Nevada has become a major basketball hub, producing top-tier talent that is currently making waves in the NBA and international leagues. While the state was once known only for its UNLV glory days, it is now a factory for modern pro players.
Here are the top 10 active basketball players born in the Silver State as of 2026.
Top 10 Active Basketball Players Born in Nevada
1. Zach Collins (Las Vegas)
A versatile big man known for his defensive presence and floor-spacing ability. Despite early career injuries, Collins has established himself as a reliable modern center in the NBA, currently providing high-level rim protection and veteran leadership.
2. Troy Brown Jr. (Las Vegas)
A former first-round pick and a "Swiss Army knife" on the wing. Brown Jr. has carved out a long career as a high-IQ role player who can guard multiple positions, rebound effectively for a guard, and knock down open shots.
3. Julian Strawther (Las Vegas)
One of the most exciting young shooters coming out of Nevada. After a standout college career at Gonzaga, Strawther has quickly become a key rotation piece in the NBA, known for his deep range and "floater" game that makes him a constant scoring threat.
4. Orlando Robinson (Las Vegas)
A modern mobile center who has worked his way from undrafted status to a consistent NBA roster spot. Robinson is praised for his high motor, rebounding prowess, and an evolving offensive game that fits the current pace of the league.
5. Maxwell Lewis (Las Vegas)
A rising wing with high upside. Born in Las Vegas, Lewis possesses the length and athleticism that NBA scouts dream of. He is currently developing into a high-level 3-and-D wing with the potential to become a starter.
6. Jalen Hill (Las Vegas)
Known for his athleticism and defensive grit, Hill has been a standout performer since his days at Clark High School. He continues to play at a high level professionally, bringing energy and "glue guy" traits to his team.
7. Tyler Bey (Las Vegas)
A former Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Bey remains one of the most athletic players born in Nevada. While he has moved between the NBA and top-tier international leagues, his elite rebounding for his size and defensive versatility keep him among the state’s best.
8. Gabby Williams (Reno)
One of the most decorated Nevada-born athletes. A star in the WNBA and a key piece of the French National Team, Williams is a world-class defender and playmaker. She is a prime example of the elite talent Nevada produces on the women’s side.
9. Rae Burrell (Las Vegas)
A high-scoring wing in the WNBA who has overcome injuries to showcase her lottery-pick talent. Burrell’s ability to create her own shot and her length on the defensive end make her one of the most prominent active players from the Las Vegas area.
10. Daishen Nix (Las Vegas)
A powerful point guard who took the unique path of the G-League Ignite. Nix remains an active presence in professional basketball, known for his court vision and physical frame that allows him to bully smaller guards.
Conclusion
Nevada’s basketball identity has shifted from being a "recruiting destination" to a "talent producer." With players like Zach Collins and Julian Strawther holding it down in the NBA, and Gabby Williams dominating the international and WNBA scenes, the Silver State is firmly on the global basketball map in 2026. Whether they grew up in the gyms of Las Vegas or Reno, these athletes carry the "Nevada grit" into every game they play.
