NBA Players from Cape Verde: Full List (2026)
1 NBA player has come from Cape Verde, by Wikipedia’s count. Our table below names 2: players born outside the United States with a tie to Cape Verde, plus current players listed with its nationality. As of October 2026, 1 is on an NBA roster: Pat Spencer (Phoenix Suns).
NBA players from Cape Verde at a glance
| NBA players, all time | 1 (Wikipedia count); 2 named in our table |
|---|---|
| On NBA rosters, October 2026 | 1: Pat Spencer |
| First to play in the NBA | Edy Tavares (2015) |
| Longest NBA career | Pat Spencer (3 seasons) |
| Centers | 1: Edy Tavares |
| 7-foot prospects in our database | 1 (see them) |
| Last checked | 9 October 2026 |
Every NBA player from Cape Verde
Sorted by NBA debut, earliest first. Status is as of October 2026, before the 2026-27 regular season, so it includes players on training camp deals.
| Player | Position | NBA seasons | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edy Tavares | Center | 2015-2017 | Former player | |
| Pat Spencer | Guard | 2023 to present | Phoenix Suns | Also listed with the United States nationality |
Players from Cape Verde in the NBA in 2026-27
- Pat Spencer: guard, 6’2″, age 30, Phoenix Suns. Entering NBA season 4; undrafted.
NBA centers from Cape Verde
1 of the 2 players in the table played center or forward/center: Edy Tavares (2015-2017). Our database also lists 1 young player from Cape Verde at 7 feet or taller.
7-Foot Prospects from Cape Verde
One active player from Cape Verde is listed at 7 feet or taller and born in 2001 or later in our 7-Foot Prospect Database, last checked on 9 October 2026:
- Wesly Rosa: 7’2″ (218 cm), born around 2005, Creighton (NCAA D1)
See every player, with filters by country, in the 7-Foot Prospect Database.
Player profiles from our archive
This section was first published in 2018. Teams and career details in it are as of that time; the tables above show where things stand in October 2026.
When it comes to Cape Verde NBA talent and players, there isn’t much, except for the somewhat known Edy Tavares. While we haven’t seen many NBA players come from Cape Verde, they do have some basketball talent. Cape Verde’s greatest basketball accomplishment was the bronze medal at the AfroBasket 2007, when Cape Verde beat Egypt in its last game. They also qualified for AfroBasket 2013. As of now Tavares is the only NBA player from Cape Verde, but if and when there is another, we will update it below!
Cape Verde NBA Players:
In 2018, there are no NBA players from Cape Verde.
Walter Samuel “Edy” Tavares da Veiga:
This Cape Verdean pro basketball player was born on March 22nd, 1992. He played for the Real Madrid team in the EuroLeague and the Liga ACB. Picked 43rd in 2014 by the NBA, Tavares became part of the Atlanta Hawks. He was also an international player in Cape Verde’s national basketball team.
While he was initially underestimated, Tavares measures an impressive 7’3″ and has a wingspan of 7’9″. Born on the Maio island in Cape Verde, this player did not actually play basketball until the age of seventeen. A German tourist spotted his talent when on vacation in the area in 2009.
When in the Atlanta Hawks, Tavares was the first Cape Verdean native to be a part of the NBA. However, in August 2014, he returned to Gran Canaria for the coming season. From 2014-2015, this player received the All-Euro Cup honors for the First Team.
He also played for the Cavs and the Raptors D League. Currently, he has been a part of Real Madrid since 2017 and is expected to stay until 2020. Because Tavares is just 26 years old it is possible that he will get another look from an NBA team in the future, especially if he can improve his outside shot.
Frequently asked questions
How many NBA players are from Cape Verde?
Wikipedia counts 1. Our table names 2 players with a tie to Cape Verde.
Which players from Cape Verde are in the NBA in 2026-27?
As of October 2026: Pat Spencer (Phoenix Suns).
Who was the first NBA player from Cape Verde?
Edy Tavares, who debuted in 2015.
Which centers from Cape Verde have played in the NBA?
Edy Tavares.
Are there 7-foot prospects from Cape Verde?
Yes. Our 7-Foot Prospect Database lists 1: Wesly Rosa.
More guides: NBA players by country. Scouting reports: NBA center prospects.
Sources: Wikipedia, List of NBA players born outside the United States (revision of 3 October 2026); RealGM NBA player list (9 October 2026); Low Key NBA 7-Foot Prospect Database. U.S.-born players with family ties to Cape Verde may be missing from the table. Last checked 9 October 2026.
