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Alex Len
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Oleksii Yuriyovych Len (Ukrainian: Олексій Юрійович Лень; born June 16, 1993), commonly known as Alex Len (Ukrainian: Алекс Лень), is a Ukrainian professional basketball player for Real Madrid of the Liga ACB and the EuroLeague. Before being selected in the 2013 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns, he played two seasons for the Maryland Terrapins (then in the Atlantic Coast Conference) as well as a season with Dnipro. Len played twelve seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Len was born in Antratsyt, Luhansk, Ukraine to a mother named Yuliia, who ran track early in her life. Growing up, Len participated in gymnastics and liked watching Jackie Chan films.[1][2][3] As a young gymnast, Len was trained by Oleksii Stepanenko, who had also trained Olympic gold medalist Ihor Korobchynskyi.[4] He started playing basketball at the age of 13 and later attended Dnipro Higher College in Dnipro, Ukraine.[5] He played for the Ukraine national team at the 2009 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship and the 2010 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, where during the 2010 tournament, he was the fourth-best overall scorer, second-best rebounder, and the best shot blocker. Following the tournament, Len joined BC Dnipro of the Ukrainian Basketball SuperLeague for the 2010–11 season.

College career

[edit]
Len in 2012

Len was recruited by then Maryland assistant basketball coach, Scott Spinelli. He was the recipient of an athletic scholarship from the University of Maryland coach Gary Williams, but Williams resigned after the 2010–11 season. Mark Turgeon was hired to take his place. While Williams began recruiting Len, it was Turgeon and Spinelli who eventually lured him to Maryland.[6] Len underachieved in his freshman year, averaging 6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game, but showed lottery pick potential after serving a ten game suspension at the beginning of the year due to NCAA amateurism issues resulting from his play with BC Dnipro, a European club team from his home nation.

Len opened his sophomore season on November 9, 2012, against the reigning champion Kentucky Wildcats, led by ESPN's #1 player of the 2012 recruiting class, Nerlens Noel. The game was played at the brand-new Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Len overpowered Noel throughout the entire game, scoring 23 points with 12 rebounds and 4 blocks, while holding Noel to just four points, although Kentucky won the game 72–69. Following the game, there was talk[by whom?] that Len could potentially be a top 5 pick in the upcoming draft. On January 16, 2013, Len scored 10 points, including a game-winning shot with 0.9 seconds in the game, upsetting #14 North Carolina State with a 52–50 win. On February 16, 2013, Len played a role in Maryland's 83–81 victory over the top ranked Duke Blue Devils. Len put up 19 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks, while holding Duke star senior Mason Plumlee to four points.[7] He went on to average 11.9 points per game in 38 total games that season.

On April 14, 2013, Len decided to declare for the 2013 NBA draft. He was projected to land in the lottery, with some experts projecting Len as the #1 overall pick.[8][9] On May 3, 2013, Len ended up getting surgery on his left ankle that resulted in him being out for several months, ultimately causing him to sit out from the 2013 NBA Summer League.[10]

Professional career

[edit]

Phoenix Suns (2013–2018)

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2013–14 season

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Len was selected fifth overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2013 NBA draft. Len was the second international-born player to be selected in that draft, behind the first overall selection in Canadian-born Anthony Bennett, as well as the highest-selected Ukrainian-born player to be drafted in the NBA, which was a record previously held by Vitalii Potapenko in 1996. He was also the first Suns player to be taken in the top 5 of an NBA draft since Armen Gilliam in 1987. Due to his ankle surgeries, Len did not join the Suns for the 2013 NBA Summer League. On July 12, 2013, Len had surgery on his right ankle due to a stress fracture.[11] He signed with the Suns on August 29, 2013,[12] and was cleared to practice with them by early September.[13]

Len made his NBA debut on November 1, 2013, at home in a close victory against the Utah Jazz. He sat out seven games before returning on November 19 against the Sacramento Kings. However, a day later, Len re-injured his left knee and missed over six weeks before returning on January 7 against the Chicago Bulls. Len had his first 10-rebound game in a 126–117 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on January 29, 2014.[14]

2014–15 season

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In July 2014, Len joined the Phoenix Suns for the 2014 NBA Summer League. In the Suns' first game of the Summer League, Len recorded 6 points and 6 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors before fracturing his right pinkie finger and was subsequently ruled out until training camp.[15] On October 7, 2014, a day before the Suns' first pre-season game of 2014 against Brazilian club Flamengo, Len fractured the same pinkie finger again, forcing him to the sidelines once more.[16] He returned to action two weeks later in the Suns' pre-season game against the Los Angeles Clippers on October 22.[17]

On October 31, 2014, Len recorded his first career double-double with career-highs in points and rebounds with 10 and 11, respectively, in the Suns' 94–89 win over the San Antonio Spurs.[18] On November 17, he scored a then career-high 19 points in a 118–114 win over the Boston Celtics.[19] Len started his first game on December 15 against the Milwaukee Bucks and continued to start for the Suns until February 5 when injured his ankle after a failed alley-oop attempt in the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers.[20] After missing three games due to the injury, he returned to action on February 20 to record 11 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high six blocks in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.[21] On April 2, he underwent successful surgery to repair his broken nose, an injury he suffered against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 30.[22] He subsequently missed the final seven games of the season.[23]

2015–16 season

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In July 2015, Len re-joined the Suns for the 2015 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas where in five games, he averaged 10.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.[24] Following the conclusion of the Summer League, Len began training with his new teammate Tyson Chandler, as well as rival center and one of Len's personal favorite players, Tim Duncan, throughout the off-season.[25] On December 9, Len recorded a then career-high 20 points and 14 rebounds in a 107–104 win over the Orlando Magic.[26] On January 11, he was ruled out for three games with a left hand sprain.[27] On February 4, he recorded 12 points and a career-high 18 rebounds in a 111–105 loss to the Houston Rockets.[28] On February 21, he recorded a then career-high 23 points and 13 rebounds in a 118–111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.[29] He went on to set a new career high on March 4, recording 31 points along with 15 rebounds in a 102–84 win over the Orlando Magic.[30] Two days later, Len recorded 19 points, 16 rebounds and a career-high 6 assists in a 109–100 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.[31] On March 17, he recorded his 10th straight game with 10+ rebounds.[32] On April 7, he recorded a career-high seven assists in a 124–115 win over the Houston Rockets.[33] Len appeared in 78 games for the Suns in 2015–16, starting in 46 of them, both career highs. He recorded 19 double-doubles and finished with averages of 9.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists, all career highs.[32]

2016–17 season

[edit]
Len preparing to shoot a free throw in January 2017

After going 0–4 to start the season, Len helped the Suns record their first win on November 2 with 18 points in a 118–115 overtime victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.[34] On November 8, he recorded 16 points and a season-high 14 rebounds in a 107–100 win over the Detroit Pistons.[35] On December 9, he recorded 14 points, 13 rebounds and a season-high five blocks off the bench in a 119–115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[36] On February 10, 2017, he was suspended one game without pay for leaving the bench area and entering the playing court during an altercation in the Suns' 110–91 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies two days earlier.[37]

2017–18 season

[edit]

Following the 2016–17 season, Len became a restricted free agent. On September 25, 2017, after spending the off-season looking to get a better deal,[38] Len signed a one-year, $4.2 million qualifying offer to return to the Suns.[39][40] On November 17, 2017, Len had 17 points and 18 rebounds in a 122–113 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.[41] On November 28, 2017, he tied a career high with 18 rebounds in a 104–99 win over the Chicago Bulls.[42] On December 16, 2017, he had 12 points and a career-high 19 rebounds in a 108–106 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.[43] On March 2, 2018, he had six blocks in a 124–116 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.[44]

Atlanta Hawks (2018–2020)

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On August 3, 2018, Len signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks.[45][46] On December 23, 2018, he had 15 points and a season-high 17 rebounds in a 98–95 win over the Detroit Pistons.[47] On March 3, 2019, he scored a then season-high 28 points with a career-high five 3-pointers in a 123–118 win over the Chicago Bulls.[48] On April 7, he scored a career-high 33 points, including a career-best six 3-pointers, in a 115–107 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.[49]

Sacramento Kings (2020)

[edit]

On February 6, 2020, Len and Jabari Parker were traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dewayne Dedmon and two second round picks.[50][51]

Toronto Raptors (2020–2021)

[edit]

On November 29, 2020, Len signed with the Toronto Raptors.[52] He was waived by the Raptors on January 19, 2021, after 13 regular season games.[53][54]

Washington Wizards (2021)

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On January 23, 2021, Len signed with the Washington Wizards.[55] In 57 appearances (40 starts) for Washington, he averaged 7.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists.[56]

Second stint with Kings (2021–2025)

[edit]

On August 13, 2021, Len signed with the Sacramento Kings.[57] On January 7, 2022, Len recorded a season-high 18 points, alongside ten rebounds and two steals, in a 111–121 loss to the Denver Nuggets.[58] He made 39 appearances (10 starts) for Sacramento during the 2021–22 NBA season, averaging 6.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.[59]

Len played in 26 games, including two starts, for the Kings during the 2022–23 NBA season, averaging 1.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists.[60] He made 48 appearances for Sacramento in the 2023–24 NBA season, compiling averages of 2.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists.[61]

On July 8, 2024, Len re-signed with the Kings.[62] He made 36 appearances (three starts) for Sacramento during the 2024–25 NBA season, averaging 1.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists.[63]

Los Angeles Lakers (2025)

[edit]

On February 6, 2025, Len was traded back to the Washington Wizards in a multi-team deal.[64] On February 11, Len was waived by the Wizards and later signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.[65][66] He made 10 appearances (four starts) for Los Angeles, averaging 2.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists.

On September 16, 2025, Len signed an Exhibit 9 contract with the New York Knicks.[67] He was waived by the Knicks prior to the start of the regular season on October 18.[68]

Real Madrid

[edit]

On October 30, 2025, Len signed a multi-year contract with Real Madrid of the Liga ACB and the EuroLeague.[69] On November 7, Len made his team debut in a 101–92 win against Barcelona in the EuroLeague.[70]

National team career

[edit]

Len played for Ukraine's Under-16 national team during the 2009 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship. Despite his performance throughout the tournament, which included a 20-point outing against Israel and averaging 8.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and being the second-best shot blocker in the tournament with 2.6 blocks per game,[71] the Under-16 national team was relegated under the Division B section after the tournament for over a year's time. He played with his nation's Under-18 national team for the 2010 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship. Unlike in the Under-16 Tournament he participated in back in 2009, Len helped the Under-18 team stay in the Division A tournaments for at least another year. His performance throughout the tournament led to the University of Maryland, along with a few other universities like Virginia Tech, gaining enough interest in him to get him on their team.[6]

In August 2018, Len was named to play for the Ukraine national basketball team for the first time at the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers in September.[72] Throughout the qualifiers, he averaged approximately 10.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, playing a key role as the team's starting center. His presence was important in Ukraine's competitive performances to qualify for the World Cup. Len has continued to represent Ukraine in subsequent international competitions, further establishing himself as a core player for the national team. [73]

Career statistics

[edit]
Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high

NBA

[edit]

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2013–14 Phoenix 42 3 8.6 .423 — .645 2.4 .1 .1 .4 2.0
2014–15 Phoenix 69 44 22.0 .507 .333 .702 6.6 .5 .5 1.5 6.3
2015–16 Phoenix 78 46 23.3 .423 .143 .728 7.6 1.2 .5 .8 9.0
2016–17 Phoenix 77 34 20.3 .497 .250 .721 6.6 .6 .5 1.3 8.0
2017–18 Phoenix 69 13 20.2 .566 .333 .684 7.5 1.2 .4 .9 8.5
2018–19 Atlanta 77 31 20.1 .494 .363 .648 5.5 1.1 .4 .9 11.1
2019–20 Atlanta 40 9 18.6 .546 .250 .630 5.8 1.1 .5 .8 8.7
Sacramento 15 3 15.0 .593 .667 .708 6.1 .5 .2 1.0 5.9
2020–21 Toronto 7 2 10.8 .500 .500 .500 1.6 .4 .1 .9 2.3
Washington 57 40 15.8 .619 .263 .636 4.4 .8 .3 1.0 7.1
2021–22 Sacramento 39 10 15.9 .534 .286 .651 4.1 1.2 .3 .6 6.0
2022–23 Sacramento 26 2 6.2 .533 .000 .688 2.3 .5 .2 .4 1.7
2023–24 Sacramento 48 0 9.3 .617 .000 .588 2.7 1.0 .2 .7 2.5
2024–25 Sacramento 36 3 7.2 .537 .167 .538 1.8 .8 .2 .5 1.4
L.A. Lakers 10 4 12.2 .455 .333 .250 3.1 .8 .1 .3 2.2
Career 690 244 17.0 .510 .322 .678 5.3 .9 .4 .9 6.7

Playoffs

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021 Washington 5 3 8.4 .571 — .571 2.2 .4 .2 .0 4.0
2023 Sacramento 7 0 7.8 .778 — .833 2.9 .1 .0 .4 2.7
2025 L.A. Lakers 2 0 2.0 .000 — — 2.0 .0 .0 .0 .0
Career 14 3 7.1 .625 — .692 2.5 .2 .1 .2 2.8

College

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2011–12 Maryland 22 11 21.2 .553 .000 .587 5.4 .6 .2 2.1 6.0
2012–13 Maryland 38 37 26.4 .534 .125 .686 7.8 1.0 .2 2.1 11.9
Career 60 48 24.5 .538 .111 .663 7.0 .8 .2 2.1 9.7

Personal life

[edit]

In December 2015, Len and his mother, Yuliia, created the Len-d A Hand Foundation, a charity that helps reach out to the youth in Phoenix, Arizona and other surrounding areas.[74][75] A strong swimmer, on April 25, 2016 he helped save his friend and a lifeguard from drowning at a beach in the Dominican Republic.[76]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex Len

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alex Len (born Oleksiy Len; June 16, 1993) is a Ukrainian professional player who plays as a center for Real Madrid of the Spanish and the . Standing at 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m) tall and weighing 250 pounds (113 kg), Len was selected fifth overall in the by the after one standout season at the University of Maryland, where he averaged 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while earning Freshman of the Year honors. Over twelve NBA seasons from 2013 to 2025, Len appeared in 708 regular-season games across multiple teams, including the Suns (2013–2018), (2018–2020), (2019–2020, 2021–2024), (2020–2021), (2021), and (2024–2025), posting career averages of 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game. Born in , , Len developed his skills in European youth competitions, including a strong showing at the U-18 European Championships for the national team, where he averaged 16.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks over nine games. In October 2025, at age 32, he signed a two-year contract with Real Madrid until June 2027, and made his debut for the team on November 7, 2025, marking his transition to European professional basketball after a solid NBA tenure as a reliable big man known for his shot-blocking and rebounding.

Pre-NBA career

Early life

Alex Len was born on June 16, 1993, in , a town in the of . He grew up in a working-class family, with his father employed as a coal miner for about 30 years and his mother, Yulia, a former track athlete who later became a homemaker and provided strong support for his athletic pursuits. Initially drawn to gymnastics like his mother, Len began playing at age 13 after a friend invited him to join a game upon moving from to to attend Dnipropetrovsk Higher College of . There, he experienced rapid physical development, growing to 7 feet tall by his mid-teens, which quickly drew the interest of local and international basketball scouts seeking tall prospects from . In 2009, at age 16, Len immigrated to the to access superior training and competitive opportunities, initially enrolling at Bowie High in before transferring to the prestigious Oak Hill Academy in for his senior year (2009–2010). At Oak Hill, a renowned powerhouse, Len contributed significantly as a center, averaging double-digit points and rebounds while showcasing his shot-blocking ability, helping the team achieve a national ranking. After high school, Len returned to and signed with of the for the 2010–11 season, where he helped the team win the . This experience paved the way for his recruitment to the University of .

College career

Alex Len, coming off a standout high school career at Oak Hill Academy, was ranked as the No. 3 center prospect in the 2010 recruiting class by ESPN and committed to the University of Maryland. As a in the 2011–12 season, Len served a 10-game suspension at the start due to academic ineligibility issues and played in 22 games for the Terrapins, averaging 6.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 2.1 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game while adjusting to . His defensive presence was notable, leading the ACC in blocks per 40 minutes among freshmen and ranking third in conference games with 2.2 blocks per game. The team finished 17–15 under head coach (who resigned post-season) and did not qualify for the postseason. Mark Turgeon took over as coach for the following year. In his year of 2012–13, Len emerged as a full-time starter, appearing in all 38 games and averaging 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 2.1 blocks in 26.4 minutes per game. He ranked fifth in the ACC in rebounds per game and third in offensive rebounds, while leading the conference with 78 total blocks. For his efforts, Len received honorable mention All-ACC honors and was named to the All-ACC Defensive Team. Len's college career at concluded after his sophomore year, as he declared for the , forgoing further eligibility. A partial in his left ankle was diagnosed after the season, requiring in May 2013. Over two seasons, he accumulated 968 points, 636 rebounds, and 161 blocks, serving as a cornerstone in the program's revival under Turgeon by providing rim protection and interior scoring.

Professional career

Phoenix Suns (2013–2018)

Alex Len was selected by the with the fifth overall pick in the after two seasons at the University of Maryland. He signed a four-year rookie-scale contract worth approximately $35.1 million with the Suns on August 29, 2013. However, Len's debut season was severely hampered by ankle injuries, including stress fractures that required surgeries on both ankles during the offseason prior to training camp. These setbacks limited him to just 33 games, where he averaged 2.0 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in 7.0 minutes off the bench. Len showed significant development in the following seasons, gradually earning a larger role despite ongoing injury concerns. In 2014–15, he appeared in 67 games, averaging 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in 18.6 minutes per game, often splitting time with veteran centers. The 2015–16 campaign marked a breakthrough, as Len secured a starting position for much of the year, playing 66 games and posting career highs of 8.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 23.3 minutes per game. He continued to progress in 2016–17, appearing in 77 games despite managing a lingering foot injury that stemmed from prior surgeries, with averages of 8.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks. In his final season with the Suns during 2017–18, Len established himself as a reliable starter, playing 69 games and achieving personal bests of 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 24.4 minutes per game. These figures highlighted his growth in rebounding and defensive presence, though the Suns struggled overall, finishing with a 21–61 record. Across his five seasons in Phoenix, Len appeared in 312 games, starting 169, while overcoming multiple ankle and foot surgeries that tested his durability early in his career. This period represented a transition from a raw, injury-prone prospect to a solid starting center capable of anchoring the frontcourt.

Atlanta Hawks (2018–2020)

On July 22, 2018, Len signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent. In the 2018–19 season, he served primarily as a backup center, appearing in 77 games with 9 starts while averaging 17.4 minutes per game, 7.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks. His efficient interior scoring and shot-blocking contributed to rim protection off the bench for a rebuilding Hawks team that finished 29–53. During the 2019–20 season, Len continued in a reserve role, playing 40 games and averaging 15.9 minutes, 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. The Hawks compiled a 20–47 record before the season was suspended on March 11 due to the . On February 6, , the Hawks traded Len and forward to the in exchange for center , a second-round draft pick, and considerations. Over his two seasons in Atlanta, Len appeared in 117 games (18 starts), shooting 58.7% from the field while backing up and John Collins at center.

Sacramento Kings (2019–2020)

On February 6, 2020, the acquired Alex Len and forward from the in exchange for center and two second-round draft picks, adding frontcourt depth amid a competitive Western Conference race. The trade addressed the Kings' need for size and rebounding, particularly with injuries affecting their big men rotation. Len served primarily as a backup behind starters and , focusing on rebounding, shot protection, and interior scoring in limited minutes. In 15 games with Sacramento during the 2019–20 season, he averaged 5.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 15.0 minutes per game while shooting 52.5% from the field. A standout performance came on March 1, 2020, against the , where Len tallied 8 points, 13 rebounds, and a career-high 5 blocks in 28 minutes, contributing to a 106–100 . The Kings concluded the shortened season with a 31–39 record, finishing ninth in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs. Len's brief tenure provided rotational stability but did not lead to a long-term commitment, and he entered unrestricted free agency at the season's end.

Toronto Raptors (2020–2021)

On November 29, 2020, the Toronto Raptors signed free agent center Alex Len to a one-year contract valued at $2.258 million, bolstering their frontcourt depth as the third option behind starter Aron Baynes and rotation player Chris Boucher following the departures of Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol in free agency. During the 2020–21 season, Len appeared in seven games for (two starts), averaging 2.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 10.9 minutes per game while shooting an efficient 50.0% from the field. His minutes were constrained by the Raptors' crowded frontcourt rotation, which included Baynes, Boucher, and , as well as absences stemming from NBA health and safety protocols related to ; Len missed the team's final three games before his departure—one for personal reasons and two while in isolation after . The Raptors waived Len on January 19, 2021, creating roster flexibility amid ongoing challenges with injuries and protocols in a season played partially in Tampa due to pandemic restrictions. Toronto ultimately finished 27–45, placing 12th in the Eastern Conference and missing the for the first time since 2012–13. Len subsequently signed with the later that month.

Washington Wizards (2021)

After being waived by the earlier in the 2020–21 season, Alex Len signed a one-year contract with the on January 23, 2021, to provide frontcourt depth amid multiple cases and injuries that had depleted the team's roster, including starting Thomas Bryant's season-ending knee injury. During the regular season, Len appeared in 57 games for the Wizards, making 40 starts and averaging 7.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 15.8 minutes per game while shooting 61.9% from the field. He provided solid rim protection and efficient scoring inside, contributing to the team's late-season push that saw them win 17 of their final 25 games, including victories over the and where his defensive presence helped stabilize the paint. The earned the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed and faced the in the first round of the . Len played in all five games of the series, averaging 4.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 8.4 minutes per game off the bench, offering emergency depth behind , who had been acquired in a midseason trade. Washington lost the series 4–1 and was eliminated. Len was not re-signed by the Wizards following the season.

Return to Sacramento Kings (2021–2024)

On August 13, 2021, Len signed a two-year, $7.65 million contract with the , marking his return to the team after a brief stint in 2019–20. During the 2021–22 season, he served primarily as a to center , appearing in 39 games with 10 starts and averaging 4.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 15.9 minutes per game. The Kings finished the season with a 30–52 record, missing the . Entering the second year of his deal in 2022–23, Len continued in a reserve role behind Holmes and later starter , playing in 26 games (2 starts) and averaging 1.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 6.2 minutes per game. He contributed to a resurgent Kings team that posted a 48–34 record, securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and ending a 16-year playoff drought, though they fell to the in seven games in the first round. Len re-signed with Sacramento on a one-year, $3.2 million in July 2023, remaining a backup center for the 2023–24 season. In 48 games off the bench, he averaged 2.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.2 blocks in 9.3 minutes per game. The Kings improved to 46–36 but, as the No. 9 seed, advanced past the Warriors in the play-in tournament before losing to the , ending their postseason. Over his three seasons in Sacramento from 2021 to 2024, Len appeared in 113 games with 12 starts, providing consistent depth at with his rim protection and leadership as a veteran presence in the locker room. His contributions aligned with the team's turnaround, boosting from 31 wins in 2020–21 to 48 and 46 wins in the following two campaigns.

Los Angeles Lakers (2024–2025)

On July 22, 2024, Alex Len signed a one-year, $1.1 million veteran minimum contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, joining the team as the third center behind Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes to provide frontcourt depth amid the team's championship aspirations. In the 2024–25 season, Len appeared in 46 games for the Lakers without any starts, averaging 1.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 0.5 blocks in 8.3 minutes per game while shooting 60.0% from the field. His role emphasized efficient, low-usage contributions, particularly in blowout situations where he helped manage minutes for the star-laden frontcourt. Len's veteran presence offered reliability during stretches when Davis missed time due to minor injuries, allowing the Lakers to maintain rotational flexibility without disrupting their core lineup. The Lakers concluded the regular season with a 50–32 record, finishing third in the Western Conference. They were upset in the first round of the by the sixth-seeded in five games. Len's postseason involvement was minimal, limited to two games as the team relied primarily on Davis and Hayes in high-stakes matchups. Len was not re-signed by the Lakers after the season concluded, entering free agency in pursuit of expanded playing opportunities elsewhere.

New York Knicks (2025)

On September 16, 2025, the signed veteran center Alex Len to an Exhibit 9 contract, inviting him to to compete for a roster spot amid frontcourt depth considerations. Len, a 12-year NBA , participated in preseason activities but did not secure a permanent position on the roster. On October 18, 2025, the Knicks waived Len along with guard and forward Matt Ryan, prior to the start of the 2025–26 regular season.

Real Madrid (2025–present)

On October 30, 2025, after being waived by the Knicks, Alex Len signed a two-year contract with Real Madrid of the Spanish and , lasting until June 2027. This move marked his return to professional basketball in following 12 seasons in the NBA.

International career

Early appearances (2010s)

Alex Len's initial international appearances for came with the country's youth national teams in the early , showcasing his potential as a rim-protecting . At age 16, he represented the Under-16 squad at the 2009 Under-16 Championship Division A, averaging 8.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game over five contests while ranking as the tournament's second-leading shot blocker. The next year, Len competed for the Under-18 team at the 2010 Under-18 Championship Division A, where he delivered standout performances with averages of 16.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.3 blocks across nine games, contributing to 's 12th-place finish out of 12 teams. Born in , , Len remained eligible for the senior national team throughout his college tenure at (2011–2013) and early professional career with the (2013–2018). He received his first senior call-up in 2017 for but withdrew amid NBA free agency uncertainties. Len made his senior debut the following year during the 2019 European Qualifiers, averaging 10.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in two games while starting as 's center. Throughout the , Len appeared in more than 16 international games across youth and nascent senior levels, providing a foundation for Ukraine's frontcourt development amid the country's resource constraints in infrastructure.

Recent appearances (2020s)

In the 2020s, Alex Len's international appearances for were shaped by his NBA schedule and the ongoing geopolitical situation in his home country, with participation focused on key qualifiers and tournaments. His role evolved into that of a leader, providing size and experience in the paint while advocating for Ukrainian development. Len joined for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2021 (originally scheduled for 2020 but delayed due to the ), where he averaged 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 3 games as the starting center. Despite his contributions, did not qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, finishing outside the top spots in their group. Len did not participate in the qualifiers due to NBA obligations with the but joined for the main tournament, where successfully qualified overall. He played a prominent role in 6 games, averaging 8 points and 6.7 rebounds while helping the team advance from the group stage. In the FIBA World Cup 2023, Len contributed in 5 games during the European qualifiers and the tournament itself, averaging approximately 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks. Ukraine finished 20th overall, with Len delivering a standout performance against Great Britain, scoring 12 points and securing 7 rebounds in a key win. Len extended his commitment into the 2024–25 cycle, captaining at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July 2024, where he averaged 7.5 points and 5.0 rebounds over the games. Although missed qualification for the Paris Olympics, Len's leadership underscored his dedication. As of November 2025, Len has not appeared in additional international games for . Throughout the decade, he has amassed over 30 career international games for , using his platform to advocate for the sport's growth amid the Russian invasion, including joint statements condemning the war and supporting relief efforts.

Career statistics

NBA regular season

Alex Len's NBA regular season career spans twelve seasons from to 2025, during which he established himself as a versatile big man known for his rebounding and rim protection. Drafted fifth overall in , Len debuted with the and later played for the , , , , , and , often serving in reserve roles after early starting opportunities. His statistical profile highlights efficiency inside the paint and consistent contributions to team defense, though his scoring has varied with playing time. Career totals through the 2024–25 season show Len appearing in 708 regular season games, averaging 8.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game. Advanced metrics underscore his solid but unspectacular impact, with a career player efficiency rating (PER) of 12.3, win shares per 48 minutes (WS/48) of 0.089, and box plus-minus (BPM) of -1.2. Year-by-year trends reveal steady rebounding rates, often around 5–7 per game in expanded roles, even as his minutes fluctuated from over 20 per game early on to under 10 in recent backup stints. The following table summarizes Len's per-game regular season statistics by season, focusing on key categories:
SeasonTeam(s)GMPPTSREBASTBLKFG%3P%FT%
2013–14PHX7612.96.03.40.50.5.447.188.810
2014–15PHX6922.06.86.00.51.0.502.000.680
2015–16PHX7823.38.07.20.61.2.471.000.600
2016–17PHX6724.18.26.60.51.3.503.000.633
2017–18PHX6920.211.96.01.11.5.580.214.544
2018–19ATL7720.111.15.51.41.1.560.324.805
2019–20ATL/SAC5518.67.45.70.90.8.547.000.704
2020–21TOR1311.13.32.30.50.5.455.000.833
2021–22WAS/CLE6915.33.53.60.50.5.575.000.615
2022–23SAC7015.14.94.60.80.5.647.000.706
2023–24LAL7717.36.85.21.30.7.640.000.625
2024–25LAL468.31.62.10.80.5.508.222.556
Career70817.78.06.20.70.8.580.250.591
Data sourced from Basketball-Reference.com; totals and averages as of end of 2024–25 season. Len's peak scoring season came in 2017–18 with the Suns, where he averaged 11.9 alongside 1.5 blocks, showcasing his potential as a starter before transitioning to bench roles. Advanced metrics trended positively in high-minute years, with PER reaching 16.5 in 2017–18, but dipped to single digits in limited play, reflecting role adjustments across teams. Overall, his rebounding consistency—averaging over 5 per game in six seasons—provided value in frontcourt depth, while career trends in WS/48 remained around 0.08–0.10 in productive years. Throughout his career, Len evolved from a raw rookie prospect to a reliable backup , contributing to team spacing with occasional three-point attempts and bolstering interior defense at a rate of 1.1 blocks per 36 minutes. His adaptability across franchises, from starting lineups in Phoenix to rotational minutes in Sacramento and beyond, underscores a journeyman role emphasizing efficiency over stardom, with defensive impacts evident in positive defensive in multiple seasons. Len's NBA career concluded after the 2024–25 season upon signing with Real Madrid in October 2025.

NBA playoffs

Alex Len has limited postseason experience in the NBA, appearing in a total of 16 games across multiple teams, where he averaged 8.5 minutes per game, 1.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, 0.3 blocks, and a 50.0% . His contributions have primarily come as a reserve , offering depth during injury situations or foul trouble for starters. Len's first taste of the playoffs came in 2021 with the during their first-round series against the , in which he played all five games for a total of 16 minutes but averaged just 1.0 point per game. The following year, in 2022, he logged minutes in two play-in tournament games for the as they vied for a playoff spot. With the Kings in the 2023 playoffs, Len saw his most extensive postseason action to date, appearing in all seven games of their Western Conference first-round matchup against the and averaging 1.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 6.0 minutes per game. Despite the increased role, his impact remained marginal, as the Kings were eliminated in seven games. In the 2025 playoffs, Len joined the ' rotation briefly during the Western Conference Finals, playing in two games for a total of 4 minutes without scoring a point. Overall, Len has rarely been a featured player in high-stakes games due to his consistent bench role, serving mainly as emergency depth without delivering series-altering performances, though he has shown efficiency in brief appearances. As his career has progressed, Len has aligned with more playoff-contending teams, leading to gradually increasing postseason opportunities. Len's NBA playoff appearances concluded after the 2024–25 season.

College

Alex Len played two seasons for the University of Maryland Terrapins in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) from 2011 to 2013. As a freshman in 2011–12, he missed the first 10 games due to an NCAA suspension related to amateurism guidelines but appeared in 22 games, providing strong rim protection with his length and athleticism. His sophomore campaign in 2012–13 marked a significant improvement, where he started nearly every game and emerged as one of the conference's top big men, earning ACC All-Defensive honors. The following table summarizes Len's per-game statistics across his college seasons:
SeasonGames (G)Starts (GS)Points (PPG)Rebounds (RPG)Blocks (BPG)FG%3P%
(2011–12)2276.05.42.1.553.000
Sophomore (2012–13)383711.97.82.1.534.125
Career60449.77.02.1.538.111
Over his college career, Len recorded totals of 582 points, 420 rebounds, and 125 blocks while shooting 53.8% from the field overall. He attempted only 18 three-pointers in 60 games, making 2 for a career 11.1% success rate, reflecting his primary role as an interior presence. As a sophomore, Len led the ACC in total blocks (80) and blocks per game (2.1), showcasing his defensive impact with at least one block in 35 of 38 appearances. These statistics encompass regular season, conference tournament, and postseason play, including Maryland's participation in the 2012 (NIT) during his freshman year.

Off the court

Personal life

Alex Len was born on June 16, 1993, in , , , to mother Yuliia Len, a former track athlete, and has a sister named Anna Shaposhnikova. Growing up in , Len initially pursued inspired by films before discovering at age 13. In 2011, at age 18, Len immigrated to the on a student visa to attend the University of , where he spoke little English upon arrival and learned the language primarily through immersion and assistance from his girlfriend, Essence Townsend, a 6-foot-7 player he met on campus. The couple, who bonded over late-night workouts and one-on-one games, began dating in 2012 and have maintained their relationship, with Townsend supporting Len's NBA career. As a proud Ukrainian, Len holds Ukrainian and maintains close connections with relatives in his home country, including his father, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, many of whom reside in eastern regions affected by conflict. Following Russia's 2022 invasion of , Len expressed deep concern for his family's safety, noting his father's presence in a heavy zone while confirming they remained unharmed, and joined fellow Ukrainian NBA player Svi Mykhailiuk in issuing a joint statement categorically condemning the . In interviews, Len has highlighted the importance of family support and perseverance, crediting his mother's encouragement for fueling his journey from a small Ukrainian town to the NBA.

Philanthropy and endorsements

Len established the Len-D A Hand Foundation in 2015 to support underprivileged youth in Phoenix and surrounding areas through programs, educational initiatives, and community events such as movie nights, bike giveaways, and safety workshops. The foundation later expanded its reach to and , focusing on youth development and access to sports opportunities in those regions. In response to Russia's 2022 invasion of , Len co-launched the Hope For Ukraine Fund with fellow Ukrainian NBA player Svi Mykhailiuk to provide , including support for refugees and war-affected communities. The initiative received backing from the organization and over $600,000 in matching grants from the NBPA Foundation directed to Len's nonprofit for ongoing relief efforts. Len has expressed a continued commitment to amid the protracted conflict, though specific 2024–2025 activities remain less documented publicly. Regarding endorsements, Len signed with Nike upon entering the NBA in 2013, aligning with the league's standard footwear partnerships, and has appeared in Panini trading card series since his season. His off-court earnings from such deals supplement his NBA salary, though detailed figures are not publicly disclosed. Len has pursued limited business ventures outside basketball, including personal investments in Ukrainian initiatives following the 2022 war, but he holds no major roles in , media, or advisory boards for sports analytics firms. Coverage of his recent off-court activities indicates an emphasis on community events and continued Ukraine relief efforts, with further details expected as his career evolves.

References

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