20 Best NBA Players from Canada, Ranked

Basketball is rapidly growing in Canada, as the NBA has seen some of the elite scorers, playmakers, defenders, and high-flyers that step onto the hardwood nightly come from north of the border.

Some have made history, and others are well on their way to creating their own.

Let’s take a look at the best NBA players who have come from Canada.

Ranking the Best Canadian NBA Players of All Time

1. Steve Nash

Steve Nash won back-to-back MVP awards (2005, 2006), helping the Phoenix Suns boast high championship basketball odds while leading the “Seven Seconds or Less” offence throughout his time in the desert.

The seven-time All-NBA and Hall of Fame guard was known for his 3-point and midrange shooting in addition to his exceptional passing skills that helped him squeeze the ball through tight angles.

The eight-time All-Star has the fifth-most assists in NBA history, leading the league in assists five different times (2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011).

Nash is also a member of the exclusive 50-40-90 club, achieving this feat four times in his career (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010). That means he shot at least 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point land, and 90% from the free-throw line in a season. 

At the time of his first MVP, Nash was just the third point guard to ever take home that trophy, joining Magic Johnson and Bob Cousy.

2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished second to Nikola Jokić in MVP voting during the 2023-2024 season, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder boast high championship NBA odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook.

The two-time All-NBA guard has become a perennial 30-point-per-game scorer due to his footwork, ball-handling skills, and ability to get to the rim. The two-time All-Star is also one of the premier defenders at his position, both on and off the ball.

The future is bright for SGA, and there’s a good chance he could join Nash as the only Canadian MVP in NBA history.

3. Jamal Murray

Jamal Murray helped the Denver Nuggets win the 2023 NBA Finals over the Miami Heat, averaging 21.4 points, 10.0 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and one steal per game in the series.

Armed with an elite 3-point shot, crossover, and driving abilities, Murray dropped 50 points twice in the same first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz in 2020.

Murray has also hit numerous clutch shots throughout his career, including two game-winners in the same first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024. 

4. Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins helped the Golden State Warriors win the 2022 NBA Finals over the Boston Celtics, averaging 18.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks in the six-game series while shutting Jayson Tatum down defensively.

The one-time All-Star has made a name for himself in the league due to his amazing dunks and high-scoring performances.

5. RJ Barrett

RJ Barrett has developed into a well-rounded offensive talent throughout his time in the league. In his first 32 games with the Toronto Raptors, he averaged 21.8 points on 55.3% shooting, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.

Possessed with strong driving and finishing abilities, Barrett has a chance to break out even further for his hometown club.

6. Dillon Brooks

Dillon Brooks has developed a reputation for ruffling some feathers with his tenacious defence and trash talk during stops with the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets, but he can also be a problem offensively.

Brooks gets a lot of his points unassisted, whether it be via the catch-and-shoot 3-pointer or cutting off the ball to the rim.

7. Luguentz Dort

Luguentz Dort has helped the Thunder develop their defensive identity with his suffocating perimeter and on-ball defence, but he has a great 3-point shot in his arsenal as well. 

Dort and Gilgeous-Alexander have formed arguably the league’s best defensive backcourt, which will certainly help OKC compete for multiple championships this decade.

8. Rick Fox

Rick Fox helped the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal-led Lakers win three championships from 2000 to 2002 due to his ability to guard multiple positions and knock down timely shots, especially from 3-point range.

Fox scored 20 points in the series-clinching Game 5 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2001 NBA Finals.

9. Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson helped LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and the Cleveland Cavaliers come back from down 3-1 in the 2016 NBA Finals, averaging 10.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in the series.

Thompson grabbed at least 13 rebounds in three of the wins and recorded a double-double in two of them.

10. Jamaal Magloire

Jamaal Magloire made his lone All-Star Game as a member of the New Orleans Hornets during the 2003-2004 season, averaging 13.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while playing in all 82 games.

11. Samuel Dalembert

Samuel Dalembert was a perennial double-double threat and helped anchor the defence of some Allen Iverson-led Sixers teams during the 2000s.

12. Kelly Olynyk

Kelly Olynyk is your prototypical modern big man who can score in the post, hit the 3, rebound, and dish the rock, filling up the stat sheet in a variety of ways throughout his career.

13. Brandon Clarke

Brandon Clarke has averaged 10-plus points per game on over 60% shooting in three of his first five seasons in the league with the Memphis Grizzlies, displaying a ton of above-the-rim athleticism.

14. Bennedict Mathurin

Bennedict Mathurin possesses elite driving and finishing abilities due to his quickness and upper-body strength.

The Indiana Pacers forward could rise a few more spots if he can stay healthy while improving his 3-point shooting and commitment to defence.

15. Andrew Nembhard

Andrew Nembhard is carving out a role for the Pacers with his solid 3-point shooting and playmaking skills.

Nembhard averaged 28 points and 9.5 assists in his last two playoff games during the 2023-2024 season, showcasing immense potential.

16. Trey Lyles

Trey Lyles stretches defences out with his 3-point shooting, but he also has some crafty post moves in his arsenal.

17. Shaedon Sharpe

Shaedon Sharpe is equipped with explosive athleticism, long-range shooting touch, and defensive tools, making him an intriguing young prospect for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Health and consistency are question marks, but if he can put that behind him, he could rise up this list in no time.

18. Cory Joseph

Cory Joseph has made a name for himself with his shooting touch, defence, and playmaking skills.

Joseph won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014.

19. Chris Boucher

Chris Boucher plays his role nicely, as he stretches the floor with his shooting, protects the rim, and runs the floor, which has made him a fan favourite in Toronto.

20. Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Nickeil Alexander-Walker can score near the rim, in the midrange, and from downtown while providing solid on-ball defence.