The Greatest Asian NBA Players of All-Time
The 5 Best Asian Basketball Players in NBA History
The NBA is widely considered the premier professional basketball league in the world.
With its popularity and prestige, it attracts players from all over the globe, including Asia, where some of these stars have left an indelible legacy.
But who are the Greatest Asian players to have played in the NBA?
One of the best Asian NBA players of all-time, Wat Misaka
Although Asian players are not as common in the NBA as those from North America or Europe, there have been a few talented individuals who have made a name for themselves in the league.
In this article, we'll take a look at the top 5 best Asian NBA players of all time.
1. Yao Ming
Yao Ming is undoubtedly the greatest Asian player to have ever played in the NBA.
Standing at 7'6", he was a dominant force in the paint and a dominant figure in the sport.
He was selected first overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2002 NBA Draft and went on to have a successful career, earning eight All-Star selections and becoming the face of the NBA in China.
Yao Ming also holds several Rockets franchise records, including the most points in a game (56), the most rebounds in a game (25) and the most blocks in a game (9).
He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team twice (2007 and 2009) and he was a two-time winner of the All-Star Game's Skills Challenge (2004 and 2005).
Yao Mings Career Stats:
Points per game: 19.0
Rebounds per game: 9.2
Blocks per game: 1.9
Field goal percentage: 52.0%
Minutes per game: 33.2
Despite a series of injuries that limited his career, Yao Ming was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing his place as one of the all-time greats.
2. Sun Yue
Sun Yue was a Chinese basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards.
Although he had limited playing time in the NBA, he was known for his versatile game, including his passing and ball-handling skills.
He was also the first Chinese player to win an NBA championship, doing so with the Lakers in 2009.
Sun Yue was known for his versatility and ball-handling skills, and he was often compared to former Lakers guard Kobe Bryant for his footwork and ability to play multiple positions.
Despite limited playing time in the NBA, Sun Yue was highly regarded by his teammates and coaches for his work ethic and basketball IQ.
He played a key role in the Lakers' championship run and he was respected as a valuable member of the team.
After retiring from the NBA, Sun Yue returned to China and continued to play professional basketball, where he established himself as one of the top players in the country.
Sun Yue may not have had the long and illustrious career of some of the other top Asian players in the NBA, but he made a significant impact during his time in the league.
He was a trailblazer for Chinese basketball and paved the way for future generations of Asian players to play in the NBA.
3. Hamed Haddadi
Hamed Haddadi is a former Iranian professional basketball player who played for several teams in the NBA, including the Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns.
Despite his limited playing time, he was known for his size and strength, making him a valuable asset as a centre in the league.
Haddadi is also the first Iranian to play in the NBA. He is considered a pioneer for basketball in his home country, helping to raise the profile of basketball in Iran and inspire future generations of players.
Haddadi was known for his shot-blocking ability and physical play, considered one of the top defenders in the league.
One interesting fact about Haddadi is that he won a gold medal with the Iranian national team at the 2007 FIBA Asia Championship, where he was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
He also represented Iran at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, helping to put Iranian basketball on the international map.
During his time in the NBA, Haddadi made a significant impact.
He was a fan favourite for his hard-working and physical play, and he was respected by his teammates and coaches for his strong work ethic and dedication to the game.
4. Yi Jianlian
Yi Jianlian is a former Chinese professional basketball player who had a journeyman career in the NBA.
He was selected sixth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2007 NBA Draft and went on to play for several teams, including the New Jersey Nets and the Dallas Mavericks.
Although he was known for his shooting and athleticism, he was often criticised for his inconsistent play, and he was never able to establish himself as a consistent starter in the league.
5. Wat Misaka
Wat Misaka was a Japanese American basketball player who played for the New York Knicks in the late 1940s.
He was the first non-Caucasian player in the NBA and the first Asian-American to play professional basketball.
Even though he didn’t play much, Misaka was a trailblazer for basketball in both the US and Japan, and he paved the way for future generations of Asian players to play in the NBA.
These five players represent the best Asian basketball talent to have played in the NBA.
From Yao Ming's dominance to Wat Misaka's trailblazing spirit, they have each left a lasting impact on the league and the sport as a whole.
While they may have faced challenges and obstacles, they persevered and proved that Asian players can succeed at the highest level of professional basketball.
Do you agree with our picks? Let us know in the comments! Check out our list of Basketball quotes from former players, coaches and famous fans!
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