto Rican played a key role as a reserve on the Dallas Mavericks 2011 Championship team.
He provided instant offense off the bench, quickness at the point, and fearless drives to the basket.
5. Nenê
Nenê carved out a long career in the NBA that has spanned 17 seasons.
With career averages of 11.3 points and 6 rebounds per game, the Brazilian has been a steady veteran big man presence.
He played the prime years of his career on some great Denver Nuggets teams in the late 2000s.
Nenê later transitioned into a productive role player for other teams.
4. Al Horford
Al Horford has established himself as one of the NBA’s top power forwards during his 14 year career.
He is a consummate professional bringing leadership, versatility, and strong fundamentals.
Horford is the type of “glue guy” needed on great teams, contributing in points, rebounds, defense, and passing from the center spot.
He was a key member of 60+ win Atlanta Hawks teams in the mid 2010s.
3. Manu Ginóbili
Few players epitomized creative scoring quite like Manu Ginóbili.
His signature Euro step allowed him to weave past defenders and uncork shots from odd angles.
The Argentine provided a huge lift off the bench for four San Antonio championship teams.
With breathtaking slashing ability and clutch shot making, Ginóbili cemented himself as one of the greatest sixth men ever.
2. Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol was an incredibly skilled 7-footer (2.13m) who became one of the NBA’s top power forwards in the 2000s and 2010s.
At his peak, he averaged around 20 points and 10 rebounds a game for the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers.
Gasol was a gifted passer with a soft touch, winning two rings with the Lakers.
His finesse game ushered in more versatility from big men.
1. Tim Duncan
Virgin Islands native Tim Duncan is considered the greatest power forward of all time.
His sustained dominance led to 15 All-NBA selections, 15 All-Defensive nods, and five championships.
Duncan owned the paint with stellar defense, rebounding, and bank shots with either hand.
He played for one franchise his whole career while leading San Antonio to consistent greatness year after year.
Duncan’s success places him among the elite in basketball history.
