Canada is a nation famous for their ice hockey players, although curiously, lacrosse is the national sport. Being the next-door neighbor of the United States, it should not surprise anyone that basketball and the NBA are gaining traction in Canada. The 1995 expansion of the NBA saw two teams join from the Great White North; Toronto Raptors and Vancouver Grizzlies (now Memphis Grizzlies). The influx of Canadians in the NBA has only increased ever since, as more youngsters are looking to go professional in the league.
As per NBA reports, Canada is again the most-represented country outside of the U.S. for the ninth year running. Over 20 players have been registered by the clubs for the 2022-23 season. But who were the greatest ever? Let’s find out!
Steve Nash (1996-2015)
Steve Nash is probably the greatest Canadian basketball player ever while also being one of the best players of his generation. Although he was born in South Africa, his family moved to Saskatchewan when he was two. In the history books, Nash is seen as one of the most efficient shooters and also one of the greatest point guards to grace the court.
Nash made his league debut in 1996 with the Phoenix Suns. He also represented the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers during his illustrious career.
Nash was blessed with impressive court vision and elite passing of the ball and has always been one of those players that often have their name popping up in sports betting markets because you know there’s always something coming from them. He averaged 8.5 assists per game during his 18-year tenure in the league. Ranked as one of the best players in three-point shots, free throw shots, and total assists, Nash was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2018. He also achieved two consecutive NBA MVP awards. Nash is the only member of the 50-40-90 club to be inducted in four different seasons.
Unfortunately, his team never made it to the NBA Finals, but he cemented his legacy by finishing with over 17,000 points and 10,000 assists.
Rick Fox (1991-2004)
Rick Fox started his amateur career with the University of North Carolina team. He was then drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 1991 season. While being contracted with the Celtics, Fox became the first rookie starter on opening night since Larry Bird in 1979. Due to his impressive performances, he was inducted into the 1991-92 NBA All-Rookie Second Team. In 1997, Fox was released by the Celtics as a free agent, later joining the Los Angeles Lakers. During his time there, he helped the LA club achieve a three-peat which started in 2000.
Rick Fox can still be seen plying his trade in Los Angeles, albeit in a much different industry. The former NBA star is now a popular actor with over 70 credits in movies and television.
Tristan Thompson (2011-Present)
Tristan Thompson is another star Canadian player who is still active in the NBA. Thompson is one of the several Canadians that the Cleveland Cavaliers have drafted over the last decade or so. He spent one year in college with the Texas Longhorns before being drafted by the Cavs. He was also inducted into the All-Rookie Second Team in 2012.
Tristan Thompson became a pivotal player for the team led by LeBron James. Although he has never made an All-Star team his contribution to the team can’t be belittled as the Cavs won an NBA title at the end of the 2015-16 season. He averaged 7.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game during this season, ensuring his consistent production led his team to glory.
Andrew Wiggins (2014-Present)
Even though Andrew Wiggins (aka Maple Jordan) is a currently active player, his exploits have already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Canadian NBA players ever. The talented small forward played college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks before he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014. The Cavs probably missed out on a star as he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves without playing a game. He kicked on in Minnesota, scooping the NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2014-15 seasons.
Wiggins was traded to the Golden State Warriors in February 2020 and has been playing for them ever since. He is yet to win a championship, albeit at the age of 27 he still has his entire career to achieve further heights. He could even climb his way up this list to the second position, though he will find it hard to get to the top spot.
Conclusion
If you liked what you read, you will certainly like what you will read ahead. If you’re a Canadian, there’s a good chance that you must be interested in NBA betting as well. And well, if you are, feel free to check out our free NBA picks, where our experts equip you with all the betting advice you need for the game.
There are many Canadian players in the NBA today, and many of them have contributed a lot to their teams. Although the debate regarding who is the best Canadian basketball player can go on for hours, it seems pretty clear that these four players sit at the top, hands down.
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