Top Latin NBA Players

The NBA is one of the most diverse sporting leagues in the world based on the ethnical and birthplace backgrounds of their active players and legends, with the league now welcoming several professional players from a variety of countries and regions around the globe which even includes Latin America.Latino heat has certainly remained a major factor throughout the course NBA folklore as the league has welcomed its fair share of sublime Latin talents, with Hispanic greats even enjoying an NBA career for the ages that could well result in a future Hall of Fame induction.From towering All-Stars to complimentary title starlets, these are some of the very best Latino talent to have ever been featured in NBA history:

• Manu Ginobili – Argentina:

Perhaps the most recognizable Latin America star to have been featured in the NBA on a regular occurrence is the genius play and mind of Argentine superstar Manu Ginobili who is not only the best Latino player in NBA history but also one the game’s most successful players of all time.After being selected late in the second round of the 1999 NBA draft by the San Antonio Spurs, Ginobili would have to wait another two years before he was allowed to join the Spurs roster, in a draft day selection that proved to be well worth the wait.Once Ginobili joined a rising core of All-NBA talent Tim Duncan and rising young star Tony Parker, the Spurs were catapulted into sheer title contention every season.Ginobili would make a name for himself as arguably the greatest sixth man in NBA history as his supreme basketball IQ, elite playmaking and surprising athleticism would all pave the way for a hall of fame career as he won four titles with the Spurs across a legendary tenure.Manu was the final piece in a dynasty that prioritized team basketball play and every player understanding their role to perfection, with no player exemplifying head coach Gregg Popovich’s motto and system better than the Argentine.Ginobili would end his career with four NBA titles, two All-Star appearances, two All-NBA team nods, the 2008 Sixth Man of the Year as well as having his number 20 jersey retired by the Spurs and later earning a deserved hall of fame induction, with his success overseas also remaining as one the most decorated out of any international player.

• Al Horford – Dominican Republic:

While Horford has yet to taste any postseason glory compared to his fellow Latino star Manu Ginobili, he is still making waves as a key contributor on a Boston Celtics roster that is the quintessential favorite to win the championship this season (+260) according to the latest NBA playoff odds.In the twilight years of his illustrious career, Horford has clearly lost a slight step of speed and athleticism yet there is still no denying that he is an integral part of a Celtics roster that relies on his veteran presence and versatility in the frontcourt.During his peak years in the league, Horford was regularly named to the All-Star game as he helped to propel the formally dormant Atlanta Hawks into title contention thanks to his brilliance on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court.He has since suited up for the likes of the Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers across a remarkable career, which could even conclude with a future Hall of Fame induction should he win a championship before his retirement.Horford has found great success at both college with the Florida Gators, where he won two national championships, as well as proving to be one of the best big men of the 2010s NBA which certainly earns him a spot as one of the very best Latino players of all-time.

• Leandro Barbosa – Brazil:

NBA fans of the 2000s will be well aware of Barbosa’s presence on the famous seven seconds or less offense that the Phoenix Suns posed during the Steve Nash era in the desert, with the Brazilian becoming an increasingly integral part of a roster that won over sixty games in multiple different seasons.Barbosa was named as the 2007 Sixth man of the Year with averages of 18 points, three rebounds and four assists in just 33 minutes of play off the bench.While he is more-so known for his time operating as a sixth man in coach Mike D’Antoni’s fabled offense, Barbosa has suited up for a number of NBA clubs following his stint in Phoenix.These have included the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors and two more separate runs in Phoenix.His two year star in the Bay area with the Warriors was a major success for Barbosa as he won his first and only championship of his career as a key part of their secondary unit with the Warriors even resigning Leandro the following season where they famously set an NBA record with 73 wins in the regular season and another finals berth, where they would lose in seven games to LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers in dramatic fashion.