'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Given the birthplace of basketball (Springfield, Massachusetts) and the dominance America has displaced, it's safe to say that Basketball is truly an American sport.
However, did you know that the founder of basketball - Dr. James Naismith was born in Ontario, Canada? It's a lesser known fact but it's the truth that he was born up north 30 years before he invented the sport of basketball. The Basketball Hall of Fame is named after him - Naismith Memorial Basketball of Fame.
But it was only since the start of this decade that Canada's young talent started competing at the NBA level and in international competitions. Yet they missed out on qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
There have been great Candian born players in the past and with the huge influx of current talent, it's time we name the five greatest NBA players from Canada:
#5 Tristan Thompson
Yes, Tristan Thompson is just 25 and has only played six seasons in the league but he does make it to the list. Thompson was a key member of the 2016 Championship winning Cleveland Cavaliers.
Given that his talent is more or less just rebounding and defense, Thompson has proved that he is an invaluable asset to the Cavaliers. Over the years, he's worked on his passing game and one-on-one post moves, adding more value to his priceless defense. Not to mention his durability. Until recently (April 5th, 2017), he held the longest active streak for most consecutive games played (447), which started in his rookie season.
In a league where all 30 teams are trying outscore each other rather than play any defense, his ability to not just play defense but look respectable when he switches onto guards.
#4 Jamaal Magloire
Jamaal Magloire was a handy rotation player in the league. That quality allowed him to hang around the league for 12 years playing for as many as seven teams in that time span - Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets and the Toronto Raptors.
His lone All-Star game appearance came in 2004 as a member of the Hornets. In the exhibition game, he scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds in 21 minutes of action. Being selected made him the second Canadian ever to make it to the All-Star (narrowly missed out on being first). He was the first Canadian-born player to play in the All-Star game.
He ended his career after a one-year stint with the Toronto Raptors (2011-12), making him the first Canadian-born player to play for the franchise. From 2013-16, he was the assistant coach for the franchise and is currently a part of the team's player development team.
#3 Andrew Wiggins
No All-Star games and no championships for Andrew Wiggins but still he checks in at No. 3 on this list. He occupies the spot purely on the basis of his individual talent, athleticism and potential to make it big. He is currently the face of the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise along with Karl-Anthony Towns.
Being picked No. 1 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, made him only the second Canadian to achieve such a feat (Anthony Bennet was first in 2014). His rookie year he averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists en route to earning Rookie of the Year honors.
Wiggins' defense has been ridiculed and taken apart but what he lacks there, he more than makes up for on the other end of the floor. Also, it's not like he's a sloth or just doesn't know how to defend. Expect that part of his game to grow under current head coach Tom Thibodeau.
#2 Rick Fox
Rick Fox was born in Canada and drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1991 but he is most popular for his stint and crucial role with the three-peating Los Angeles Lakers from 2000-02.
Fox has no individual accomplishments to show for other than being selected to the All-Rookie First Team back in 1992. He played for the Celtics for the first six years of his career before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1997.
Also Read: Los Angeles Lakers' all-time starting five
During his seven years for the Lakers, Fox defense and provided outside shooting to an offense pivoted around Shaquille O'Neal. His defense and off the bench scoring was an invaluable and irreplaceable asset for the Lakers to win three consecutive NBA titles.
#1 Steve Nash
2-time MVP, 8-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA, multiple entries into the illustrious 50-40-90 club, Five-time NBA assist leader, Phoenix Suns' Ring of Honor Inductee. Enough said.
There's probably never going to be a greater Canadian player than Steve Nash. He is one only three point guards to win back-to-back MVP's (Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry). Easily considered among the greatest point guards of all time and greatest international players of all time.
Also read: Top 5 Point Guards of all time
His #13 has been retired by the Phoenix Suns. If that wasn't enough, in 2007, he was appointed to the Order of Canada.
After such a successful playing career, Nash has transitioned into front office duties. He is currently the general manager of the Candian National Team and a member of the player development squad with the Golden State Warriors.
