Every former Alabama player on 2023-24 NBA rosters
The Alabama men’s basketball program is well-represented in the NBA. Current and former Alabama head coaches have helped former Crimson Tide basketball players reach the professional level. Most notably, current Alabama men’s basketball coach, Nate Oats has sent seven players to the NBA.
Not many SEC programs can say that they have 10 former players on NBA active rosters. Alabama is one of the few that can. Needless to say, the Crimson Tide have sent plenty of talent to the league and will continue to in the future.
Roll Tide Wire takes a look at every former Alabama player on 2023-2024 NBA rosters.
Brandon Miller - Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller is entering his rookie season with high expectations. The former Alabama standout was drafted No. 2 overall by the Hornets this offseason. He is one of the Hornets’ core players this season. Miller will play alongside LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier to form one of the more formidable backcourts in the Eastern Conference. Miller is a three-level scorer that can defend anyone on the floor. He has the ability to make the All-Rookie Team and could be in the mix for NBA Rookie of the Year.
Noah Clowney - Brooklyn Nets
After a stellar freshman season, Clowney chose to enter the 2023 NBA Draft. Clowney was chosen No. 21 overall by the Brooklyn Nets. The South Carolina native is expected to be a key piece in the Nets frontcourt this season. He will likely begin the season on the bench but could earn a starting role as the season progresses. Clowney can guard multiple positions and developed a jump shot during his time at Alabama. He is sure to see early playing time in Brooklyn.
JaMychal Green - Golden State Warriors
Jamychal Green is entering his ninth season in the NBA. The Alabama native has played for multiple teams in his career but seems to have found a home with the Golden State Warriors. Despite not seeing much playing time, Green has carved out a role on the Warriors bench. He will be a veteran who can come off the bench and provide valuable minutes for the Warriors this season.
Collin Sexton - Utah Jazz
One of Alabama’s fan-favorites over the years has been guard Collin Sexton. The former McDonald’s All-American and first-round pick began his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded to the Utah Jazz. Sexton has become the focal point of the Jazz’s backcourt and will continue to be this season. He is an excellent ball-handler in the pick-and-roll and is just as good at facilitating shots for his teammates.
Keon Ellis - Sacramento Kings
One of the best defenders who has come out of Alabama in recent years is wing Keon Ellis. The former JUCO standout has been a knockdown shooter and elite defender dating back to his days with the Crimson Tide. While Ellis is a bench player in Sacramento, he could carve out a way to get minutes. His presence and relentless effort on the defensive end should certainly help his case this season.
J.D. Davison - Boston Celtics
During his first season in the NBA, J.D. Davison split time between the Boston Celtics and their G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics. The Celtics have one of the best backcourts in the NBA with Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Jrue Holliday. Davison could be used in a bench role for the Celtics, however. He has the potential to be a really special player in the league one day.
Herb Jones - New Orleans Pelicans
The pride of Greensboro, Alabama, and Alabama alum, Herb Jones has represented the Crimson Tide in the best light over the past few years. Jones has been a starter for the New Orleans Pelicans the past two seasons. He is well-known for being one of the more elite defenders in the NBA. His aggressive nature on the defensive end makes him a candidate for NBA Defensive Player of the Year each season that he is active. It will be interesting to see how he progresses in his third season with the Pelicans organization.
Kira Lewis Jr. - New Orleans Pelicans
Since entering the league in 2020, former Alabama point guard Kira Lewis Jr. has bounced around from the New Orleans Pelicans to their G-League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron. During the end of the ’22-’23 season, Lewis Jr. began to play more NBA minutes. He could be the Pelicans’ backup point guard heading into the season. Also, it will be interesting to monitor Lewis Jr.’s status with the Pelicans given the fact that they did not pick up his fourth-year option.
Braxton Key - Denver Nuggets
After multiple different stints with NBA teams, former Alabama forward Braxton Key has earned a roster spot with the Denver Nuggets. The pride of Oak Hill Academy is currently on a two-way contract which means that he can play at both the NBA and G-League levels. I would anticipate Key earning a new contract with the Nuggets organization by the end of the season. He is an active defender that can score from all three levels. His role will be interesting to follow this season, to say the least.
Joshua Primo - Los Angeles Clippers
After having some off-the-court trouble, former Alabama wing Joshua Primo signed with the Los Angeles Clippers this offseason. The Canada native previously played for the Spurs and was one of the key pieces to their backcourt. Now, he will play on the West Coast for the Clippers. Much like Key, Primo is on a two-way contract. It will be interesting to see what kind of role he carves out for himself as a part of the Clippers organization.
