Top 5 Best Canadian Players Currently in The NBA

Sixty-two Canadians have signed an NBA contract, and currently, 21 players are active on one of the 30 NBA rosters. Over the past decade, Canada has become a hotbed for basketball talent, producing some of the most skilled players in the best league in the world.

From shifty ball-handling point guards to sharpshooters to paint-protecting big men, Canadian talent has etched its way into the history books with seventeen NBA championships by ten different players, two Hall-of-Fame members, a two-time MVP, two first overall draft picks, and a Rookie of the Year.

While Steve Nash grabbed the headlines as a two-time NBA MVP and the best player in Canadian history, Bill Wennington and Rick Fox both captured a trio of NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers dynasties of the 1990s and early 2000s.

As for the current crop of Canadian NBA players, the following five players have found their own way to stand out thanks to their exceptional talent and contributions to team success.

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

One of the front-runners for the 2024-2025 NBA MVP, the man simply known in basketball circles as “SGA” has been the focal point for the Oklahoma City Thunder’s rise to the top of the Western Conference and one of the top contenders for the NBA Championship.

Selected 11th in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, the Toronto-born native spent one season in LA before being traded to the Thunder. Currently averaging 32 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds, SGA is a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA First Team member. With his ability to control the pace of the game, score effortlessly, and play elite defense, Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the more well-rounded players in the NBA.

For those looking to place a wager, test their luck, or analyze the odds on Gilgeous-Alexander’s next performance, betting with Interac has made it easier than ever to get in on the action and make every Thunder game more thrilling.

2. Jamal Murray (Denver Nuggets)

Hailing from Kitchener, Ontario, Jamal Murray has put on some of the most impressive scoring bursts and clutch performances in NBA playoff history. Shockingly despite his ability to fill the basket and provide highlight reel-worthy games, Murray has often been overlooked when it comes to All-Star Games and All-NBA Teams.

Despite failing to grab individual honors, Murray has the one award that all basketball fans crave, an NBA Championship (2023). Although his numbers are down slightly from last season, Murray will once again need to be a key contributor if the Nuggets want to capture their second NBA title.

3. Andrew Wiggins (Miami Heat)

Having just been traded to the Miami Heat from the Golden State Warriors, “Maple Jordan” as he was once tagged growing up, goes from one beach state to another. The second Canadian to be picked first overall in the NBA Draft (2014) after Anthony Bennett took the honors the year prior, the Toronto-born combo forward has evolved into one of the league’s best two-way players.

A focal point in the Warriors’ run to the 2022 NBA Championship, Wiggins’ ability to defend the opposition’s best backcourt player and contribute offensively off of the transition or from downtown has made him a vital component for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Warriors, and now the Heat, who look to return to the top of the Eastern Conference. Sharp bettors know that player trades can impact betting lines, and Wiggins’ move to Miami could shift the Heat’s futures odds.

4. Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets)

His numbers aren’t as flashy as the others on this list and he is known more for his villainous antics than he is anything else, but Dillon Brooks is one of those players that every team wants. Combining a fearless attitude and gritty defense, the Mississauga native is one of the veteran players (despite being just 29 years old) in charge of helping the Rockets return to the NBA playoffs after a four-year absence.

While he is known mainly for his defensive skills, opposing teams still have to respect Brooks’ ability to knock down the three-point shot, which he is currently hitting a career-high 38%. Who can forget Brooks’ battle on and off the court with LeBron James during the 2023-24 season? Like him or hate him, Brooks has earned his spot on this list.

5. RJ Barrett (New York Knicks)

Imagine suiting up for one of the NBA’s most iconic teams in its most famous arena as a nineteen-year-old. That’s what Toronto’s RJ Barrett was tasked with after being selected by the New York Knicks with the third pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.

A well-rounded offensive scorer and playmaker, Barrett’s ability to attack the basket, hit shots from deep, and defend multiple positions has made him one of the most complete young players in the league. Acquired by the Raptors in December of the 2023-24 season, Barrett appears to be a key part of the Raptors rebuilding program. For fans following the Raptors’ resurgence, keeping an eye on Barrett’s scoring lines and team odds can offer intriguing betting opportunities.