It’s no secret that the USA dominates the basketball world in almost every aspect.
But the pipeline of professional basketball players from Canada has steadily increased to the point in which the Great White North has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in basketball, producing a remarkable array of NBA talent.
From current superstars making waves on the court to legendary figures who paved the way, Canadian players have showcased exceptional skill, dedication, and passion for the game.
The country has seen a surge in elite-level talent in recent years in the form of All-Stars and MVP candidates, with several players becoming key figures on NBA teams.
Let’s take a deep dive into the best Canadian NBA players – past and present – who left a mark on the sport originally created by Canadian-born James Naismith.
Best Active Canadian NBA Players
1.) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Hailing from Toronto, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has quickly ascended to NBA stardom and the trivia answer to one of the worst trades in NBA history.
What makes his story remarkable is that he was actually cut from his 9th-grade basketball team. Instead, the player now known by millions as “SGA” was sent to play for the school’s “midget squad”.
How did he respond? By winning Team MVP and leading the midget squad to a city championship.
Today the dynamic point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder is known for his smooth ball-handling, crafty scoring, and leadership on the court. His ability to control the tempo and dictate plays has earned him recognition as one of the top guards in the league.
As a three-time All-Star and two-time MVP, SGA has seen his stock grow in each of his seven years in the league to the point in which he is the hands-on favorite to win the MVP this season.
Currently leading the league in scoring (as of April 2025), he’s become one of the most efficient scorers in the league, combining elite mid-range shooting with strong finishing at the rim. His growth as a playmaker has also transformed OKC into a competitive force in the Western Conference.
His performance has garnered high praise from peers, and many fans have him already taking over the top spot on the country’s all-time list over the Hall of Fame point guard from Victoria.
However, the humble OKC star knows he has a way to go: “I appreciate it, but Steve (Nash) is still ahead of me. Imma try to catch him, but he’s still ahead of me.”
2.) Jamal Murray
Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Jamal Murray has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier scoring guards.
Playing for the Denver Nuggets, Murray’s sharpshooting has been pivotal to the team’s success.
After overcoming an ACL injury that sidelined him for the 2021-22 season, Murray made a triumphant return, leading the Nuggets to their first-ever championship in 2023.
His performances in the playoffs, particularly his scoring outbursts and clutch shot-making, have solidified him as one of the league’s best postseason performers.
Ironically, despite his statistical accomplishments, Murray may go down as one of the league’s best players to never be named an All-Star.
3.) Andrew Wiggins
Toronto-born Andrew Wiggins entered the NBA with sky-high expectations as the first overall pick in 2014 (remember those “Winless for Wiggins” signs?)
After six years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he found his stride with the Golden State Warriors, earning his first trip to the All-Star Game and becoming an essential part of their championship-winning squad in 2022.
In April 2021, Wiggins became the first NBA player born in Canada to reach 10,000 career points, a testament to his consistent scoring ability.
His versatility on both ends of the floor, particularly his defensive ability, was crucial in the Warriors’ championship run. In 2022, he played a pivotal role in the NBA Finals, often guarding the opposing team’s best player while also providing a consistent scoring threat.
After six seasons in the Bay Area, he’s now looked at as a key component to the retooling Miami Heat.
Following the deal, his former coach Steve Kerr noted, “Wiggs is one of my favorite players I’ve ever coached. Just a beautiful soul, just a wonderful human being. We don’t hang that banner in ‘22 without him.”
4.) RJ Barrett
A rising star from Mississauga, Ontario, RJ Barrett has been making significant strides in each of his six NBA seasons.
Drafted third overall by the New York Knicks in 2019, the expectations for the Canadian combo forward to take over the Big Apple were unrealistic, despite averaging 18 points, 5.3 boards, and 2.8 assists over five seasons.
In his second season with the Toronto Raptors, Barrett has posted his best statistical season as the Raptors continue their rebuilding process.
A key piece to the Raptors future, the 24 year old has all the talent to become an All-Star level player in the league, but unfortunately, has spent the majority of his NBA career on teams struggling for success.
5.) Dillon Brooks & Luguentz Dort
So we are cheating a bit here by giving you a 2-1 special.
While the others on this list are known mostly for their offensive talents, both Dillon Brooks and Lu Dort are defensive specialists who can still fill the bucket.
Houston Rockets forward, Dillon “The Villan”, from Mississauga, Ontario, a member of the 2022-23 All-Defensive Team, has carved out a reputation as a defensive pest, willing to stir it up with the biggest names in the game, including his infamous battles with LeBron James.
A second-round pick of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2017, Brooks’s relentless work ethic and defensive tenacity have earned him a starting role and recognition as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders.
Dort, an undrafted member of the 2019 rookie class, has earned his starting role with the OKC Thunder as the team’s defensive anchor.
But don’t fool yourself into thinking that the “Dorture Chamber” is just a ball stopper, as the 25-year-old has proven to be more than capable of contributing on the offensive end, averaging 17 points per night during the 2021-22 season.
Best Former Canadian NBA Players of All Time
By the time they hang up their kicks, Gilgeous-Alexander, Murray, and Wiggins will all see their names bumped down to this list.
However, in the meantime, we’ll put an asterisk next to each of their names as we look at the list of the five best Canadian NBA players ever.
1.) Steve Nash
Widely regarded as the greatest Canadian basketball player, Steve Nash’s impact on the NBA is unparalleled.
Going with the theme of Joker Mag, he also has a heck of an underdog story – going from only one scholarship offer to basketball legend.
Born in South Africa but raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Nash’s exceptional vision, passing, and shooting led him to two MVP awards and eight All-Star selections during his illustrious career.
Unfortunately for Nash and his countless fans, the only thing missing from his Hall of Fame career was an NBA title.
He played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the point guard position with his elite court vision and ability to orchestrate high-tempo offenses. His time with the Phoenix Suns saw the rise of “Seven Seconds or Less” basketball, which influenced the modern NBA’s fast-paced style.
“I simply want people to remember me as a competitor and a great teammate,” said Nash. “That’s it. Those are the two most important things.”
2.) Rick Fox
Toronto-born Rick Fox may have projected to be a superstar off the court, becoming a fixture in Hollywood and marrying Vanessa Wiliams, but on the court he was better known as a key role player.
As a first-round pick by the Boston Celtics in 1991, Fox was told six years into his career that he was a building block for the team. Days later, he found out he was being renounced. A rare Boston Celtic turned LA Laker, “It’s easy to shift your allegiance when you’re pissed off,” Fox noted when signing with the longtime rival.
Two seasons later, the combo forward proved to be a key part of the Lakers championship three-peat.
3.) Jamaal Magloire
Following four solid yet unspectacular seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats, Jamaal Magloire became the 19th pick in the 2000 NBA Draft, becoming a member of the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets.
After earning his keep for his first two seasons, Magloire became a full-time starter, nearly averaging a double-double for his last four seasons with the Hornets.
A blue-collar presence in the paint, Jamaal Magloire became the second Canadian to be named an NBA All-Star in 2004.
The Toronto native became known for his physicality, setting screens and grabbing boards during his twelve-year NBA career that was capped off with his final season playing for his hometown Raptors.
4.) Bill Wennington
Montreal’s Bill Wennington was one of the least flashy players during his NBA career, but that didn’t stop the big man from being a serviceable backup during the Chicago Bulls’ second championship three-peat from 1996 to 1998.
Doing all of the little things to help Michael Jordan – who upon his return to the game following his first retirement said, “I want you to jump on the cape. But you have to hold on.” – and Scottie Pippen, Wennington provided the Bulls with size and toughness in the paint while also adding in a reliable mid-range jumper for a lumbering big man.
5.) Joel Anthony
One could argue for putting two-time NBA champion Mike Smrek in this spot, but Anthony’s longevity and actual impact on the game compared to that of his fellow Canadian gets the nod in his favor.
An undrafted member of the Miami Heat in 2007, Anthony was a defensive anchor in the paint for the Heat’s back-to-back championship teams in 2012 and 2013. With the “Big Three” taking up the majority of the offensive touches, Anthony earned his minutes off the bench by blocking shots and rebounding.
Honorable Mentions
With 24 players currently wearing an NBA jersey, Canada is the second-most represented country in the NBA.
Is there another star among the young crop of talent from the Great White North?
While it might take a bit, keep an eye on the following five guys who may one day find their names on one of the previously mentioned lists:
- Shaedon Sharpe (London, Ontario) – Portland Trail Blazers
- Bennedict Mathurin (Montreal, Quebec) – Indiana Pacers
- Will Riley (Kitchener, Ontario) – Illinois Fighting Illini (NCAA)
- Elijah Fisher (Toronto, Ontario) – Pacific Tigers (NCAA)
- Olivier Rioux (Quebec, Canada) – Florida Gators (NCAA)
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