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Latino pride hits the court: stars to watch this NBA season
As the new NBA season tips off this 21st, Latino players are getting ready to leave their mark on the league, showcasing the talent, versatility, and pride that define the community. From seasoned veterans to emerging stars, these athletes embody determination and global influence. Here are five NBA Latino players to keep your eye on this season, each carving their own legacy on and off the court.
1. Al Horford (Dominican Republic)
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A model of consistency and leadership, Al Horford remains one of the most respected veterans in the NBA. The Dominican big man recently signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, entering his 19th season in the league. Known for his defensive presence and three-point shooting, Horford perfectly complements Golden State’s dynamic, perimeter-oriented system.
With over 1,100 career games, Horford has averaged 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while shooting nearly 38% from beyond the arc. He’s also one of only four players in league history with at least 900 career threes and 1,300 blocks, joining Rasheed Wallace, Brook Lopez, and Clifford Robinson. His experience and leadership will be crucial as the Warriors chase another championship run.
2. Karl-Anthony Towns (Dominican Republic)
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Few players combine size, skill, and finesse like Karl-Anthony Towns. The Dominican-American forward-center has been a force since being drafted first overall in 2015. After nearly a decade in Minnesota, Towns joined the New York Knicks in a blockbuster trade, and his impact was immediate.
In his debut season in New York, Towns averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, helping the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference Finals. His shooting efficiency (over 42% from three) and ability to dominate inside make him one of the most versatile bigs in the league. A five-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection, Towns is now focused on leading the Knicks to their first championship since 1973.
3. José Alvarado (Puerto Rico / Mexico)
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Nicknamed “Grand Theft Alvarado” for his relentless defense and knack for steals, José Alvarado has become a fan favorite in New Orleans. Born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican and Mexican parents, Alvarado embodies hustle and heart, the traits that define the Pelicans’ culture.
After going undrafted in 2021, Alvarado earned his place through grit, earning a two-year, $9 million contract extension. Standing at just 1.83 meters (6 feet), he proves that passion and determination can outshine size. His energy, leadership, and defensive instincts make him one of the most electrifying guards to watch in the league.
4. Deandre Ayton (Bahamas)
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After stints in Phoenix and Portland, Bahamian center Deandre Ayton is embracing a new challenge with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 27-year-old big man, once known as “Dominayton”, brings elite rebounding, rim protection, and soft touch around the basket. Under head coach JJ Redick, Ayton is expected to anchor the Lakers’ defense alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
“JJ has been very clear with me,” Ayton said recently. “He wants his bigs to protect the rim and I want to be that anchor.” If Ayton can bring consistent intensity and focus on defense, he could be the missing piece that turns the Lakers into a true contender once again.
5. Buddy Hield (Bahamas)
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Another Bahamian standout, Buddy Hield, continues to prove he’s one of the league’s deadliest sharpshooters. After being traded to the Golden State Warriors in a record-setting six-team deal in 2024, Hield quickly found his rhythm, knocking down 12 three-pointers in his first two games with the team, the most ever by a new Warrior.
He played all 82 games last season, averaging 11.1 points and shooting 41% from three. In the playoffs, Hield caught fire, hitting nine triples in Game 7 against Houston to send the Warriors to the next round. His experience and perimeter shooting make him an ideal fit alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson in Golden State’s retooled lineup.
While these five stand out, they represent a growing wave of Latino talent shaping the NBA’s future. From the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Bahamas, the presence of Latino players continues to grow, inspiring a new generation to dream big and aim higher on the world’s biggest basketball stage.
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