In the NBA’s history, there have been relatively few UK players. Nevertheless, those who did make it to the league typically found success.
Luol Deng holds the title of the most accomplished UK player in the NBA, and Deni Avdija has the potential to emulate his achievements.
UK Players in the NBA
Currently, four UK players are in the NBA:
- Deni Avdija (Washington Wizards): Avdija, a 6’9″ forward, was the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He’s versatile, excelling in multiple positions, and stands out as a skilled passer and rebounder.
- Omer Yurtseven (Utah Jazz): Yurtseven, a 7’0″ center, went undrafted in 2021 but earned a spot on the Jazz roster as a free agent. He’s a strong scorer near the rim and adept at blocking shots.
- Yam Madar (Boston Celtics): Madar, a 6’3″ guard, was drafted 47th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2020. He’s known for his agility, ball-handling skills, and passing ability.
- Yogi Ferrell (Los Angeles Clippers): Ferrell, a 5’11” guard, has played for seven different NBA teams in his career. He’s a dependable scorer and ball-handler, often providing a valuable spark off the bench.
Is Deng the most accomplished UK player in NBA history?
Apart from the four current NBA players from the UK, a few others have recently played in the league. These include:
- Luol Deng (Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Joel Freeland (Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs)
- Ndudi Ebi (Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks)
- Michael Olowokandi (Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics)
UK Players in the NBA: Luol Deng
Deng holds the title of the most accomplished UK player in NBA history. He was chosen as the seventh overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft and earned two All-Star selections.
He showcased remarkable versatility as a forward, excelling in scoring, rebounding, and defense at a high level.
Freeland, standing at 6’11”, played in the NBA from 2012 to 2015 as a center. He was known for his strong rebounding skills and rim protection but faced challenges in consistent scoring.
Ebi, a 6’9″ forward, participated in the NBA from 2004 to 2013. While he displayed athleticism and defensive prowess, he struggled with offensive consistency.
Olowokandi, a 7’0″ center, had an NBA career from 1998 to 2007. Despite being the first overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, he couldn’t fulfill his potential.
