NBA legend Paul Pierce recently sparked a lively conversation on FS1’s Speak when he revealed his top five current white American NBA players.
In a league that has grown increasingly global, where most white stars tend to be international (like Luka Doncic or Nikola Jokic), Pierce’s list narrowed its focus strictly to American-born players. While not given in any particular order, his selections were Tyler Herro, Austin Reaves, Chet Holmgren, Payton Pritchard, and Alex Caruso.
.@paulpierce34 gives us his top 5 current white American NBA players, which led to a very interesting discussion… 😅
In No Specific Order:
– Tyler Herro
– Austin Reaves
– Chet Holmgren
– Peyton Pritchard
– Alex Caruso pic.twitter.com/f3qZvejXbG
— Speak (@SpeakOnFS1) April 11, 2025
It was a refreshing take from Pierce, who often brings a mix of humor and insight to his media appearances. But the list also highlighted how rare it has become for white American players to emerge as stars in today’s NBA. Nonetheless, the five players Pierce picked are solid contributors, each carving out unique roles on their respective teams.
Tyler Herro is arguably the most established name on this list. The 2022 Sixth Man of the Year and a key piece for the Miami Heat, Herro has averaged 20+ points in each of the last three seasons. While injuries have affected his availability, there’s no denying his scoring ability and confidence, particularly in clutch moments.
Austin Reaves has rapidly gained attention as both a fan favorite and a legitimate contributor for the Los Angeles Lakers. After breaking out during the 2023 playoffs, Reaves has become a star and now shines alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. His basketball IQ, poise under pressure, and playmaking have made him an integral part of the Lakers’ system.
Chet Holmgren is the highest-ceiling name on the list. The Oklahoma City Thunder big man has turned heads, showcasing elite shot-blocking, stretch shooting, and agility for someone his size. Holmgren has been a key contributor for a Thunder team that finished at the top of the Western Conference and is projected to become a future All-Star.
Payton Pritchard, once a key rotation player in the Boston Celtics loaded backcourt, has now emerged as the Celtics’ sixth man and one of the frontrunners to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. His scoring explosion off the bench and elite three-point shooting have added a new dimension to Boston’s offense, giving them a consistent spark when the starters rest.
Pritchard’s quickness, relentless hustle, and fearless shot-making have made him an invaluable weapon, and his evolution into a reliable scoring threat is a major reason why the Celtics are strong contenders to repeat as NBA champions.
Finally, Alex Caruso is the quintessential glue guy. Known for his elite perimeter defense, hustle plays, and basketball IQ, Caruso has become one of the most respected role players in the league. He was a key piece in the Lakers’ 2020 championship run and continues to be a defensive anchor for the Thunder.
Following Pierce’s top five list, a fan created a 15-man white American NBA roster and posed the question of whether such a squad could make the playoffs. This hypothetical roster includes players such as:
PG: Austin Reaves, Payton Pritchard, TJ McConnell
SG: Tyler Herro, Alex Caruso, Brandin Podziemski
SF: Donte DiVincenzo, Christian Braun, Luke Kennard
PF: Chet Holmgren, Luke Kornet, Sam Hauser
C: Walker Kessler, Donovan Clingnan, Drew Eubanks
This squad certainly has potential. The combination of Reaves, Pritchard, Herro, and Podziemski gives the team a strong offensive core with excellent shooting range. These players can create their own shots, space the floor, and provide scoring bursts when needed.
The team’s wings — Donte DiVincenzo, Christian Braun, and Luke Kennard — are all capable defenders with the versatility to contribute offensively, while players like Holmgren and Kessler provide valuable size, rebounding, and shot-blocking.
While the roster may not have a bonafide superstar, the balanced mix of shooters, defenders, and playmakers would likely give the team a fighting chance. They could potentially make a run for the play-in tournament, especially with their ability to shoot from distance and stretch the floor.
Furthermore, the defensive presence of Caruso, DiVincenzo, and Holmgren could allow the team to compete against stronger offenses.
While this roster is unlikely to compete for an NBA championship, it has enough talent to be a competitive force and could realistically make a playoff push, provided the players develop into consistent contributors. As the NBA landscape evolves, the strength of white American players continues to be seen through teams like this, highlighting the depth and versatility across the league.
Nevertheless, the exercise highlights the current strength of white American players in the NBA and their growing impact across different roles and teams.
