The NBA season for 2025-26 began with two high-profile games on Tuesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, led the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory over Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets in overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, including the game-winning free throws. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler guided the Golden State Warriors to a win against the Los Angeles Lakers, who were without LeBron James due to sciatica.
The Toronto Raptors will start their season in Atlanta, aiming for a playoff spot after missing out for two consecutive years. Canada retains its position as the top foreign supplier of NBA players, with 23 Canadians currently playing in the league, surpassing other countries like France, Australia, and Germany.
Key Canadian players to watch this season include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander became the first Canadian to win Finals MVP after leading his team to victory over the Indiana Pacers. Dort, known for his defensive prowess, was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team last season.
Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin from the Indiana Pacers played pivotal roles in their team’s journey to the Finals. Nembhard was a standout in the playoffs, while Mathurin made significant contributions off the bench. Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets and Shaedon Sharpe of the Portland Trail Blazers are also players to keep an eye on this season.
Zach Edey from the Memphis Grizzlies, Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns, Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat, and RJ Barrett of the Toronto Raptors are among the Canadian players making an impact in the NBA this season. Each player brings a unique skill set and contributes to their respective teams in various ways.