Canada, a basketball powerhouse producing some of the most influential and dynamic players in the NBA.
From clutch performers with championship pedigree to MVP-caliber stars, these Canadian basketball stars have left their mark on the NBA.
Though Canada is well known for hockey, these stars are changing the nation’s sports identity to basketball.
Let’s rank the top five Canadian NBA players of all time, celebrating their milestones, extraordinary achievements, and the legacy they have built and left behind.
From Steve Nash’s precision to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dazzling potential, these Canadian NBA players are putting the country on the world basketball stage.
Steve Nash
NBA Ranking: #95
Without debate or a doubt, Steve Nash stats places him easily as one of the greatest NBA players from Canada.
He was in a league of his own and remained the only Canadian to have earned MVP honors and received more All-NBA and All-Star selections than every other Canadian combined.
During his tenure, he was the leader of many of the top ten offensive teams of all time at the Western Conference. However, he never made it to the final, but he led the Suns to many conference finals.
After spending 18 years in the league, Nash retired following the 2013 to 2014 season and finished his career with a top three all-time assists.
Nash is one of the most efficient players in NBA history, with many 50, 40, and 90-season seasons, and is one of the only two Canadians to be in the NBA Hall of Fame alongside Bob Houbregs.
Achievements/Resumé:
- 7× All-NBA
- 1× Hall of Fame Inductee
- 1× J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship
- 2× NBA Most Valuable Player
- 3× NBA Player of the Month
- 8× NBA Player of the Week
- 1× NBA Sporting News Most Valuable Player of the Year
- 1× Olympic Appearance
- 8× NBA All-Star
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
NBA Ranking: #463
Though young, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has made a name for himself as one of the best Canadian players in the NBA, signifying the rise of NBA players from overseas.
He was the runner-up to Nikola Jokić in the race for the NBA’s most prestigious individual award.
Based on pure skill and stats, Gilgeous-Alexander has a higher chance of taking over the top spot of the best Canadian NBA player in history.
Since the 2019 to 2020 season, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 1.4 steals, 5.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 25.9 points per game on 49.8% shooting.
In the 2022-23 season, he ended his first All-NBA and All-Star team selections with 31.4 points per game on 51.0% shooting.
That same 2022-23 season, he would also be named an All-Star starter, averaging 2.2 steals, 6.5 assists, and 31.1 points per game in 53 games.
Achievements/Resumé:
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 4× NBA Player of the Week
- 2× All-NBA
- 1× NBA Player of the Month
- 2× NBA All-Star
Andrew Wiggins
NBA Ranking: #219
Upon arriving at Minnesota, Wiggins earned the Rookie of the Year award with an average of 1.9 steals, 4.6 rebounds, and 16.9 points per game on 43.7% shooting.
After playing five more seasons for Minnesota, he averaged 4.3 rebounds and 19.7 points per game.
However, his last five seasons with the Golden State Warriors have been full of ups and downs. His most impactful season was in 2022 when he took on an impressive two-way role with the Warriors to an NBA championship.
In an impressive postseason run, he could defensively handle Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and Michael Porter Jr. while averaging 1.0 blocks, 1.0 steals, 7.5 rebounds, and 16.5 points.
Achievements/Resumé:
- No Awards Received As Of Yet
Rick Fox
NBA Ranking: #477
During his first six seasons at the Boston Celtics, Rick averaged 1.2 steals, 3.9 rebounds, and 10.7 points per game.
After signing with the Lakers, he became a major member of the three championship teams from 2000 to 2002 and a primary defender on some of the best-scoring teams in the NBA.
He ranked third in scoring in Canadian NBA players’ history and first in steals after his career ended,
Achievements/Resumé:
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 3× NBA Champion
Jamal Murray
NBA Ranking: #524
As a point guard, he helped the Nuggets to their first-ever title
with elite numbers and also overcame 3-1 series holes.
Though he doesn’t have many individual accolades, his resumé is just about enough to put him on this list.
After the 2016 to 2017 season, he played at an elite level despite no recognition. He averaged 5.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 26.1 points per game on 47.3 shooting to help his team to its first-ever championship.
Achievements/Resumé:
- 1× NBA Rookie of the Month
- 1× All-Rookie Team
- 1× NBA Champion
Conclusion
As an epic representation of the rise of Canadian NBA players from overseas, the country’s talents seem to be aiming for the stars.
In fact, they have pretty much proven to compete and excel at the top level. From Nash’s legacy to Gilgeous-Alexander’s ascent and Murray’s heroes, their impact has transcended borders.
So, are you going to be next on the list?
FAQs
How many NBA players are from Canada?
There are 27 Canadian players on NBA rosters for the 2023-24 season, a record number. For ten years in a row, Canada has been the most represented country in the NBA, except the US.
What NBA team is from Canada?
Only one team is from Canada, the Toronto Raptors. Nineteen of the NBA teams are in the United States. California has four, and Texas has three.
Has a Canadian ever won an MVP in the NBA?
Steve won the award in back-to-back seasons in 2004–05 and 2005–06. However, Nash is considered one of the greatest Canadian basketball players of all time.
How many Canadians have NBA championships?
As of 2024, 21 Canadian players have won NBA championships. Notable names include Bill Wennington, Rick Fox, Tristan Thompson, and Andrew Wiggins.
Why is Canada included in the NBA?
The growing population, the talent pool, and an immense contribution to the NBA — it’s a bit easy to see why they are included.
