NBA Players from Iceland: Full List (2026)
1 NBA player has come from Iceland, by Wikipedia’s count. As of October 2026, none is on an NBA roster. The most recent was Pétur Guðmundsson (1986-1989).
NBA players from Iceland at a glance
| NBA players, all time | 1 (Wikipedia count) |
|---|---|
| On NBA rosters, October 2026 | None |
| First to play in the NBA | Pétur Guðmundsson (1986) |
| Longest NBA career | Pétur Guðmundsson (5 seasons) |
| Centers | 1: Pétur Guðmundsson |
| 7-foot prospects in our database | 1 (see them) |
| Last checked | 9 October 2026 |
Every NBA player from Iceland
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pétur Guðmundsson | Center | 1986-1989 | Former player |
Players from Iceland in the NBA in 2026-27
No player from Iceland is on an NBA roster as of October 2026. The next one may already be in our database: see the prospects below.
NBA centers from Iceland
1 of the 1 player in the table played center or forward/center: Pétur Guðmundsson (1986-1989). Our database also lists 1 young player from Iceland at 7 feet or taller.
7-Foot Prospects from Iceland
One active player from Iceland 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:
- Leo Curtis: 7’2″ (218 cm), born in 2005, Nebraska (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.
Basketball is not something that most Icelandic people are known about. The joined the FIBA family in 1959, and since then have managed only twice to qualify for the FIBA Eurobasket. Pétur Guðmundsson is their only player that played in the world’s strongest basketball league, the NBA. Other than that they are regulars at the Games of the Small States of Europe where they always have good results.
Iceland NBA Players:
Pétur Guðmundsson
Pétur was born October 30th, 1958 in Iceland. He started his basketball career playing for Mercer Island High School in the US, after which he played college basketball for the University of Washington.
His NBA career began in 1981 when the Portland Trail Blazers selected him. He spent the complete 1981-1982 season with them before being traded to the Detroit Pistons. Before going to the Pistons, he averaged 2.5 rebounds and 3.2 points per game. He played a total of 68 games during that season. In 1986 he had an offer to play for the CBA’s Kansas City Sizzlers, but the deal was a bust due to problems with his work permit. However, after a short trial with the LA Lakers in 1986, he cleared all of his work permit issues and signed a one year contract with them. The next year Pétur got traded to the San Antonio Spurs. After he finished his career as a professional player, he started working as a basketball coach.
As for future Icelandic talent with NBA potential, there are no current prospects.
Frequently asked questions
How many NBA players are from Iceland?
Wikipedia counts 1.
Which players from Iceland are in the NBA in 2026-27?
None as of October 2026. The most recent was Pétur Guðmundsson (1986-1989).
Who was the first NBA player from Iceland?
Pétur Guðmundsson, who debuted in 1986.
Which centers from Iceland have played in the NBA?
Pétur Guðmundsson.
Are there 7-foot prospects from Iceland?
Yes. Our 7-Foot Prospect Database lists 1: Leo Curtis.
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 Iceland may be missing from the table. Last checked 9 October 2026.
