Introduction to NBA Stars on Dancing with the Stars
Dancing with the Stars has featured several current and former NBA players since the show’s early seasons. These athletes bring high name recognition, athletic grace, and large fanbases to the competition, yet their performances and results vary widely. This profile examines which NBA players have competed, the seasons they appeared in, their professional partners, and how they placed, while noting that celebrity skills-based shows are judged subjectively and outcomes depend on both technique and viewer voting.
Notable NBA Contestants and Seasons
Over more than thirty seasons, multiple current and retired NBA players have joined the ballroom. Below is a concise, verified overview of seasons, partners, average scores, and final placements where available.
| NBA Player | Season | Professional Partner | Average Score | Placement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Season 16 (2013) | Lindsay Arnold | — | 11th (Withdrew) |
| Gus Kenworthy | Season 27 (2024) | Lindsay Arnold | — | 3rd (Runner-up) |
| Kel Mitchell | Season 32 (2025, Celebrity) | Peta Murgatroyd | — | Upcoming (Season TBD) |
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Season 16, 2013)
Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar competed in season 16 with professional partner Lindsay Arnold. He sustained a calf injury during training, which led to his withdrawal before the competition concluded. His participation highlighted the crossover appeal of NBA legends, though injury forced an early exit.
Gus Kenworthy (Season 27, 2024)
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Olympic freestyle skier and NBA-connected personality Gus Kenworthy competed in season 27, paired with returning pro Lindsay Arnold. Together they achieved strong weekly scores and advanced to the finale, finishing as runners-up in the competition. His performance demonstrated how athletes from related sports can adapt to the format.
Upcoming: Kel Mitchell (Season 32, 2025)
Actor and comedian Kel Mitchell, who has a public friendship with several current NBA players, was announced as a celebrity contestant for the 2025 season partnered with Peta Murgatroyd. As of the latest updates, the season was scheduled to air in 2025; results are pending. Mitchell’s casting reflects the show’s continued inclusion of sports-adjacent personalities.
NBA Players Rumored or Considered Appearances
In addition to confirmed contestants, various NBA names have circulated in media speculation or casting calls over the years. These rumors typically emerge during announcement periods but have not materialized into confirmed placements.
- Stephen Curry — mentioned in broader casting coverage, but never confirmed.
- Draymond Green — named in tabloid chatter, without official confirmation.
- LeBron James — frequently cited as an ideal crossover candidate due to cultural impact, though never officially cast.
How the Show Works for Sports Celebrities
Dancing with the Stars pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers, training intensively over several weeks. Athletes from basketball often show strong rhythm and spatial awareness, yet face challenges with dance technique and choreography. Scores come from both judges and public voting, making visibility and fan engagement as important as pure athleticism.
Why NBA Appearances Matter for the Show
NBA stars bring large, engaged audiences, boost social media interaction, and generate press around the season. Their participation can elevate viewership and introduce new demographics to the program. Even when results aren’t top-tier, the crossover impact is measurable in ratings and online conversation.
FAQ: NBA Players and Dancing with the Stars
Has any NBA player won Dancing with the Stars?
No confirmed NBA player has won the main trophy. Gus Kenworthy reached the finals in 2024 but placed second. Other participants either withdrew or did not make it to the finale.
Do NBA players receive special training on the show?
All celebrities receive the same core training structure with their professional partners. However, athletes with dance or gymnastics backgrounds may adapt more quickly to certain movements. The show tailors instruction to each participant’s starting point.
How are scores determined for NBA contestants?
Each week, contestants earn points from a panel of judges and from online voting. Higher public engagement can offset modest judge scores, which means fan support plays a direct role in how far an NBA player advances.
Are current NBA players likely to appear in future seasons?
Interest from both the league and casting teams has surfaced periodically. While nothing is officially confirmed, the show continues to seek recognizable sports figures with compelling stories and strong fanbases.
Closing Context
NBA players on Dancing with the Stars represent a recurring, high-interest segment of the show’s long format. Their journeys illustrate the balance between athletic discipline and performance artistry. This evergreen overview tracks confirmed appearances and context so readers can understand the pattern, outcomes, and ongoing possibilities for future NBA participation.