Many white players are highly talented and successful in the game of basketball. Some of the most popular and successful top white players in the NBA include Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, and Chris Paul. These players have achieved a great deal of success in their careers and have helped to change how people view white players in the game of basketball.
How Many White Players Have Won NBA MVP?
In the history of the NBA, only seven white players have ever been named MVP. This is a surprisingly low number considering that white players make up a significant percentage of the league. However, many great famous white players in the NBA have demonstrated exceptional skills on the court.
Who Was The First White Guy In The NBA?
Wataru Misaka made history in the 1947-1948 season when he became the first Asian American to play in the NBA. He was born in Ogden, Utah, to Japanese immigrant parents and attended the University of Utah on a basketball scholarship.
During his time with the New York Knicks, Misaka faced racism from fans and other players. In one instance, opposing player George Mikan intentionally tripped Misaka, leading to a fight between the two players. Despite the challenges, Misaka persevered and went on to have a successful career in basketball.
How Many White Men Play In The NBA?
As of the 2019-2020 season, 71% of NBA players are black, and 26% are white, according to an analysis by FiveThirtyEight. That means that approximately 186 of the league’s 430 players are black, and 114 are white.
Best White NBA Players Of All Time:
White athletes have often been overlooked in a sport that African American players largely dominate. However, there have been many great white players throughout NBA history. Here are some of the best:
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Larry Bird
Larry Bird is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and is considered one of the best shooters and passers in NBA history. The bird was born and raised in Indiana, where he played college basketball for Indiana State University.
He was drafted into the NBA by the Boston Celtics in 1978 and played his entire professional career with the team. He helped lead the Celtics to three NBA championships (1981, 1984, 1986) and was named the NBA Finals MVP twice (1984, 1986).
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Bob Pettit
Bob Pettit was one of the first great white players in the NBA. He was a 6’9″ power forward who played for the Milwaukee Hawks from 1954 to 1965. Pettit was a four-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion. He was also the first player in NBA history to average 20 points and 10 rebounds per game in a season.
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Dirk Nowitzki
Nowitzki has spent his entire 21-year NBA career with the Mavericks. He is the franchise leader in points, rebounds, and games played. He is a 14-time All-Star and was named MVP of the league in 2007. Nowitzki has led the Mavericks to 15 playoff appearances, including an appearance in the NBA Finals in 2011.
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John Stockton
John Stockton is a retired American professional basketball player. He spent his entire NBA career playing for the Utah Jazz, from 1984 to 2003. He is considered one of the best point guards of all time and was selected to the NBA All-Star team ten times .
Stockton is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals and held the record for most assists in a single season until 2018. He is also one of only two players in NBA history with more than 15,000 career assists.
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John Havlicek
John Havlicek is one of the most decorated players in NBA history. The former Boston Celtic great was a 13-time All-Star, an 11-time member of the All-NBA team, and an eight-time All-Defensive team member. He was also a two-time NBA champion and named the Finals MVP in 1974. In 1996, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
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Steve Nash
Nash, who was drafted 15th overall by the Suns in 1996, spent 10 of his 18 seasons in Phoenix, where he became one of the most popular players in franchise history. He was a six-time All-Star and helped lead the Suns to the playoffs eight times.
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Jerry West
Another all-time great white player is Jerry West. He was nicknamed “Mr. Clutch” for his ability to hit big shots in pressure situations. He was also a gifted passer and defender. West played his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers and helped them win one NBA title.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, while it is true that white players have not always been prevalent in the NBA, it is also true that the league has become more diverse over time. In recent years, the percentage of white players in the NBA has been rising, and this trend will likely continue.
Clyde Jackson III is a basketball coach and the founder of GCBC Basketball, a basketball-related learning and informational website that focuses on helping young players develop their skills on and off the court. With over 15 years of coaching experience, Clyde has worked with players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to professionals.