When ranking top-scoring cities by players’ birthplace, Toronto came in second place last season (only trailing Los Angeles), beating out cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and even New York. The rankings might not be that surprising considering Toronto is the largest city in Canada and fourth-most populous city in North America. If anything, it shows the influence that players from this city have on the league. Here’s a guide to Toronto players in the NBA:
RJ Barrett
Age: 24, Height: 6’6”, Team: Toronto Raptors
- Position: Forward-Guard.
- Drafted: Selected third overall by the New York Knicks, 2019 NBA draft. Traded from the New York Knicks to the Raptors in December 2023.
- Overview: The Raptors kicked off the 2024 preseason with a 125-98 victory over the Washington Wizards. Barrett was the standout player, scoring 17 points in 14 minutes in the first half, before exiting the game with a bruised right shoulder. The team hasn’t ruled Barrett out for Toronto’s regular-season opener against Cleveland on Oct. 23.
- Toronto Connection: Born and raised in Toronto. Attended St. Marcellinus Secondary School in Mississauga.
Dalano Banton
Age: 24, Height: 6’8”, Team: Portland Trail Blazers
- Position: Forward.
- Drafted: Drafted by the Toronto Raptors (2nd round, 16th pick, 46th overall) at the 2021 NBA Draft. Traded to the Boston Celtics (July 2023) and then to the Trail Blazers (February 2024).
- Overview: Banton was the first Canadian-born player to be drafted by the Raptors. The Trail Blazers exercised Banton’s $2.2 million team option for the 2024-25 season.
- Toronto Connection: Born in Toronto (from Rexdale, in Etobicoke).
Cory Joseph
Age: 33, Height: 6’2”, Team: Orlando Magic
- Position: Guard.
- Drafted: 29th overall pick at the 2011 NBA draft (San Antonio Spurs).
- Overview: Won an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014. Played for the Raptors from 2015 to 2017, the Indiana Pacers (2017–2019), the Sacramento Kings (2019–2021), the Detroit Pistons (2021–2023), and the Golden State Warriors (2023–2024), before signing a two-year contract with the Orlando Magic in July.
- Toronto Connection: Born in Toronto; went to Pickering High School.
Zach Edey
Age: 22, Height: 7’4”, Team: Memphis Grizzlies
- Position: Centre.
- Drafted: Ninth overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA draft (becoming Purdue’s second top 10 pick in the NBA Draft in the last three seasons). Has a 9’7” standing reach.
- Overview: He signed with the Grizzlies on July 6.
- Toronto Connection: Born in Toronto; attended Leaside High School.
Kelly Olynyk
Age: 33, Height: 6’11”, Team: Toronto Raptors
- Position: Forward-Centre.
- Drafted: Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1st round (13th pick) of the 2013 NBA Draft, then traded to the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat (2017–2021), Houston Rockets (2021), Detroit Pistons (2021–2022), Utah Jazz (2022–2024), Toronto Raptors (2024–present).
- Overview: Last season, he averaged 9.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, playing in 78 games with Utah and Toronto. Experiencing back stiffness, so didn’t play in Tuesday’s preseason game against the Celtics (will have another opportunity to play Friday against Brooklyn).
- Toronto Connection: Born in Toronto; grew up in British Columbia.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Age: 26, Height: 6’5”, Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
- Position: Guard.
- Drafted: 17th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2019 NBA draft, traded to New Orleans Pelicans (2019–2022), Utah Jazz (2022–2023), Minnesota Timberwolves (2023–present).
- Overview: Played for Team Canada at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Was also part of Canada’s bronze medal-winning team at the 2023 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup (Canada’s first-ever medal at the tournament). Reports suggest that Alexander-Walker has become a fan favorite while playing for the Timberwolves due to his “intensity and impact on the defensive end.”
- Toronto Connection: Born and raised in the GTA; attended Vaughan Secondary School.
Andrew Nembhard
Age: 24, Height: 6’4”, Team: Indiana Pacers
- Position: Guard-Forward.
- Drafted: 31st overall pick at the 2022 NBA draft (Indiana Pacers).
- Overview: During the playoffs in 2024, Nembhard had impressive averages (14.9 points and 5.5 assists). In July, Nembhard agreed to a three-year, $59 million contract extension with the Pacers.
- Toronto Connection: Born and raised in Aurora, Ont. (just outside Toronto).
A.J. Lawson
Age: 24, Height: 6’6”, Team: Dallas Mavericks
- Position: Guard.
- Drafted: Undrafted in the 2021 NBA draft. Signed a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks in December 2022.
- Overview: Played in the G-League before moving to the NBA. Spent the last two seasons with the Mavericks, averaging 3.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 7.5 minutes per game.
- Toronto Connection: Born and raised in Brampton; attended St. Marguerite d’Youville in Brampton and GTA Prep in Mississauga.
Dwight Powell
Age: 33, Height: 6’10”, Team: Dallas Mavericks
- Position: Forward-Centre.
- Drafted: 45th overall pick at the 2014 NBA draft (Charlotte Hornets); immediately traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers on draft night. Shortly after, Powell was traded to the Dallas Mavericks (2014–present).
- Overview: Last season, Powell appeared in 63 games, averaging 3.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Reports suggest that — rather than playing a huge role on the floor — Powell will likely take on more of a leadership role.
- Toronto Connection: Born in Toronto; attended Earl Haig Secondary School.
Andrew Wiggins
Age: 29, Height: 6’7”, Team: Golden State Warriors
- Position: Forward.
- Drafted: 1st overall pick at the 2014 NBA draft (Cleveland Cavaliers).
- Overview: Won an NBA Championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2022. But in ESPN’s latest top-100 ranking, Wiggins fell 36 places (he was ranked as the 54th best player in the league last season, he’s now ranked in the 90th spot). According to recent reports, since 2022, Wiggins has been dealing with injuries and personal issues, contributing to some underwhelming seasons.
- Toronto Connection: Born and raised in Thornhill (along the northern border of Toronto); attended Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School.