10 of the best Asian basketball players to ever play in the NBA

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The United States basketball competition, the National Basketball Association (NBA), is the top-level event that is the dream of many basketball players around the world. Not only is it full of players from the United States and Canada, but the NBA is also a stage for basketball players from various parts of the world, including Asia.

While not as numerous as players from Europe or Latin America, a number of Asian basketball players have recorded proud achievements and left impressive marks in the NBA. Some of them have even become global icons and sources of inspiration for younger generations in their home countries.

The following are the 10 best Asian basketball players who played in the NBA:

1. Yao Ming (China)

Born on September 12, 1980, Yao Ming is an Asian basketball legend widely known throughout the world. With a height of 2.29 meters, Yao appears dominant as a center and has been the main star of the Houston Rockets since 2002. He was selected as an NBA All-Star eight times and won the MVP title at the FIBA Asia Cup three times. Yao was also named to the All-NBA team five times. His name is now enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2. Hamed Haddadi (Iran)

This Iranian basketball player made history as the first Iranian player to appear in the NBA. Born May 19, 1985, standing 7 feet 8 inches tall, Haddadi is known as a tough center and played for the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns. He won the MVP title at the FIBA Asia Cup four times and became one of Iran’s sporting icons.

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3. Jeremy Lin (Taiwan-United States)

Jeremy Lin was born on August 23, 1988 and captured the world’s attention through the phenomenon”Sanity” with the New York Knicks in the 2011-2012 season. This 1.91 meter tall player then won the NBA with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. He also performed brilliantly in the Chinese basketball league and became an inspiration for the Asian-American community in the United States.

4. Wataru Misaka (Japan)

Misaka made history as the first Asian player to play in the NBA in 1947 with the New York Knicks. Born on December 21, 1923, he was only 1.70 meters tall, but his contribution paved the way for other Asian basketball players. Misaka also led her team to the NCAA title in 1944.

5. Yuta Tabuse (Japan)

As the first player of Japanese descent to compete in the NBA, Yuta Tabuse appeared for the Phoenix Suns in 2004. Although his NBA career was relatively short, Tabuse remained active in Japanese domestic basketball competitions and achieved various achievements, including MVP honors at the JBL and B.League champion.

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6. Jordan Clarkson (Philippines-United States)

Clarkson is currently one of the most prominent Asian players in the NBA. Born on June 7, 1992, he currently plays for the New York Knicks and is known as an explosive guard. Clarkson was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2021 and enter NBA All-Rookie First Team in his debut season. He is also active in defending the Philippine national team in international competitions, one of which was the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

7. Rui Hachimura (Japan)

Hachimura has become the new hope of Japanese basketball. Born on February 8, 1998, he currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was elected in Second Team NBA All-Rookie in 2020 and won the world title NBA seasonal tournament with the Lakers in 2023. Hachimura is also known for his contributions while defending Gonzaga University in the NCAA.

8. Yuki Kawamura (Japan)

At just 1.73 meters tall, Kawamura is the shortest player of the 2023-2024 NBA season. He signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and impressed in the Japanese B.League. In 2023, Kawamura was named MVP, Rookie of the Year and Assist Leader in the B.League.

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9. Ha Seung-jin (South Korea)

Born on August 4, 1984 with a height of 2.21 meters, Ha became the first South Korean player to play in the NBA. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Milwaukee Bucks. After returning to South Korea, Ha had success in the national championship winning various championships and individual titles.

10. Yuta Watanabe (Japan)

Watanabe was born on November 6, 1994 and appeared in the NBA with teams such as the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns. He is known as a player with a solid defense and was once nominated Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year during his NCAA career.

The presence of these Asian basketball players demonstrates that the talents of the Asian continent are capable of competing at the highest levels. Despite enormous challenges, their dedication and hard work have opened doors for the next generation who dreams of making it to the NBA.

Indonesia itself currently has potential players who could penetrate the NBA stage. This prospect is Derrick Michael Xzavierro, who currently competes with the Long Beach State University campus team in NCAA competition.

If Derrick continues to be consistent and work hard, it is not impossible that Indonesia will have representatives in the NBA one day.

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