23 Canadians Featured on NBA Rosters for 2025-26 Season Opener

ago 9 hours
23 Canadians Featured on NBA Rosters for 2025-26 Season Opener

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.