TORONTO, ON – With the finalization Monday of the NBA 15-man rosters, Canada officially became the highest-represented non-US nation at any point in league history.The 13 Canadians on NBA rosters eclipse the highest previous international total of 11, achieved by France at the start of the 2010-11 season.
A total of four Canadians joined the NBA this year, which increased the number of Canadians in the league up to a record 13. The Canadians in the 2014 draft were: Andrew Wiggins (#1), Nik Stauskas (#8) Tyler Ennis (#18) and Dwight Powell (#45).
This past June, Andrew Wiggins became the second Canadian #1 draft pick, following Anthony Bennett who was the first in 2013. It was the first time a country, other than the USA had back-to-back #1 NBA draft picks.
Michele O’Keefe, Executive Director of Canada Basketball commented on this historic achievement: “We're very proud of our Canadian athletes. The commitment that they've shown to achieving their goals is remarkable”.
Canadian players on 2014-2015 NBA rosters are:
Player (Hometown) – NBA Team
Joel Anthony (Montreal, QC) – Detroit Pistons
Anthony Bennett (Brampton, ON) - Minnesota Timberwolves
Samuel Dalembert (Montreal, QC) - New York Knicks
Tyler Ennis (Brampton, ON) - Phoenix Suns
Cory Joseph (Toronto, ON) - San Antonio Spurs
Steve Nash (Victoria, BC) - Los Angeles Lakers
Andrew Nicholson (Mississauga, ON) - Orlando Magic
Kelly Olynyk (Toronto, ON) - Boston Celtics
Dwight Powell (Toronto, ON) - Boston Celtics
Robert Sacre (Vancouver, BC) - Los Angeles Lakers
Nik Stauskas (Mississauga, ON) - Sacramento Kings
Tristan Thompson (Toronto, ON) - Cleveland Cavaliers
Andrew Wiggins (Toronto, ON) - Minnesota Timberwolves