The NBA has become a truly global league, with players from all over the world making their mark.
While the majority still hail from the United States, the influx of international talent has dramatically increased over the last few decades. This includes players from Asia, who have helped grow the sport back in their home countries while captivating fans all over with their skills and stories.
Although Asian players make up a small percentage of the league, several standouts have made lasting impacts both on and off the court. Their accomplishments have opened doors for future Asian prospects, in addition to expanding the NBA’s worldwide popularity.
This list will count down the top 5 Asian players to ever play in the NBA, based on statistical production, awards and honors, historical significance, and overall influence.
#5: Rui Hachimura
One of the new young stars representing Asia in the NBA is Rui Hachimura.
The Japanese forward was selected by the Washington Wizards with the 9th overall pick in 2019, making him the first Japanese-born player to be drafted that high.
The 6’8” (2.03m) Hachimura made an immediate impact for the Wizards, making the All-Rookie Second Team in 2020 by averaging 13.5 points and 6 rebounds per game. His athleticism and scoring ability proved he could compete with the best players in the league.
After three promising seasons in Washington, Hachimura was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023. Playing alongside stars like LeBron James has raised his profile even higher. Still just 25 years old, his best basketball likely lies ahead.
As the face of the Japanese national team, Hachimura also serves as an ambassador for the sport back home. His success has sparked a basketball boom amongst Japanese youth hoping to follow in his footsteps.
#4: Jordan Clarkson
Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson has found his stride as a dynamic bench scorer in the NBA. After being drafted in the second round in 2014, he carved out a consistent role as an instant offense sixth man.
His breakout year came in 2021 when he won the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award while averaging 18.4 points per game for the Utah Jazz. A crafty ball-handler with limitless shooting range, Clarkson continued that production by averaging over 20 points per game in the next two seasons.
The half-Filipino, half-African American Clarkson has fully embraced his Filipino heritage. He serves as an inspiration to aspiring players and fans in basketball-crazed Philippines.
#3: Wat Misaka
Wat Misaka holds the pioneering distinction as the first non-white player and Asian-American to play in the NBA. The Japanese-American point guard was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1947.
Misaka only played three games in the Basketball Association of America (which soon became the NBA) during the 1947-48 season. However, his brief stint broke barriers as the league’s first Asian-American player.
On top of his historic NBA appearance, Misaka also led the University of Utah to NCAA championships in 1944 and 1947. The Utes retired his #16 jersey for his contributions.
Though Misaka‘s NBA career was short, his pioneering efforts paved the way for future Asian players. He’ll always be remembered for integrating the league.
#2: Jeremy Lin
No Asian player made a bigger splash in the NBA than Jeremy Lin.
The Taiwanese-American guard took the basketball world by storm during his meteoric rise with the New York Knicks in 2012.
Lin came out of nowhere to lead the injury-plagued Knicks on an exciting winning streak. His fearless, high-scoring performances sparked “Linsanity” fever both in Madison Square Garden and internationally. Lin became an overnight global icon.
While Lin‘s instant stardom faded, he carved out a successful 9-year NBA career as a reliable starting and backup point guard.
He won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019 before returning to play in the Chinese Basketball Association.
Beyond his on-court production, Lin‘s unprecedented popularity as an Asian star demonstrated that Asian players had drawing power. His legacy remains a cultural touchstone for Asian fans.
#1: Yao Ming
Towering center Yao Ming is not only the best Asian NBA player ever, but also one of basketball’s foremost ambassadors. The 7’6″ (2.28m) big man from China enjoyed an impactful career both on the hardwood and as a bridge between the NBA and Asian markets.
Chosen 1st overall in 2002, Yao made an eye-opening debut by averaging 13.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game for the Houston Rockets. He would go on to make eight NBA All-Star teams with his refined low-post skills and surprising agility.
Injuries unfortunately cut Yao‘s career short after just eight seasons. However, his unprecedented success and popularity in his home country opened the floodgates for the NBA in China. His massive commercial appeal demonstrated an entirely new audience and revenue stream.
Since retirement, Yao remained beloved in China while continuing to promote the game he helped introduce to millions. For Americans and international fans alike, his legacy as a universally respected star endures.
Impact and Influence
This handful of pioneering Asian NBA players laid the foundation for the league’s booming popularity and prosperity across Asia today. TV ratings and merchandise sales continue to thrive, while more top prospects emerge motivated to reach for the same success.
Asian stars like Yao Ming and Jeremy Lin have shown that Asian players can compete and even thrive against the very best. Their visibility has inspired young hopefuls everywhere that they can make it too with the proper training and opportunities.
The increased Asian presence has also nurtured more cultural exposure and understanding. For Asian fans, seeing players from familiar backgrounds succeed provides empowering role models breaking barriers.
As basketball’s rapid rise across the continent continues, thanks largely to the NBA’s investments there, Asia’s impact will only keep growing. These trailblazing stars paved the way for Asian players to make their marks and fans to passionately support them.
While players of full or partial Asian descent still only make up a fraction of the league, they have already left an indelible legacy. With every exciting performance, they draw scores of new fans not only from their native countries but from all ethnic backgrounds. The increased diversity they bring makes the NBA brand – already massively popular internationally – even stronger.
Sources:
www.givemesport.com/nba-in-asia-ranking-asian-players-of-all-time/
sportsbrief.com/nba/29588-ranking-10-asian-nba-players-play-game/
