Fernando Martín

Fernando Martín was a Spanish basketball pioneer who became the first Spanish player in NBA history, joining the Portland Trail Blazers in 1986.

Fernando Martín became the first Spanish player in NBA history when he made his debut for the Portland Trail Blazers on 31 October 1986, returned to Real Madrid the following year, and died in a car accident on 3 December 1989 at the age of 27 — a life ended before its full influence on European basketball could be appreciated.. He began his professional career with CB Estudiantes before joining Real Madrid in 1981, quickly becoming the team's natural leader and one of the most talented Spanish players of his generation. At Real Madrid, Martín won four Spanish League titles, a FIBA Club World Cup, and multiple European trophies, with his rivalry against Barcelona's Audie Norris becoming legendary in Spanish basketball. He helped the Spanish national team win silver medals at EuroBasket 1983 and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, cementing his status as the best Spanish player of his era. Drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1985, Martín signed instead with the Portland Trail Blazers, making his debut on October 31, 1986, and becoming the first Spanish player in NBA history and only the second European to play in the league. He played 25 games for Portland before returning to Real Madrid in 1987 to continue his career at home. Martín's life was cut tragically short when he died in a car accident on December 3, 1989, at age 27. Real Madrid retired his No. 10 jersey, he was named to FIBA's 50 Greatest Players list in 1991, and he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2007.

Versatile, athletic big man with leadership qualities and an all-around skill set

A pioneering figure whose brief NBA career opened the door for the generation of Spanish stars, including Pau Gasol, who followed him

• First Spanish player in NBA history (1986)
• 4x Spanish League champion
• FIBA Club World Cup champion (1981)
• Olympic silver medal with Spain (1984)
• FIBA's 50 Greatest Players (1991)
• FIBA Hall of Fame (2007)