The Spanish who are, were or could be in the NBA

The NBA speaks Spanish. In addition to the other players Hispanic (mostly Argentines) play there, we must bear in mind that right now are 5 players in the Spanish League, plus the likely addition of Ricky Rubio for the coming year.

However, we can not forget those who were already there or who may be never played in the NBA, but this is a PO controversial because the ACB has had players who could have given good size across the pond (as Alberto Herreros, player who never called him make the leap).

It all started with Fernando Martin, whom Rudy Fernandez made a tribute in the slam dunk contest by putting his shirt Portland Trail Blazers. Though the franchise played in Oregon, was not that team who Draftee, if not New Jersey Nets that dispensed with their services. It was second-round pick in 1985 and, like Sergio Rodriguez (no comparison), could not enjoy many minutes on the floor.

The next player to be scouted by the NBA was José Antonio Montero, a substantial base of 1.93 meters high, was chosen by Atlanta Hawks at number 113, but never make the leap to the NBA. However, the door was open and more players would be coming, even if this were to happen about 10 years.

And so was Roberto Dueñas, center of Barcelona of 2.21 meters, one of the determinants of European basketball, who won 6 league CBA, 2 Copas del Rey, 1 Euroleague and 1 silver medal with Spain in the Eurobasket of 1999. Two years before he was elected by the Chicago Bulls of Michael Jordan in the 58th position, but neither would make the leap to the NBA.

Came the generation of gold Juniors and everything changed, because Pau Gasol and Raul Lopez entered the 2001 draft by the front door, both in the first round. Pau Gasol had the best seat for a European (number 3), chosen by the Atlanta Hawks, and Raul Lopez was selected in 24th place by the Utah Jazz. However, only one would race there (Pau Gasol) and Raul Lopez had bad luck with injuries and returned to Spain from the hand of Akasvayu Girona.

The following season would draft pick Juan Carlos Navarro, this time in the No. 40 Washington Wizards, but not until the 2007-08 season when he got to the NBA, Memphis Grizzlies, another Spanish destinations in the NBA along the Portland Trail Blazers. Contributed greatly to the team and almost done with the record of maximum number of triples achieved by a rookie in a season, but at the end of this year returned to Europe being the highest paid player in the history of Barcelona.

If Portland and Memphis are two cities that have hosted three Spanish players, Atlanta and Phoenix are teams who elect them, and the cross. In 2006, Sergio Rodriguez was elected by all of Arizona in 27th place (first round), who immediately transferred her rights to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he remains active, becoming the sixth player in NBA debut.

He did so Fran Vazquez, who last year was also elected in the first round by Orlando Magic, but never dared to make the leap.

The last two players to be drafted were Rudy Fernandez and Marc Gasol, elected in the post 24 and 48 respectively, although Rudy in 2008 and Marc 2007. However, both began their journey in the 2008-09 season.

And finally, two players reached the NBA without going through the draft, which is the case of Jose Manuel Calderon, on the verge of a record in the NBA in free throws, and Jorge Garbajosa, who after two seasons in the Raptors began their march to Russian Khimki.