Famous Canadian Basketball Players

Steve Nash is a Canadian professional basketball coach and former player known for his successful career in the NBA. He played 18 seasons, earning eight All-Star selections and seven All-NBA honors. Nash was a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player while with the Phoenix Suns. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching and most recently served as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. Nash has also been involved in various philanthropic causes and has received numerous honors and accolades for his contributions to basketball and society.

Andrew Wiggins is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. He was the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers after playing college basketball at Kansas. Known for his talent, Wiggins quickly made an impact in the league, earning Rookie of the Year honors in his debut season. He later joined the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to Golden State. Wiggins won an NBA championship in 2022 and earned his first All-Star selection.

Tristan Thompson is a Canadian professional basketball player in the NBA, currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016 and has played for various teams including the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers. Thompson played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns before being drafted fourth overall by the Cavaliers in the 2011 NBA draft. Additionally, he has represented the Canadian national team in international competitions.

Kelly Olynyk is a Canadian professional basketball player in the NBA. He played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs and earned NCAA All-American honors in 2013. Olynyk was drafted in 2013 by the Dallas Mavericks and traded to the Boston Celtics. He later played for the Miami Heat and reached the NBA Finals in 2020. Olynyk was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2021, then signed with the Pistons before being traded to the Utah Jazz in 2022 and eventually to the Toronto Raptors in 2024. He also serves as captain of the Canadian national team.

Jamal Murray is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the NBA. He also represents the Canadian national team. Murray played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats before becoming the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Nuggets. Known as the "Blue Arrow," he is recognized for his remarkable performances in the postseason and clutch moments. Murray has established himself as one of the top players in the league, showcasing exceptional skills and talent on the basketball court.

Nik Stauskas is a Canadian professional basketball player who has played for various NBA and NBA G League teams. He was drafted eighth overall in the 2014 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. Stauskas played college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines, where he received numerous accolades including being named a consensus All-American in 2014. Throughout his career, Stauskas has demonstrated his skills as a shooting guard and has experienced success in reaching the NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics in 2022.

RJ Barrett is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the NBA. He was drafted third overall in 2019 by the New York Knicks after playing for Duke University. Barrett was a standout high school player, earning numerous accolades. He also excelled internationally, winning MVP at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup. Barrett has quickly made an impact in the NBA with his scoring ability and versatility on the court, showcasing the potential to become a star player in the league.

Luguentz Dort is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. Known as "the Dorture Chamber" for his defensive prowess, Dort played college basketball for the Arizona State Sun Devils before entering the NBA. He excelled in his first year, earning All-Pac-12 Conference honors, being named to the all-defensive team, and voted the conference's freshman of the year. Dort's impressive defensive skills and ability to lock down opponents have made him a valuable player in the league.

Tyler Ennis is a Canadian professional basketball player known for his time with Reyer Venezia in the Italian Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). He gained recognition during his college career with the Syracuse Orange, where he was regarded as one of the top freshmen players. Ennis was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 2014 NBA draft as the 18th overall pick. Throughout his professional career, he has showcased his skills and talent on the court, making significant contributions to the teams he has played for.

Anthony Bennett is a Canadian professional basketball player who entered the NBA as the first overall pick in the 2013 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite this initial success, he struggled to make a significant impact during his four-season NBA career, averaging 4.4 points per game. Regrettably, Bennett is often regarded as one of the least successful number-one picks in the history of the league. Currently a free agent, he continues to seek opportunities to showcase his skills and redeem his professional reputation.

Samuel Dalembert is a retired professional basketball player who had a successful 13-season career in the NBA. He played college basketball at Seton Hall University before being drafted into the NBA. Throughout his career, Dalembert was recognized for his exceptional rebounding skills and shot-blocking prowess. He made significant contributions to the teams he played for, establishing himself as a reliable and impactful player on both ends of the court. Dalembert's dedication to the game and defensive abilities earned him respect among fans and peers.

Bill Wennington is a Canadian former professional basketball player known for winning three NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. As a center, he represented Canada in the 1984 Olympics and 1983 World University Games, securing a gold medal in the latter. He narrowly missed qualifying for the 1992 Olympics. Wennington's achievements have led to his induction into both the Quebec Basketball Hall of Fame and the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in the sport.

Trey Lyles is a Canadian professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. He began his professional career after being drafted by the Utah Jazz following a successful freshman season at the University of Kentucky. Lyles has showcased his skills and versatility on the court, contributing to his teams with his scoring ability and defensive presence. Known for his work ethic and commitment to the game, he continues to make an impact in the league with his talent and dedication.

Kia Nurse is a Canadian basketball player currently with the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. She is also known for her work as a basketball analyst on TSN. Nurse has represented Canada in the Women's National Basketball team and was chosen to participate in the 2020 Summer Olympics. With her impressive skills on the court and insightful analysis off the court, Kia Nurse has established herself as a respected figure in the world of basketball, both as a player and a commentator.

Nazareth Jersey Mitrou-Long is a professional basketball player who has played for Olympiacos in the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. He began his career playing college basketball for the Iowa State Cyclones before transitioning to the NBA Summer League with the Sacramento Kings in 2017. Mitrou-Long then went on to compete in regular-season games with the Utah Jazz and the Indiana Pacers. His journey showcases his versatility and skill on the court as he continues to make a mark in the world of professional basketball.

Jay Triano is a Canadian basketball coach and former professional player. He currently works as an assistant coach for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Triano has previously served as the head coach for both the Toronto Raptors and the Phoenix Suns. He has a strong background in coaching, having also led the Canada national team on two separate occasions. As a former player, Triano competed in two Olympics, showcasing his deep involvement and experience in the sport at both the national and professional levels.

Ignas Brazdeikis is a professional basketball player who has played for various teams in the NBA, including the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic, as well as in the NBA G League for the Westchester Knicks and Lakeland Magic. He also plays for Žalgiris in the Lithuanian Basketball League and has represented both Canada and Lithuania in international competitions. Brazdeikis has received several accolades during his career, including being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and earning All-Big Ten honors while playing college basketball for the Michigan Wolverines.

Myck Kabongo is a former professional basketball player from Congo and Canada. He played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns before joining the Scarborough Shooting Stars in the Canadian Elite Basketball League. Kabongo also represented the DR Congo national team at AfroBasket 2017. Known for his skills on the court, he made a significant impact in both college and professional basketball, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport throughout his career.

Kevin Pangos is a Canadian-Slovenian professional basketball player known for his time with Valencia in the Spanish Liga ACB and EuroLeague. Prior to his professional career, he played college basketball for the Gonzaga Bulldogs, earning accolades such as the 2015 WCC Player of the Year and a third-team All-American selection. Pangos has also competed internationally for Canada, showcasing his skills on the global stage. With a successful collegiate career and professional experience in top leagues, he has established himself as a versatile and talented player.

Cory Joseph is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. Known for his skills as a point guard, Joseph has also served as the captain of the Canadian national team. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talents on the court with his leadership abilities and strategic gameplay. With valuable experience gained from playing at the highest level of competition, Joseph continues to make significant contributions to his team, both in the NBA and on the international stage.

Sim Bhullar is a Canadian professional basketball player known for his impressive height of 7'5". He made history as the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA. Bhullar played college basketball for New Mexico State University before embarking on his professional career. He has played for various teams, including the Sacramento Kings and the Reno Bighorns in the NBA G League. Currently, he is playing for the Tainan TSG GhostHawks in the T1 League, showcasing his skills and contributing to his team's success.

Joseph Robert Garcia Kapp was an accomplished American football player, coach, and executive. He excelled as a quarterback for the California Golden Bears in college and went on to play professionally in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). Kapp achieved notable success with the BC Lions, leading them to their first Grey Cup Championship victory in 1964. He also played a pivotal role in the Minnesota Vikings' 1969 NFL Championship win, the team's only league championship to date. In addition to his playing career, Kapp served as the head coach of the Golden Bears and later became the general manager and president of the BC Lions. His contributions to football have been recognized through inductions into multiple Hall of Fames and accolades, highlighting his significant impact on the sport.

Caleb Agada is a Nigerian-Canadian professional basketball player known for his exceptional skills on the court. He currently plays for Prometey in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League and represents the Nigerian national basketball team. With a standout performance in the 2020-21 season, he led the Israel Basketball Premier League in both points per game and steals per game. Agada's dedication to the sport and ability to make significant contributions to his teams have solidified his reputation as a top player in the basketball world.

Joey Haywood is a former professional basketball player from Canada who gained recognition for his exceptional ball-handling skills and streetball background. He was a key member of the Trinidad and Tobago national team, where he showcased his talent on the court. Known as "The King Handles" due to his impressive dribbling abilities, Haywood left a lasting impact on the basketball community. Throughout his career, he was admired for his unique style of play and contributions to the sport.

Eugene Omoruyi is a Nigerian-Canadian professional basketball player currently signed with the Washington Wizards in the NBA. He began his collegiate career playing for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights before transferring to the Oregon Ducks. Omoruyi's versatility on the court has been a key asset in his professional journey, allowing him to excel in various roles and contribute effectively to his teams. With a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, Omoruyi continues to make a significant impact in the competitive world of professional basketball.

Freddy Fadi Ibrahim is a Jordanian-Canadian basketball player known for his skills as a point guard. He currently plays for the Orthodox Basketball Club in the Jordanian Premier Basketball League and represents the Jordanian national team. Ibrahim has gained recognition as one of the top point guards in the league, showcasing his talent and leadership on the court. With his impressive performance and contributions to the team, he has established himself as a key player in both club and national team competitions.

Andy Rautins is a former professional basketball player who had a successful career at Syracuse University and was drafted by the NBA's New York Knicks in 2010. He later transitioned into a basketball executive role. Rautins has represented the Canadian national team and has a strong basketball lineage with his father, Leo Rautins, who also played professionally and coached the Canadian national team. Andy Rautins continues to be involved in the basketball world through his executive position.

Dyshawn Pierre is a Canadian professional basketball player currently representing Fenerbahçe Beko in the Turkish BSL and the EuroLeague. Hailing from Whitby, Ontario, Pierre honed his skills while playing college basketball for the Dayton Flyers. Known for his versatility on the court, he has proven to be a valuable asset to his team with his scoring ability, defensive prowess, and leadership qualities. Pierre's professional career showcases his dedication, hard work, and determination to succeed at the highest levels of basketball competition.

Charles Minlend is a former professional basketball player from Cameroon and Canada who played as a forward. He began his career in France before moving to Israel where he was named MVP of the Israeli Basketball Premier League in 2003. He also played in South Korea, winning a scoring title in 2004. Minlend retired in 2008 after a successful career that included stints in various countries such as France, Israel, South Korea, and Ukraine.

Laeticia Amihere is a prominent Canadian basketball player known for her historic achievement of becoming the first Canadian woman to dunk during a competitive game at a young age. She is ranked highly nationally and recognized for her exceptional athleticism and defensive skills. Amihere aspires to represent Canada on the international stage and has set ambitious goals of winning an Olympic medal and achieving success in the United States by winning the Final Four and a national championship. Her talent has garnered attention from NBA legends and celebrities, positioning her as a rising star in the basketball world.

Michael Meeks is a retired Canadian professional basketball player who had a successful career both on the national and international levels. He represented Canada in the men's national basketball team, showcasing his skills and dedication to the sport. Following his playing career, Meeks transitioned into a role within Canada Basketball, where he continues to contribute to the development and promotion of the sport in the country. Through his experience and expertise, Meeks plays a vital role in shaping the future of basketball in Canada.

Michael Jackel is a Canadian–German former professional basketball player known for his successful career in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga (BBL). Standing at 6’7", he played as a small forward and holds the record for being the league's all-time career scoring leader. Jackel made history by being the first player to surpass 10,000 points in the BBL. He also achieved international success by winning a gold medal at the 1993 FIBA EuroBasket as a member of the German national team.

Osvaldo Jeanty is a Canadian basketball coach and former professional player known for his successful career with the Carleton University Ravens. He has been recognized for his outstanding achievements, winning accolades such as CIS male athlete of the year and CIS basketball player of the year. Jeanty also represented Canada on the men's national team. After retiring from professional basketball in 2013, he continued to contribute to the sport by coaching and sharing his expertise with aspiring athletes.