The world of professional basketball has long been dominated by athletes from the United States, with a sprinkling of talent hailing from Europe, Africa, and South America.
However, Asian players have also been carving out a niche in the NBA, breaking barriers and defying stereotypes as they showcase their skills on the court.
This blog post will explore the stories, achievements, and impact of these trailblazing Asian NBA players who have helped diversify the league and inspire future generations of athletes from all backgrounds.
Yao Ming (China)
Regarded as one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, Yao Ming’s 7’6″ frame and exceptional skill set made him a formidable opponent.
Drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2002, Yao became an 8-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
His impact on the game extended beyond the court, as he helped popularize the NBA in China and paved the way for future Asian players.
Yao’s career was unfortunately cut short by injuries, but his contributions to the game remain significant.
Jeremy Lin (USA-Taiwanese descent)
Jeremy Lin’s inspirational underdog story captivated the NBA and the world during the 2011-2012 season, when “Linsanity” took over the New York Knicks.
Undrafted and overlooked, Lin showcased his scoring and playmaking abilities, becoming a global phenomenon.
Lin played for several teams throughout his NBA career and won an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
He was a role model for many aspiring Asian basketball players and remains an influential figure in the sport.
Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria – US naturalized)
Although born in Nigeria, Hakeem Olajuwon has Yoruba and Lebanese ancestry, which also connects him to Asia.
A dominant center for the Houston Rockets, Olajuwon was a 12-time NBA All-Star, 2-time NBA champion, and a 1994 NBA MVP.
His footwork, athleticism, and shot-blocking abilities made him one of the greatest centers of all time.
Hakeem’s impact on the game transcends his stats, as he remains an inspiration for big men around the world.
Rui Hachimura (Japan)
The first Japanese player to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft, Rui Hachimura has made a name for himself with the Washington Wizards since 2019.
His size, athleticism, and scoring touch make him a versatile forward in the modern NBA.
Hachimura has quickly become a fan favorite and an inspiration for aspiring basketball players in Japan.
Sun Yue (China)
Sun Yue, a 6’9″ guard/forward, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007. Although his NBA career was brief, he earned an NBA championship ring in 2009.
Sun’s unique combination of size and playmaking ability made him an intriguing prospect, and he continues to be a prominent figure in Chinese basketball.
Wang Zhizhi (China)
Wang Zhizhi was the first Chinese player to be drafted and play in the NBA, paving the way for future Chinese players like Yao Ming.
Wang, a 7-foot center, played for the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat from 2001 to 2005.
Though his NBA career was relatively short, his impact on Chinese basketball and the NBA is undeniable.
Yuta Tabuse (Japan)
Yuta Tabuse, a 5’9″ point guard, was the first Japanese player to appear in an NBA game.
Despite his small stature, Tabuse’s speed, ball-handling, and quickness earned him a brief stint with the Phoenix Suns in 2004.
His journey to the NBA has been an inspiration for Japanese basketball players.
Yuta Watanabe (Japan)
A versatile forward with a strong work ethic, Yuta Watanabe has been making strides in the NBA since signing with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018.
He later joined the Toronto Raptors and has been praised for his defensive prowess and commitment to improving his game.
Watanabe’s presence in the NBA is a testament to the growing influence of Japanese basketball on the global stage.
Yi Jianlian (China)
Yi Jianlian, a 7-foot forward, was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007. His versatility, shooting touch, and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect.
During his NBA career, Yi also played for the New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and Dallas Mavericks.
While his NBA tenure didn’t reach the heights many predicted, he remains a prominent figure in Chinese basketball and a multiple-time Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) champion.
Satnam Singh (India)
Satnam Singh made history as the first Indian player to be drafted into the NBA, when the Dallas Mavericks selected him in 2015. Standing at 7’2″, Singh possessed a unique combination of size and strength.
Although he didn’t play in an NBA game, his journey to the league has inspired many young Indian basketball players to dream big.
Ha Seung-Jin (South Korea)
Ha Seung-Jin, a 7’3″ center, was the first South Korean player to be drafted in the NBA.
Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2004, Ha played two seasons with the team. While his NBA career was brief, Ha’s presence in the league marked a significant milestone for South Korean basketball.
Tacko Fall (Senegal – US naturalized)
Though born in Senegal, Tacko Fall’s mother is from Guinea, which connects him to Asia. At 7’6″, Fall is one of the tallest players in NBA history.
Since joining the league in 2019, Fall has played for the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His extraordinary height and wingspan make him a formidable shot-blocker and rebounder, and he has become a fan favorite for his unique physical attributes.
Goga Bitadze (Republic of Georgia)
Hailing from the Republic of Georgia in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, Goga Bitadze is a promising young center for the Indiana Pacers.
Drafted in 2019, Bitadze’s shot-blocking abilities and offensive skill set have earned him a place in the NBA. As he continues to develop, he represents the potential of Georgian basketball on the global stage.
Furkan Korkmaz (Turkey)
Furkan Korkmaz, a 6’7″ shooting guard from Turkey, has been a valuable contributor for the Philadelphia 76ers since being drafted in 2016.
Known for his shooting touch and ability to stretch the floor, Korkmaz has proven to be a reliable role player. His success in the NBA has helped to raise the profile of Turkish basketball internationally.
Jordan Clarkson (USA- Filipino descent)
Jordan Clarkson, a Filipino-American guard, has been a dynamic scorer in the NBA since being drafted in 2014.
Initially playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Clarkson has since found a home with the Utah Jazz, where he won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021.
His scoring ability and fearless play have made him a fan favorite, and he continues to be a proud representative of the Filipino community in the NBA.
How much of the NBA is Asian?
The NBA comprises mostly African-American and Caucasian players, with a growing number of European, African, and South American players. The percentage of Asian players in the league is less than 1%.
Is there any Vietnamese NBA players?
As of September 2021, there has not been a Vietnamese NBA player.
Has there been a Korean NBA player?
Yes, there has been a Korean NBA player. Ha Seung-Jin, a 7’3″ center, was the first South Korean player to be drafted in the NBA. He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2004 and played two seasons with the team.
While his NBA career was brief, Ha’s presence in the league marked a significant milestone for South Korean basketball.
Who was the first Asian player to be drafted into the NBA?
Wang Zhizhi, a 7-foot center from China, was the first Asian player to be drafted into the NBA.
He was selected by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1999 NBA Draft, and he made his NBA debut in 2001. Wang played for the Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat during his time in the league.
His presence in the NBA paved the way for other Asian players like Yao Ming.
Have any Asian NBA players been named MVP or received other major awards?
Hakeem Olajuwon, a Nigerian-American player with Yoruba and Lebanese ancestry, was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1994. Olajuwon is also a two-time NBA Finals MVP (1994 and 1995).
Additionally, Yao Ming was named an All-Star eight times during his NBA career. Jordan Clarkson, a Filipino-American guard, won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021.
How have Asian players contributed to the global popularity of the NBA?
Asian players like Yao Ming, Jeremy Lin, and Rui Hachimura have played significant roles in increasing the global popularity of the NBA.
Yao Ming, in particular, helped to popularize the league in China, which is now one of the NBA’s largest markets.
Jeremy Lin’s “Linsanity” phenomenon in 2012 captured the attention of fans worldwide and increased interest in the NBA in many Asian countries.
Are there any notable Asian players in the NCAA or international leagues that could join the NBA in the future?
There are numerous talented Asian players in the NCAA and international leagues who could potentially join the NBA in the future.
In the NCAA, players like Kai Sotto (Philippines) and Mojave King (Australia – Indian descent) have shown promise.
Internationally, players like Zhou Qi (China) and Sotto, who also played in the NBA G League, have demonstrated the potential to join the NBA.
In conclusion, the impact of Asian players in the NBA extends far beyond their on-court accomplishments.
These athletes have helped popularize the league in their home countries, inspired a new generation of basketball players, and contributed to breaking barriers and defying stereotypes.
Although the number of Asian players in the NBA remains small, their presence and success have laid the groundwork for future athletes from the region to pursue their dreams in the league.