I don't care what other people say. I fight every day to be the best player I can.
Steve Nash
Basketball in Canada has come a long way over the last decades, from being a minor sport to producing world-class NBA teams in Canada. From all-time legends like Steve Nash to contemporary Canadian players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, more and more Canadian basketball players are earning spots among the elites in the NBA and other top leagues!
1. Steve Nash
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Steve Nash is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Canadian NBA players of all time, a two-time NBA MVP & one of the greatest point guards.
Few players have redefined the art of basketball quite like Steve Nash. Born on February 7, 1974, in Johannesburg, South Africa, and raised in Canada, Nash is celebrated not just for his statistics but for his revolutionary approach to the game. Known for his court vision, unparalleled passing ability, and basketball IQ, Nash’s legacy continues to inspire players and fans alike.
He is among the few players to have achieved multiple seasons with a shooting average of 50%, 40% from three-point range and 90% from the free-throw line.
Steve Nash is one of the 75 greatest players of all time, entering the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, winning the NBA MVP (2005, 2006) twice, and scoring 14.3 points and 8.5 assists per game in 1,217 games!
Nash’s influence extends far beyond the hardwood. Known for his philanthropy, he established the Steve Nash Foundation to support underserved children in areas like health, education, and personal development. His commitment to social issues earned him the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honors.
Teams:
🏀 The Phoenix SunsÂ
🏀 The Dallas MavericksÂ
🏀 The Los Angeles LakersÂ
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2. Shai Gilgeous–Alexander
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Gilgeous–Alexander is one of the best Canada basketball players today. He scored a league-high average of 32.7 points per game, averaged 5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.7 steals, and one block per game in the 2024-2025 season. High shooting efficiency: Scoring 51.9% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line.
Awards & Recognitions
- NBA All-Star 2023-2024
- All-NBA First Team in 2023
- NBA Scoring Leader in 2025
- Career-high 32.7 PPG (2024–2025 season)
- Most efficient guard in the league (50/38/90 shooting splits)
3. Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray was born in Ontario. He has been the central figure for the Denver Nuggets' recent achievements. In the 2024-25 season, he had 21.4 points & 6.0 assists per game on a 47.4% shooting average from the field. Responsible for the Nuggets' victory in the 2023 championship!
Awards & Recognitions
- NBA Champion (2023)
- NBA Western Conference Finals standoutÂ
- Top 10 playoff PPG for the Denver Nuggets
4. Andrew Wiggins
Wiggins was born in Toronto, Ontario. Known for his versatility & defensive skills, Wiggins was a key player in the Golden State Warriors' championship run in 2022. In the 2024-2025 season, he is averaging 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. Recently traded to the Miami Heat, he remains a top NBA Canadian player.
Awards & Recognitions
- NBA Champion in 2022
- NBA All-Star Starter in 2022
5. RJ Barrett
Alexander "RJ" Barrett Jr. was born in Toronto. Since arriving in the NBA, RJ Barrett has shown steady growth. In the 2024-25 season, he is averaging 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, shooting 46.8% from the field. He has a great ability to contribute in multiple aspects of the game, making him one of the top Canadian basketball players for the Toronto Raptors!
Awards & Recognitions
- FIBA World Cup Bronze Medalist with Team Canada 2023
- Top 3 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft
- Career-best 21.1 PPG in 2024–25 season
RJ Barrett was the youngest Canadian to score 30+ points in a single NBA game!
6. Kelly Olynyk
Kelly Olynyk was born in Toronto, Ontario. Kelly Olynyk is pretty known for his versatility and ability with his outside shooting. Throughout his career, he has been a valuable role player on several teams, contributing to offense and defense.
Awards & Recognitions
- Canada Basketball Senior Men's Team MVP (2021)
- Key contributor in Team Canada's bronze medal run (FIBA 2023)
- Career-high 34 points in an NBA game (2017)
- 10+ seasons in the NBA as a stretch big man
7. Tristan Thompson
Thompson was born in Brampton, Ontario. He is a center known for his tenacity on rebounds and his interior defense. Thompson was a key player in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 2016 championship.
Awards & Recognitions
- NBA Champion (2016)
- Top 5 offensive rebounder in multiple NBA seasons
- He holds the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise record for most offensive rebounds.
- Played in four consecutive NBA Finals (2015–2018)
Discover more about the NBA Basketball evolution in Canada.
8. Rick Fox
Ulrich Alexander "Rick" Fox was born in Ontario on July 24, 1969. Fox is a former Canadian basketball player with an outstanding career in the NBA, especially with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won 3 consecutive championships. After retiring, he has had a successful career as an actor and entrepreneur.
Awards & Recognitions
- 3Ă— NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002)
- Key defensive and role player on the Lakers dynasty
- Started in all three championship runs with Kobe and Shaq
- Career playoff appearances: 101 games
9. Jamaal Magloire
Jamaal Magloire was born in Toronto, Ontario. Magloire is a former Canadian center who had a solid career in the NBA. He stood out for his defensive presence and rebounding skills. In 2004, he was selected for the All-Star Game, one of only a few Canadians to achieve this recognition.
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Awards & Recognitions
- NBA All-Star (2004)
- Only the second Canadian ever selected as an NBA All-Star
- Career-high season: 13.6 PPG and 10.3 RPG (2003–04).
10. Bill Wennington
William Percey Wennington is one of the top NBA players from Montreal, Quebec. He is a former Canadian center who played on the Chicago Bulls team in the 1990s. Alongside Michael Jordan, he won three NBA championships. Known for his reliability and teamwork, he was a valuable part of the Bulls' rotation.
Awards & Recognitions
- 3Ă— NBA Champion (1996, 1997, 1998)
- Role-playing center during the second Chicago Bulls 3-peat
- Played alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen
- Winner of multiple NBA titles
11. Dwight Powell
Dwight Harlan Powell was born in Toronto, Ontario. Powell is a Canadian center who has proven to be a key player in the Dallas Mavericks' rotation. Known for his work ethic, intelligence on the court & commitment to the community, Powell has been a role model both on and off the court.
Awards & Recognitions
- NBA Cares Community Assist Award (January 2024)
- Bronze Medalist with Canada at FIBA World Cup (2023)
- Most games played in a single season by a Canadian big (82 in 2022)
- Top 5 in pick-and-roll efficiency (NBA tracking stats, 2021)
12. Olivier-Maxence Prosper
Olivier-Maxence Prosper was born in Montreal, Quebec. He is a young Canadian forward who has begun his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks. With a combination of athleticism & versatility, Prosper has shown his potential in his first few seasons.
Awards & Recognitions
- FIBA U19 World Cup Bronze Medalist with Canada (2021)
- First-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft
- Youngest Canadian forward to record back-to-back 20-point games in Summer League (2023)
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