Nine Canadians to look for in the NBA this season

The 2013-14 NBA season starts this week. With Canadian fortunes in basketball – both men and women – on the rise, there is more excitement than ever north of the border. Here are nine Canadians to look for in the NBA this year and yes, we spell “centre” the way Dr. James Naismith might have done.

Anthony1

Joel Anthony, Miami Heat

The Miami centre from Montreal has won two NBA titles with the Heat and will look to bounce back from a season plagued by injury troubles.

Bennett

Anthony Bennett, Cleveland Cavaliers

The first overall selection in the 2013 NBA Draft will enter his rookie season with great expectations. The power forward has a unique Canadian situation in Cleveland, where he will be vying for minutes against a fellow Torontonian.  (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Samuel Dalembert

Samuel Dalembert, Dallas Mavericks

The Haiti-born Montrealer calls Dallas home, where he tops the depth chart at the centre position, on a front court that features NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki.

Joseph

Cory Joseph, San Antonio Spurs

Another Torontonian in his early 20s, Joseph is likely to be the top backup to point guard Tony Parker in San Antonio.

Steve Nash

Steve Nash, Los Angeles Lakers

The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2005 & 2006) was easily the best Canadian player of his generation. At 39, Nash could see fewer minutes this season as the Lakers plan to keep the point guard healthy for a long playoff run.

Nicholson

Andrew Nicholson, Orlando Magic

The 23-year old power forward from Mississauga could take advantage of injuries to teammates and rack up starter minutes and stats to begin the season.

BKN Celtics Raptors Basketball 20131016

Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics

Another rookie from the 2013 draft, Olynyk comes from a west coast-based Toronto basketball family. He battled for the starting centre position on the Celtics throughout preseason.

Sacre

Robert Sacre, Los Angeles Lakers 

A dual-citizen of the United States and Canada, Sacre represents the north internationally and fights for every minute with the Lakers, which could rise if superstar centre Pao Gasol is rested. (Photo: AP Photo/Pat Sulliva, Wikimedia Commons)

Thompson

Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers

Joined by Bennett in Cleveland, the 2011 fourth overall draft pick saw his numbers improve massively in his sophomore year. The Torontonian raised in Brampton could post some scary stats this season.

All photos from The Canadian Press unless otherwise noted. 

Enhanced by Zemanta