Seven Former NC State Players Have Played in the NBA Finals

Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals tips off tonight, with the New York Knicks holding a 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs.

While no former NC State players are represented in this year’s Finals, several Wolfpack players have reached basketball’s biggest stage over the years.

In total, seven former NC State players have appeared in the NBA Finals, with four of them winning at least one NBA championship.

Former NC State Players Who Played in the NBA Finals

1) Josh Powell – 3 (2006, 2009 & 2010)
2) Chuck Nevitt – 2 times (1985 & 1987)
3) Nate McMillan – 1 time (1996)
3) Chucky Brown – 1 time (1995)
3) Caleb Martin – 1 time (2023)
3) Omer Yurtseven – 1 time (2023)
3) John Richter – 1 time (1960)

Josh Powell leads all former Wolfpack players with three NBA Finals appearances, including back-to-back championship runs with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010.

Former NC State Players Who Won NBA Championships

1) Josh Powell – 2 times (2009 & 2010)
2) Chuck Nevitt – 1 time (1985)
2) Chucky Brown – 1 time (1995)
2) John Richter – 1 time (1960)