The University of Kansas is more than just a college basketball powerhouse—it’s a direct pipeline to the NBA.
With a legacy that includes over 80 Kansas players in the NBA since the league’s inception, the Jayhawks have consistently produced elite talent.
From Hall of Famers like Wilt Chamberlain to current stars like Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins, Kansas players have left a lasting mark on the league.
This article breaks down the best Kansas players in the NBA, both all-time and from the 2024-25 NBA season, while also spotlighting famous Kansas players in the NBA and rising talent to watch.
Current Kansas Players in the NBA (2024-25 Season)
As of opening day of the 2024-25 season, 12 former Jayhawks are active on NBA rosters. Here are the top-performing Kansas players in the NBA right now, based on this season’s stats.
1. Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
- Position: C | PPG: 23.79 | RPG: 8.16 | APG: 4.47
- The 2023 NBA MVP and seven-time All-Star remains one of the league’s most dominant centers. Embiid led Team USA to gold in the 2024 Olympics and continues to be the face of the Sixers.
2. Andrew Wiggins – Miami Heat
- Position: F | PPG: 18.10 | RPG: 4.47 | APG: 2.63
After winning a championship with Golden State in 2022, Wiggins joined the Heat and has continued his strong all-around play. The former No. 1 pick also claimed the 2015 Rookie of the Year.
3. Christian Braun – Denver Nuggets
- Position: SF | PPG: 15.52 | RPG: 5.21 | APG: 2.52
- Braun has made a leap in his third NBA season. He’s known for his versatility and became one of only five players to win an NCAA and NBA title in back-to-back years (2022–2023).
4. Kelly Oubre Jr. – Philadelphia 76ers
- Position: SF | PPG: 15.10 | RPG: 6.13 | APG: 1.80
- Now in his 10th NBA season, Oubre provides scoring punch and defensive versatility for a playoff-contending Sixers team.
5. Gradey Dick – Toronto Raptors
- Position: GF | PPG: 14.39 | RPG: 3.57 | APG: 1.81
- In just his second year, Dick has emerged as a sharpshooter with offensive upside. Drafted 13th in 2023, he’s quickly become a key piece for Toronto.
Other active Kansas players in the NBA:
- Ochai Agbaji (Raptors) – 10.15 PPG
- Quentin Grimes (Sixers) – 14.65 PPG
- Jalen Wilson (Nets) – 9.31 PPG
- Svi Mykhailiuk (Jazz) – 8.14 PPG
- Johnny Furphy (Pacers) – Rookie season
- Kevin McCullar Jr. (Knicks) – Rookie season
- Markieff Morris (Lakers) – Veteran presence
All-Time Best NBA Players from Kansas
Beyond the current crop, Kansas has produced some of the most famous Kansas players in the NBA. Here’s our definitive list of the best NBA players from Kansas, ranked by career accomplishments, impact, and legacy.
1. Wilt Chamberlain
- NBA Career: 30.07 PPG, 22.89 RPG
- A legend among legends. Chamberlain redefined dominance in the NBA, famously scoring 100 points in a single game. He earned 4 MVPs, 13 All-Star selections, and still holds countless league records.
2. Paul Pierce
- NBA Career: 19.66 PPG, 5.60 RPG, 3.51 APG
- “The Truth” was a 10-time All-Star, NBA champion, and Finals MVP. Pierce spent the bulk of his career with the Celtics and ranks among their all-time greats.
3. Jo Jo White
- NBA Career: 17.20 PPG, 4.00 RPG, 4.89 APG
- White helped lead the Boston Celtics to two championships and earned seven All-Star nods. Known for his durability, he played all 82 games for five straight seasons.
4. Danny Manning
- NBA Career: 14.02 PPG, 5.23 RPG
- The No. 1 overall pick in 1988, Manning was a two-time All-Star and key player during the early 1990s. He’s also remembered for leading KU to a national title as a player.
5. Clyde Lovellette
- NBA Career: 16.97 PPG, 9.46 RPG
- A three-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star, Lovellette was ahead of his time as a big man who could stretch the floor.
6. Bill Bridges
- NBA Career: 11.89 PPG, 11.94 RPG
- A tenacious rebounder, Bridges played 13 seasons and was a three-time All-Star. He won a title in 1975 and averaged a double-double for his career.
7. Kirk Hinrich
- NBA Career: 10.91 PPG, 4.83 APG
- Known for his gritty defense and clutch shooting, Hinrich played 13 NBA seasons—mostly with the Chicago Bulls—and earned All-Defensive honors in 2007.
Rising Kansas Talent to Watch
- Christian Braun and Gradey Dick are already making big contributions.
- Jalen Wilson (Nets) and Ochai Agbaji (Raptors) have carved out rotation roles.
- Rookies like Johnny Furphy and Kevin McCullar Jr. bring potential upside.
Kansas Basketball Legacy in the NBA
The Jayhawks’ impact on the NBA runs deep. Kansas players have won NBA titles in four of the last five seasons, with champions like:
- Andrew Wiggins (2022, Warriors)
- Christian Braun (2023, Nuggets)
- Svi Mykhailiuk (2024, Celtics)
- Markieff Morris (2020, Lakers)
The program’s success is no accident. With 28 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, elite coaching under Bill Self, and a record 104 winning seasons, Kansas keeps producing NBA-ready talent year after year.
Why Kansas Continues to Shape NBA Success
Whether it’s Hall of Famers like Wilt Chamberlain and Paul Pierce or rising stars like Joel Embiid and Christian Braun, the list of best Kansas players in the NBA reflects a legacy of excellence.
Few programs have matched Kansas’ ability to develop talent that transitions so smoothly to the pros. With a strong foundation and constant pipeline of NBA-ready players, the Jayhawks will continue to shape the league for years to come.
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