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Canada’s presence in the NBA continues to grow, and the 2026-27 season gives fans plenty of reasons to keep tabs on players across the league.
From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chasing another MVP to RJ Barrett carrying the Canadian flag in Toronto, the new season offers plenty of storylines.
Some familiar faces are in new places, including Luguentz Dort joining Nickeil Alexander-Walker in Atlanta and Bennedict Mathurin getting a fresh start in New Orleans.
Here’s what to expect from the Canadians heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
Alexander-Walker made the most of his first season in Atlanta, averaging a career-high 20.8 points while shooting nearly 40 percent from three, on his way to being named 2025-26 Kia NBA Most Improved Player.
After establishing himself as a reliable role player in Minnesota, Alexander-Walker proved he could handle a much larger offensive responsibility.
Highlights from Nickeil Alexander-Walker's 25-point performance in a preseason win over the Mavericks.
The question now is whether he can maintain that production with Atlanta adding more depth, including fellow Canadian Luguentz Dort.
Even if his scoring numbers dip, Alexander-Walker’s combination of perimeter defence, shooting and playmaking should make him a key part of the Hawks’ rotation.
Barrett enters another season as one of the faces of the Raptors, coming off a campaign in which he averaged 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
The Mississauga native has found a comfortable home, well at home, in Toronto, but the next step is translating his individual production into more consistent team success.
With Scottie Barnes and now Kawhi Leonard alongside him, Barrett doesn’t need to carry the offence every night. His ability to attack the basket, create in transition and improve his outside shooting will be important as Toronto looks to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Brooks continues to show there’s more to his game than getting under opponents’ skin.
He averaged a career-high 20.2 points last season, taking on a larger offensive role in Phoenix while maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s most physical perimeter defenders.
Playing alongside Devin Booker, Brooks will be counted on to provide scoring, toughness and defensive leadership.
The challenge will be finding the right balance between aggressive shot-making and efficient offence. Either way, expect Brooks to remain one of the NBA’s most entertaining Canadians to watch.
Luguentz Dort speaks to the media at 2026 Atlanta Hawks Media Day.
After helping Oklahoma City win an NBA championship in 2025, Dort begins a new chapter in Atlanta.
The Montreal native averaged 8.3 points last season, but his value has never been measured strictly by his scoring.
Dort joins Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels in a Hawks backcourt loaded with defensive talent.
His ability to guard some of the league’s best perimeter scorers should make an immediate impact. If Dort can knock down open threes consistently, he’ll give Atlanta exactly the kind of two-way production it needs to compete in the East.
What does Gilgeous-Alexander have left to prove?
SGA followed his historic 2024-25 MVP and championship season by averaging 31.1 points and 6.6 assists in 2025-26, shooting an impressive 55.3 percent from the field, adding another MVP to his trophy case.
He’s firmly established himself among the NBA’s elite, and there’s little reason to believe that will change.
With Oklahoma City’s young core continuing to develop, Gilgeous-Alexander should once again find himself in the MVP conversation.
The question is no longer whether SGA belongs among basketball’s biggest stars. It’s how much more he can accomplish.
Murray is coming off one of the best regular seasons of his career, averaging 25.4 points and 7.1 assists while shooting a remarkable 43.5 percent from beyond the arc, earning his first All-Star nod.
He remains the perfect running mate for Nikola Jokić, with their two-man game continuing to cause headaches for opposing defences.
For Murray, the focus this season will be maintaining that level of production while staying healthy for another deep playoff run.
When Murray is at his best, Denver remains a legitimate championship threat in the Western Conference.
Wiggins has a new opportunity to compete for a championship with Miami after the Heat made a blockbuster move to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The former No. 1 pick averaged 15.4 points and 4.8 rebounds last season, shooting an impressive 41.4 percent from three.
With Antetokounmpo commanding so much defensive attention, Wiggins could find himself with more open looks and opportunities to attack closeouts.
His championship experience, perimeter defence and ability to contribute without dominating the ball should fit nicely alongside Miami’s newest superstar.
George might be Canada’s best-kept secret. He averaged 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his second season. Expect the versatile forward to take on even more responsibility as Washington continues developing its young core.
Nembhard averaged 16.9 points and 7.7 assists last season, showing he can handle an expanded offensive role. Expect the steady guard to remain central to Indiana’s backcourt.
Injuries limited Edey to just 11 games last season, but he averaged 13.6 points and 11.1 rebounds when available. Staying healthy will be the biggest priority for the 7-foot-4 centre.
After spending last season with Real Madrid, Lyles returns to the NBA with Minnesota. His outside shooting, experience and frontcourt versatility should help him compete for rotation minutes.
Sharpe’s season isn’t off to the start he’d like, picking up a right knee injury in a workout pre-training camp. He averaged 20.8 points last season, continuing to develop into a dynamic scorer. Once he is reevaluated for return to play around the All-Star break, the next step for the London, Ontario, native is improving his efficiency and consistency.
Mathurin gets a fresh start with the Pelicans after averaging 17.6 points last season across Indiana and Los Angeles. His ability to create his own offence should give New Orleans another scoring option.
A move to Chicago gave Miller a chance to showcase his potential last season. After averaging 11.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 27 appearances for the Bulls, he’ll look to establish himself as a regular contributor.
After averaging 5.3 assists as a rookie in Dallas, Nembhard joins Denver on a two-way contract. His passing and basketball IQ could help him earn opportunities behind the Nuggets’ established guards.
Prosper averaged 10.0 points while shooting 40.5 percent from three last season. Another year of consistent shooting and versatile defence could solidify his place in Memphis’ rotation.
Riley showed promising flashes as a rookie, averaging 10.3 points. The young Canadian wing will look to build on that production and earn a bigger role alongside George.
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