Canada’s presence in the NBA continues to rise, with 23 players representing the nation in the 2025-26 season opener. This marks the 12th consecutive year that Canada holds the title of the most-represented country in the league outside the United States. Although it falls short of the record 27 players set for the 2023-24 season, this year’s count surpasses the 21 Canadians rostered for the 2024-25 season.
Leading Canadian Players
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands out as a key figure this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard enters the campaign as the reigning MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and champion. He is the first Canadian to achieve this triple honor.
Team Composition
The Memphis Grizzlies boast the highest number of Canadian players, featuring:
- Zac Edey (Centre)
- Brandon Clarke (Forward)
- Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Forward)
The Toronto Raptors also contribute to Canada’s representation with:
- RJ Barrett
- AJ Lawson, who re-signed on a two-way deal
In addition, two players with Canadian affiliations, Chris Boucher and Kyshawn George, also showcase the nation’s athletic talent. Boucher, although from St. Lucia, has Canadian connections. George represented Canada in the FIBA AmeriCup this summer, despite being originally from Switzerland.
International Representation in the NBA
This season sees a historic total of 135 international players from 43 different nations in the NBA. Here is the complete list of Canadians participating in the league for the current season:
| Player | Team | Hometown |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Houstan | Atlanta Hawks | Mississauga, Ont. |
| Nickeil Alexander-Walker | Atlanta Hawks | Toronto |
| Emanuel Miller | Chicago Bulls | Scarborough, Ont. |
| Dwight Powell | Dallas Mavericks | Toronto |
| Ryan Nembhard | Dallas Mavericks | Aurora, Ont. |
| Jamal Murray | Denver Nuggets | Kitchener, Ont. |
| Jackson Rowe | Golden State Warriors | Toronto |
| Andrew Nembhard | Indiana Pacers | Aurora, Ont. |
| Bennedict Mathurin | Indiana Pacers | Montreal, Que. |
| Brandon Clarke | Memphis Grizzlies | Vancouver |
| Olivier-Maxence Prosper | Memphis Grizzlies | Montreal |
| Zach Edey | Memphis Grizzlies | Toronto |
| Andrew Wiggins | Miami Heat | Thornhill, Ont. |
| Leonard Miller | Minnesota Timberwolves | Scarborough, Ont. |
| Luguentz Dort | Oklahoma City Thunder | Montreal, Que. |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder | Hamilton, Ont. |
| Dillon Brooks | Phoenix Suns | Mississauga, Ont. |
| Shaedon Sharpe | Portland Trail Blazers | London, Ont. |
| Kelly Olynyk | San Antonio Spurs | Toronto |
| RJ Barrett | Toronto Raptors | Mississauga, Ont. |
| AJ Lawson | Toronto Raptors | Toronto, Ont. |
| Will Riley | Washington Wizards | Kitchener, Ont. |
This season highlights Canada’s growing footprint on the global basketball stage, with a blend of seasoned athletes and emerging talents contributing to the excitement of the NBA.
