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20 Popular NBA Players from Tennessee

There is a long history of basketball in Tennessee. There have been numerous Tennessee natives who have achieved success in the NBA throughout its history. Legends, stars, and up-and-coming players are all represented on this list of the top 20 NBA players from Tennessee.

Some of the finest NBA players ever, like Dale Ellis, Ernie Grunfeld, and Bernard King, are included in the list’s first few entries. Each of these players was a superstar in their own right, and they paved the way for later Tennessee basketball generations.

The list also has some of the most well-known and entertaining NBA players right now, including Grant Williams, Ja Morant, and Admiral Schofield. At the top level of the sport, each of these athletes is doing a great job representing Tennessee.

Last but not least, the list also features a few rising prospects with NBA star potential. Julian Phillips, Keon Johnson, and Kennedy Chandler are some of these guys. Each of these guys is a promising young talent who is hungry to establish themselves in the league.

1. Dale Ellis

From 1983 to 2000, Dale Ellis, an American professional basketball player, competed in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was chosen for the All-NBA Third Team four times and was an NBA All-Star two times. The NBA record for the most three-pointers made in a single season is held by Ellis (297), who was well-known for his three-point shooting prowess.

In 1960, Ellis was born in Gary, Indiana. He was a three-time All-Southeastern Conference pick while playing collegiate basketball for the University of Tennessee. The Dallas Mavericks selected Ellis in the first round in the 1983 NBA Draught.

Throughout his NBA career, Ellis played for the Dallas Mavericks, Seattle Supersonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, and San Antonio Spurs. He played in the NBA All-Star Game twice, in 1989 and 1990. Ellis was also chosen for the 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992 All-NBA Third Team four times.

During his NBA career, Ellis averaged 18.9 points per game thanks to his high scoring prowess. He was a solid rebounder as well, averaging 4.5 per game.

In 2000, Ellis stepped down from the NBA. In 2003, he was admitted to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. One of the best three-point shooters in NBA history is regarded as Ellis. He serves as an inspiration to upcoming basketball players, and his legacy endures.

2. Ernie Grunfeld

Ernie Grunfeld. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Former National Basketball Association (NBA) general manager and Romanian-American basketball player Ernie Grunfeld. During his nine-year NBA career, he played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Kansas City Kings, and New York Knicks. Grunfeld was selected to the All-NBA Third Team twice and was an NBA All-Star two times. He also competed on the gold-medal winning American men’s basketball team at the 1984 Olympics.

In 1955, Grunfeld was born in Satu Mare, Romania. When he was a little boy, his family relocated to the US. At the University of Tennessee, Grunfeld competed in collegiate basketball and was twice named to the All-Southeastern Conference team. The Milwaukee Bucks selected him in the opening round of the 1977 NBA Draught.

Grunfeld, who could play both guard positions, was a talented athlete. He was a good passer as well as a good scorer and rebounder. On the Knicks squad that advanced to the NBA Finals in 1994, Grunfeld was a vital member.

Grunfeld transitioned into the general manager position in 1993 after leaving the NBA. From 1989 to 1999, he managed the New York Knicks, from 1999 to 2003, the Milwaukee Bucks, and from 2003 to 2019, the Washington Wizards. Grunfeld was renowned for his aggressive free-agent negotiating style and his readiness to make significant transactions.

Grunfeld leaves behind a complex legacy. Early in his career, he was a productive player and general manager. His subsequent years as a general manager, however, were less fruitful. Grunfeld received criticism for his selections in the draught and for failing to assemble a championship squad in Washington.

Ernie Grunfeld continues to be a prominent player in NBA history while having a mixed legacy. He invented the three-point shot and was selected to the NBA All-Star team twice. Early in his career, Grunfeld also enjoyed success as a general manager. He serves as an inspiration to upcoming basketball players, and his legacy endures.

3. Bernard King

Bernard King. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

King was born in 1956 in Brooklyn, New York. He was a three-time All-Southeastern Conference pick while playing collegiate basketball for the University of Tennessee. The New Jersey Nets selected King in the first round in the 1977 NBA Draught.

During his NBA career, King played for the Nets, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Washington Bullets. In 1984 and 1985, he was selected as an NBA All-Star twice. King was also chosen for the 1984 and 1985 All-NBA First Team twice.

During his NBA career, King averaged 22.5 points per game and was a highly productive scorer. He was a solid rebounder as well, averaging 5.9 per game.

Injury setbacks to King’s career, yet he was still able to accomplish a lot. In 2013, he received his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Young basketball players look up to King as a role model, and his legacy never fades.

4. Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley. , , via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most dominant and entertaining players in NBA history was Charles Barkley. He was a member of the All-NBA Team 11 times, an NBA All-Star 11 times, and the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player. Barkley was renowned for his dominating performances, frank demeanor, and sense of humor.

During his NBA career, Barkley played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets. From 1987 to 1999, he made the NBA All-Star team 11 times. Additionally, Barkley was an 11-time All-NBA Team member, appearing on the First Team five times and the Second Team six times.

Barkley had a lot of offensive and defensive rebounds. Throughout his NBA career, he scored 22.1 points and grabbed 11.7 rebounds a game. Barkley averaged 3.9 assists per game, demonstrating his skill as a playmaker. He was one of the most feared opponents in the NBA and a total player on the basketball court.

Barkley was well-known for his blunt demeanour and sense of humor. He was usually entertaining and didn’t mind speaking his mind. Because of his charisma, Barkley was one of the NBA’s most well-liked players and contributed to the global growth of the sport.

In 2000, Barkley left the NBA. Inducted in 2006, he is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Young basketball players look up to Barkley, and his legacy continues to motivate them.

5. Penny Hardaway

Penny Hardaway. , , via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most thrilling and explosive players in NBA history was Penny Hardaway. He was a member of the 1996 United States Olympic men’s basketball team that won a gold medal. He was also a four-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Second Team pick. Hardaway was well-known for his agility, ball-handling prowess, and versatility as a scorer.

In 1971, Hardaway was born in Memphis, Tennessee. At the University of Memphis, where he played college basketball, he was twice named to the All-Conference USA team. The Orlando Magic selected Hardaway with the third overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draught.

Hardaway immediately rose to prominence as one of the NBA’s most well-liked players. He had a hallmark move called the “Penny Hardaway Crossover” that quickly rose to the top of the league and was a highlight reel waiting to happen. Hardaway was a complete player on the basketball court who was also a very excellent passer and rebounder.

Injury setbacks caused Hardaway’s career to take a downturn, yet he still managed to achieve a lot. In 2008, he was admitted to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Young basketball players look up to Hardaway, and his legacy continues to motivate them.

6. Jamaal Tinsley

Jamaal Tinsley. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The basketball court was a blur when Jamaal Tinsley was there. He was among the NBA’s swiftest and most nimble point guards. Additionally, Tinsley was an excellent passer and ball handler. He could readily produce scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates.

The crossover was one of Tinsley’s hallmark moves. He had no trouble slipping past his opponents, and he frequently capped off drives with spectacular layups and dunks. Tinsley was an excellent passer as well. Throughout his career, he averaged 6.3 assists per game.

The Indiana Pacers squad that made it to the 2000 NBA Finals featured Tinsley as a major player. He was also selected for the NBA Third Team twice and the NBA All-Star Team once. Injury setbacks caused Tinsley’s career to take a downturn, yet he was still able to achieve a lot. He serves as an inspiration to upcoming basketball players, and his legacy endures.

7. Chris Lofton

Chris Lofton., , via Wikimedia Commons

Chris Lofton was a master of the three-point shot. He is well renowned for his exceptional shooting skills since he has made the most three-pointers in a season (259), which is an NCAA record. Lofton also won the SEC Player of the Year award once and was chosen for the All-SEC First Team twice.

The Houston Rockets selected Lofton with the 30th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draught. During his NBA career, he participated for the Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors. Although Lofton was best recognized for his three-point shooting skills, he was also an excellent distributor and ball handler.

Injury setbacks caused Lofton’s NBA career to be cut short, but he still accomplished a lot. He is one of the most prolific three-point shooters in NBA history and holds the NCAA record for most threes made in a season. Young basketball players look up to Lofton, and his legacy continues to motivate them.

8. C.J. Watson

C.J. Watson. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Lightning-fast point guard C.J. Watson spent ten seasons in the NBA. He was well-known for his quickness, ball-handling prowess, and versatility on offence. The Golden State Warriors team that advanced to the NBA Finals in 2015 featured Watson as a significant player.

In 1984, Watson was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the University of Tennessee, where he played college basketball, he was twice named to the All-SEC Second Team. Watson joined the San Antonio Spurs in 2006 as a free agent after being drafted out of college.

Before the start of the season, Watson’s contract with the Spurs expired, and he spent the following season playing abroad. In 2008, he made a comeback to the NBA and joined the Golden State Warriors. Watson, who was well-known for his ability to energise teams when he came off the bench, immediately established himself as an important part of the Warriors’ rotation.

Watson was essential to the Warriors’ march to the NBA Finals in 2015. In the playoffs, he contributed 3.2 assists per game and an average of 8.1 points to the Warriors’ six-game victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In 2015, Watson left the NBA. He serves as an inspiration to upcoming basketball players, and his legacy endures.

9. Josh Richardson

Josh Richardson. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Guard Josh Richardson, who has seven seasons of NBA experience, is a dynamic and agile player. He is renowned for his three-point shooting, defense, and his capacity to set up teammates and himself for goals. Currently, Richardson plays for the San Antonio Spurs.

1993 saw the birth of Richardson in Baltimore, Maryland. At the University of Tennessee, where he played college basketball, he was twice named to the All-SEC Second Team. The Miami Heat selected Richardson with the 40th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draught.

Richardson rapidly rose to prominence in the Heat’s rotation. He was well-known for his versatility in defense and his shooting prowess from beyond the arc. During his stint with the Heat, Richardson also had averages of 11.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Richardson was acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade in 2019. He played for the 76ers for two seasons, scoring 13.9 points and grabbing 3.4 rebounds each game.

Richardson was acquired by the Dallas Mavericks in a trade in 2021. He played for the Mavericks for one season, averaging 10.8 points and 2.9 rebounds each game.

Currently, Richardson plays for the San Antonio Spurs. He is a skilled and adaptable player who can make a number of contributions. Young basketball players look up to Richardson, and his legacy continues to motivate them.

10. Admiral Schofield

Admiral Schofield. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Physical forward Admiral Schofield has three seasons of NBA experience. He is renowned for his hustle, rebounding, and versatility in positional defense. The Washington Wizards currently have Schofield on their roster.

In 1997, Schofield was born in Smyrna, Georgia. At the University of Tennessee, where he played college basketball, he was twice named to the All-SEC Second Team. The Philadelphia 76ers selected Schofield with the 42nd overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draught.

With the 76ers for one season, Schofield averaged 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds each game. Schofield was acquired by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a trade in 2020. He played for the Thunder for two seasons, averaging 4.2 points and 2.8 rebounds each game.

Schofield joined the Washington Wizards in 2022. He is a strong forward with a wide range of abilities. Young basketball players look up to Schofield, and his legacy continues to motivate them.

11. Jaden Springer

Jaden Springer. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Young and energetic guard Jaden Springer has two seasons of NBA experience. He is renowned for his athleticism, three-point shooting, and capacity to set up teammates and himself for goals. The Philadelphia 76ers presently have Springer on their roster.

2002 saw the birth of Springer in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was a freshman All-SEC selection while playing basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers. The Philadelphia 76ers selected Springer with the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draught.

The Delaware Blue Coats, a G League team affiliated with the 76ers, were where Springer played his rookie season. In the G League, he recorded 21.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per contest. After leading the Blue Coats to victory, Springer was awarded the G League Finals MVP.

During the 2022–23 seasons, Springer made his NBA debut. Although he hasn’t played much in his first two NBA seasons, he has occasionally displayed potential. Springer is a quick and agile guard with three different scoring ranges. He is a solid defender who can cover a variety of positions.

12. Ja Morant

Ja Morant. , , via Wikimedia Commons

One of the NBA’s most intriguing young players is Ja Morant. He is a talented point guard who excels at scoring and is renowned for his athleticism, originality, and ingenuity. Morant is the Memphis Grizzlies’ current star, and he is guiding them to one of their best seasons ever.

1999 saw the birth of Morant in Dalzell, South Carolina. He was twice named Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year while playing collegiate basketball for the Murray State Racers. The Memphis Grizzlies selected Morant with the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draught.

Morant has swiftly risen to the top of the NBA’s list of most favored players. He consistently makes plays worthy of the highlight reel, making him a thrilling player to watch. Morant is even more likeable because he is a really modest and down to earth individual.

The Grizzlies are having one of their best seasons in team history under Morant’s leadership. He scores 27.4 points, dishes out 6.7 assists, and grabs 5.7 rebounds each game. Morant is one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA and a very excellent defender as well.

One of the most intriguing young players in the NBA, Morant is the Grizzlies’ team of the future. He has the ability to become a success.

13. Keon Johnson

Keon Johnson. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Keon Johnson is a young and talented guard who has only played one season in the NBA. He is renowned for his athleticism, three-point shooting, and capacity to set up teammates and himself for goals. Johnson is a current Los Angeles Clippers player.

Johnson was born in 2002 in Richmond, Virginia. He was a freshman All-SEC selection while playing basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers. The Los Angeles Clippers selected Johnson with the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draught.

Johnson played with the Clippers during his first season. He recorded a game average of 6.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. In his debut season, Johnson displayed glimmers of his promise but he was inconsistent.

For aspiring basketball players, Johnson serves as an inspiration. No matter where you are from or what your situation is, he demonstrated to them that you can fulfill your aspirations. Johnson is a role model for all of us.

14. Grant Williams

Grant Williams. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The NBA’s Swiss Army Knife is Grant Williams. He has the ability to pass, defend, and score. Williams is an athletic and adaptable forward who can make a number of contributions.

Williams’ ability to make three-pointers is well-known. In his professional career, he had a three-point percentage of over 40%. Williams excels at grabbing rebounds as well. He pulls down more than 3 rebounds per game.

Williams is one of the most valued players in the NBA because he is a complete player on the basketball court. He serves as an example for young basketball players by demonstrating that you can succeed in the NBA even if you are not the best player.

15. Julian Phillips

Young and talented forward Julian Phillips has the ability to rank among the NBA’s top players. He is renowned for his adaptability, athleticism, and capacity to make a range of contributions.

Despite the fact that Phillips is still developing his career, he has already displayed glimpses of his ability. In his first campaign, he is averaging 8.5 points per game and has proven that he can be a force on both sides of the court.

Phillips serves as an inspiration for upcoming basketball players. He demonstrated to them the power of hard effort and the importance of never giving up on your aspirations. For Julian Phillips, the sky is the limit.

16. Kennedy Chandler

Kennedy Chandler. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The Brooklyn Nets’ spark plug is Kennedy Chandler. He is a young, dynamic point guard who excels at passing, controlling the ball, and running. On the basketball court, Chandler is a blur who can readily produce scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Despite the fact that Chandler is still just starting out in his career, he has already demonstrated flashes of his talent. He has demonstrated that he is prepared to contribute fully to an NBA team by averaging 11 points per game in the 2023 NBA Summer League.

17. Jordan Bone

Jordan Bone. , , via Wikimedia Commons

In spite of all the obstacles, Jordan Bone has managed to fulfill his ambition of playing in the NBA. He is a point guard with lightning quickness who is renowned for his quickness, ball handling, and passing skills. Currently, Bone plays for Vanoli Cremona of the Italian League.

In 1997, Bone was born in Nashville, Tennessee. He was twice named to the All-SEC Second Team while playing collegiate basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers. Bone joined the Detroit Pistons as a free agent in 2019 after not being selected out of college.

For the Magic in the 2020–21 season, Bone appeared in 14 games and scored 2.8 points on average. After being released by the Magic in 2021, he signed with the Beşiktaş JK squad of the Turkish League.

For Beşiktaş JK in the 2021–22 season, Bone appeared in 12 games and scored 10.8 points on average. In 2022, he committed to Vanoli Cremona.

Young basketball players look up to Bone as an example. No matter where you are from or what your situation is, he demonstrated to them that you can fulfill your aspirations. We can all learn from Bone.

18. Tony Delk

Tony Delk. , , via Wikimedia Commons

One of the most thrilling and important basketball players in Tennessee history was Tony Delk. He was acknowledged as the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four for his contributions to the 1996 Volunteers squad that won the national championship. Delk was also chosen for the All-SEC First Team twice.

In 1974, Delk was born in Covington, Tennessee. He represented Haywood High School in high school basketball, where he won the 1992 Tennessee Mr. Basketball title. Later, Delk played basketball for the Tennessee Volunteers in college.

Delk excelled during his time at Tennessee. In his four seasons with the Vols, he scored 15.5 points on average per game. Delk was renowned for his ability to make big plays in crucial situations. He was also a very strong defender.

Delk guided the Vols to a national title in the 1996 NCAA Tournament. In the tournament, he scored 21.7 points on average and made several crucial baskets in Tennessee’s triumphs over Georgia, Connecticut, and Kentucky. Delk scored 22 points and was voted the Final Four Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA title match versus Kentucky.

Delk was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 16th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draught following his college career. Delk had a 10-year NBA career and played for eight different teams. During his NBA career, he scored 9.1 points on average per game and was well-known for his three-point shooting prowess.

Delk is an inspiration to aspiring basketball players. No matter where you are from or what your situation is, he demonstrated to them that you can fulfil your aspirations. Delk is a role model for all of us.

19. Trenton Hassell

Trenton Hassell. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Undrafted superstar Trenton Hassell enjoyed a productive nine-year NBA career. He gained notoriety for his tenacity, defense, and three-point shooting. Hassell played a significant role on the Minnesota Timberwolves squad that advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 2003–04.

1979 saw the birth of Hassell in Clarksville, Tennessee. He was twice named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team while playing basketball for Austin Peay State University. Hassell joined the Chicago Bulls as a free agent in 2001 despite not being selected in the lottery out of college.

Hassell had a limited role with the Bulls during his rookie season, but he occasionally had promising signs. In 20 appearances, he averaged 2.2 assists and 3.3 rebounds. Hassell signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves after being released by the Bulls in 2003.

Hassell rapidly established himself as a pivotal player in the Timberwolves’ rotation. He was well-known for his versatility in defense and his three-point shooting prowess. In his two seasons with the Timberwolves, Hassell averaged 7.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per contest.

Hassell assisted the Timberwolves in their journey to the Western Conference Finals in the 2003–04 season. In the playoffs, he had a 7.9 point and 3.2 rebound average per game. Throughout his NBA career, Hassell also participated for the New Jersey Nets and the Dallas Mavericks.

Hassell is an inspiration to aspiring basketball players. He demonstrated to them that, despite being undrafted, it is still possible to follow your aspirations. Hassell is a model for all of us.

20. Dee Gibson

In 1923, Gibson was born in Cleveland, Tennessee. He was a two-time All-SEC Second Team pick while playing collegiate basketball for Western Kentucky University. The Minneapolis Lakers selected Gibson with the 57th overall pick in the 1948 NBA Draught.

In the 1948–1949 National Basketball League (NBL) season, Gibson made his professional basketball debut with the Tri-Cities Blackhawks. When the NBL changed its name to the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the 1949–50 season, he continued with the franchise. Gibson spent two seasons with the Blackhawks before being traded to the Milwaukee Hawks.

Gibson played for the Hawks for two seasons. He was renowned for his versatility in defense and his capacity for rebounding. In his two seasons with the Hawks, Gibson averaged 6.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest.

Gibson aided the Hawks in their 1955–56 NBA Finals run. In the playoffs, he had a point and rebound average of 4.6 and 4.4, respectively. Gibson left the NBA following the 1955–56 campaign.

Gibson is an inspiration to aspiring basketball players. He demonstrated to them that, despite their lack of playing talent, everyone can pursue their aspirations. Gibson was a hard-working athlete who never gave up on his ambitions. He serves as an example for all of us.

Twenty well-known Tennessee basketball players currently play in the NBA, proudly representing their home state at the greatest level.