10 Canadian NBA Players to Watch in the 2023-2024 Season

10 Canadian NBA Players to Watch in the 2023-2024 Season

Canadian talent has exploded into the NBA, and the 2023–2024 campaign is expected to feature a stellar group of players from up north. This season promises an incredible display of skill, diversity, and sheer tenacity, with a growing pool of Canadian stars. There will be an exciting season ahead thanks to players like Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and RJ Barrett who have already made their mark in the league.

Prospects with newfound promise and energy include Josh Primo, Luguentz Dort, and Andrew Nembhard. The presence of the maple leaf in the NBA denotes a time when Canadian basketball is reaching previously unheard-of heights, whether it is due to the players’ steady rise in prominence or the breakthroughs that lie ahead for emerging talent.

As a new generation of talent leads the next wave of Canadian stars in the NBA, Canada’s influence on the league is only becoming stronger. A number of Canadian players are expected to make significant progress or be indispensable members of postseason teams in 2023–2024. The following ten Canadian NBA players are worth watching:

1. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Jamal Murray. Dennis Adair, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The native of Kitchener, Ontario, has grown into one of the NBA’s most potent point guards. Murray returned to full strength last season, averaging 21 points and five assists for the playoff-bound Nuggets after missing all of 2021–2022 while recovering from an ACL tear. The dynamic 6’5″ combo guard, who is only 25 years old, is primed to show off his entire skill set of outside shooting, deft rim finishes, and clutch shot-making alongside two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.

2. RJ Barrett, New York Knicks

RJ Barrett. All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After being selected third overall in the 2019 NBA Draught, the winger from Mississauga has become a vital member of the Knicks’ comeback squad. With his ability to attack off the dribble and overwhelm defenses, Barrett established himself as New York’s leading scorer by averaging over 20 points per game over the previous two seasons. The 22-year-old could become an All-Star and help the Knicks dominate the East if he can sharpen his outside shooting and decision-making.

3. Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors

Andrew Wiggins.Brent Burford, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2020 trade to Golden State gave the native of Vaughan, Ontario, a fresh start in his professional career. Wiggins finished a season in which he was selected for his first All-Star team by playing a crucial role as a scorer, defender, and rebounder in the Warriors’ most recent championship run. As a 27-year-old rookie to the NBA, the former number one overall pick appears to have reached his full potential as a potent two-way wing. Golden State gains a dynamic athlete and adaptable defender in Wiggins to go along with their core of superstars.

4. Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies

Dillon Brooks. This file has been extracted from another file: Dillon Brooks.jpg, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another Mississauga product, Brooks gives the young Grizzlies his contagious energy and two-way ability. With his aggressive slashing, fierce defense, and clutch shot-making, the 6’6″ wing averaged over 18 points per game during the last two postseasons. Even though he missed time due to injuries, Brooks became a crucial component of Memphis’ ascent in the West. As he approaches his contract year, the 27-year-old will try to establish his worth for a large-scale long-term agreement.

5. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Utah Jazz

Nickel Alexander Walker. SneakinDeacon from New River Valley, Va, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alexander-Walker, a dynamic combo guard from Toronto, spent three seasons in New Orleans before moving to Utah as part of the Rudy Gobert blockbuster trade. The 6’5″ playmaker showed better playmaking and rim-finishing skills last season, averaging 12.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds. Alexander-Walker will have the chance to assume a key role and establish himself as a vital member of Utah’s revamped roster as they rebuild.

6. Khem Birch, Toronto Raptors

The native of Montreal is back home to give the Raptors a reliable, experienced presence up front. Birch has started 67 games at center in his two seasons with Toronto, playing tough defense and displaying exceptional rim-running and rim-protecting skills. In just 18 minutes per game last year, he averaged almost five points, five rebounds, and a block. Birch is expected to play a similar role, serving as the defensive anchor for a Toronto team that hopes to make the playoffs.

7. Chris Boucher, Toronto Raptors

Chris Boucher. All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After being left undrafted from Oregon, Boucher has made himself at home north of the border. The big man from Montreal, who was crowned champion with Toronto in 2019, established himself as a dynamic frontcourt player who could block shots and make three-pointers. Despite playing just 22 minutes per game the previous season, he averaged 9.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. The athletic 6’9″ Boucher, an unrestricted free agent, might be headed for a big payday this summer.

8. Luguentz Dort, Oklahoma City Thunder

Luguentz Dort.The Hoosier from Bloomington, IN, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Before signing with the Thunder and becoming a lockdown defender and scorer, Dort was undrafted, making him possibly the most successful Canadian from the 2019 draught class. The native of Montreal finished the previous season with an average of over 17 points, making the All-Defense Second Team and emerging as one of the league’s best young two-way players. The muscular 6’3″ wing, who is only 23 years old, appears ready to become OKC’s mainstay player.

9. Oshae Brissett, Indiana Pacers

Oshae Brissett. All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After spending multiple seasons in the G League, Brissett was drafted in the second round of the 2019 draught and went unnoticed until he was given a full-time role in Indiana last season. The athletic 6’7″ forward from Mississauga averaged over 8 points and 4 rebounds in just over 22 minutes per game, providing energy and rebounding off the bench. The 24-year-old could develop into a versatile 3-and-D forward that suitors want if his shooting gets better.

10. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers

Bennedict MathurinMGoBlog, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Since Jamal Murray, Mathurin might already be the most intriguing rookie in the Canadian NBA. The native of Montreal, who was selected sixth overall from Arizona, fits the profile of a key player in Indiana’s rebuild. During the Las Vegas Summer League, the 6’6″ shooting guard averaged 17.7 points and shot 38% from three-point range, demonstrating his exceptional athleticism and scoring ability. All indications suggest that Mathurin’s two-way skill set and self-assured mindset will have an immediate impact.

Canada’s influence on the NBA has grown significantly in the last few years because of this outstanding group of rising stars, important veterans, and talented rookies. Basketball players from Canada are expected to make waves in the 2023–2024 season as they strive to take their teams to new heights and improve basketball’s image from the Great White North.