Ever wondered how many Asian players have made it to the NBA and actually left their mark? You might be thinking, “Aside from Yao Ming and Jeremy Lin, who else has made an impact?” Well, you are in for a treat! While the league has been dominated by American and European stars, many Asian NBA players have defied the odds, showcasing their skills and earning their place in basketball history.
From record breaking centers to game changing guards, these players have not only entertained fans but have also inspired millions in their home countries. Thus, many new names are also looking forward to following the legacy and making their way into the top tier Basketball league.
Top 15 Asian NBA Players Who Created History
Let’s take a deep look at the top 15 Asian NBA players who have made waves in the league. You might be surprised by some of the names on this list!
- Yao Ming
- Jeremy Lin
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Jordan Clarkson
- Rui Hachimura
- Yi Jianlian
- Wang Zhizhi
- Wataru Misaka
- Zhou Qi
- Ha Seung-Jin
- Satnam Singh
- Kai Sotto
- Hamed Haddadi
- Mengke Bateer
- Tanoka Beard
1. Yao Ming (China) – The Giant Who Changed the Game
- Position: Center
- NBA Career: 2002–2011
- Teams: Houston Rockets
- Career Highlights: 8× NBA All-Star, Basketball Hall of Fame inductee
If you had to name one Asian player who truly changed the NBA, Yao Ming would be at the top of the list. Standing at a towering 7’6”, he was not just a freakishly tall player, he had incredible skill, a soft shooting touch, and a high basketball IQ.
But what really made Yao legendary? His impact on global basketball. He single-handedly turned millions of Chinese fans into die-hard NBA followers, which made the league more international than ever before. Even after retiring due to injuries, he continues to influence the game as an ambassador for basketball in China.
2. Jeremy Lin (Taiwan/USA) – The Man Behind “Linsanity”
- Position: Point Guard
- NBA Career: 2010–2019
- Teams: Knicks, Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Raptors (among others)
- Career Highlights: NBA champion (2019), “Linsanity” phenomenon
Who could forget Linsanity? In 2012, Jeremy Lin came out of nowhere and turned into the biggest story in sports. For weeks, he dominated games, dropping 38 points against Kobe Bryant’s Lakers and hitting clutch shots like a seasoned superstar.
But beyond the hype, Lin proved that Asian players could excel in the guard position, a role traditionally not associated with Asian athletes. While injuries and inconsistent playing time slowed down his career, he did something no other Asian guard had done, “Win an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.”
3. Hakeem Olajuwon (Nigeria) – Wait, What? An Asian Player?
- Position: Center
- NBA Career: 1984–2002
- Teams: Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors
- Career Highlights: 2× NBA champion, 12× All-Star
Wait a minute, Hakeem Olajuwon? Isn’t he from Africa? Yes, but here is the interesting part: Nigeria is considered part of Western Asia in some geographic classifications, and Olajuwon even played for the Asian Basketball Confederation in international competitions.
Olajuwon, also known as “The Dream,” is arguably one of the most skilled centers in NBA history. His footwork and defensive dominance made him a nightmare for opponents, and he led the Rockets to back-to-back championships. If there is ever an all-time great who could represent both Africa and Asia, it’s Olajuwon.
4. Jordan Clarkson (Philippines) – The Filipino Star Who Can Score at Will
- Position: Shooting Guard
- NBA Career: 2014–present
- Teams: Lakers, Cavaliers, Jazz
- Career Highlights: NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2021)
If you are a Filipino basketball fan, Jordan Clarkson is your guy. As the most successful Filipino-American player in NBA history, he has proven himself as an elite scorer.
In 2021, Clarkson won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, averaging nearly 18 points per game off the bench. What makes him special? His ability to create his own shot and ignite offenses, whether it is for the Utah Jazz or the Philippine national team.
5. Rui Hachimura (Japan) – The Future of Japanese Basketball
- Position: Forward
- NBA Career: 2019–present
- Teams: Wizards, Lakers
- Career Highlights: First Japanese-born player drafted in the first round
Japan has produced some solid basketball players, but none have had the NBA success of Rui Hachimura. Drafted 9th overall in 2019, he became the first-ever Japanese player selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Hachimura is known for his versatility, scoring inside and outside, and playing solid defense. His move to the Lakers has only increased his exposure, making him a key player for the future of Asian basketball.
6. Yi Jianlian (China) – The “Next Yao” Who Never Reached His Potential
- Position: Power Forward/Center
- NBA Career: 2007–2012
- Teams: Bucks, Nets, Wizards, Mavericks
- Career Highlights: 6th overall pick in 2007
When Yi Jianlian entered the NBA, many hoped he would be the next Yao Ming. And while he had his moments, averaging 12.0 points per game in one season, he never lived up to the hype.
The biggest problem? Strength and physicality. Yi struggled against the NBA’s top big men and eventually returned to China, where he became a dominant force in the CBA.
7. Wang Zhizhi (China) – The First Chinese Player in the NBA
- Position: Center
- NBA Career: 2001–2005
- Teams: Mavericks, Clippers, Heat
- Career Highlights: First-ever Chinese NBA player
Before Yao Ming, there was Wang Zhizhi. He made history as the first Chinese player to play in the NBA, breaking barriers for future generations.
Though he did not have a long or highly successful career, his presence in the NBA opened doors for other Chinese players.
8. Wataru Misaka (Japan) – The First Asian Player in NBA History
- Position: Point Guard
- NBA Career: 1947
- Teams: New York Knicks
- Career Highlights: First Asian player in NBA history
Here is a name most people don’t know, Wataru Misaka. Back in 1947, he became the first ever Asian player in NBA history. While he only played three games for the New York Knicks, his role in breaking racial barriers is hugely significant.
9. Zhou Qi (China) – A Defensive Force with Untapped Potential
- Position: Center
- NBA Career: 2017–2018
- Teams: Houston Rockets
- Career Highlights: CBA champion, top shot-blocker in China
When Zhou Qi entered the NBA, many hoped he would follow in Yao Ming’s footsteps. With a 7’1” frame and elite shot-blocking skills, he had all the physical tools to succeed. Unfortunately, his time in the NBA was short-lived due to a lack of strength and offensive limitations.
However, Zhou returned to the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and became one of the best defensive players in Asia. His presence in the NBA still helped raise China’s basketball profile.
10. Ha Seung-Jin (South Korea) – South Korea’s First NBA Player
- Position: Center
- NBA Career: 2004–2006
- Teams: Trail Blazers, Bucks
- Career Highlights: First South Korean to play in the NBA
Standing at 7’3”, Ha Seung-Jin was the first-ever South Korean player to make it to the NBA. Though his career was short, his presence proved that South Korean players could reach the highest level of basketball.
After leaving the NBA, he became a dominant player in South Korea’s professional league. His story continues to inspire South Korean basketball players to dream big.
11. Satnam Singh (India) – The First Indian-Born NBA Draft Pick
- Position: Center
- NBA Career: 2015 (never played an official game)
- Teams: Dallas Mavericks (drafted)
- Career Highlights: First Indian-born NBA draft pick
Basketball fans in India went crazy in 2015 when Satnam Singh became the first Indian-born player drafted in NBA history. Although he never played in an NBA game, his story inspired a new generation of Indian basketball players.
Satnam’s biggest impact? He paved the way for Indian basketball, showing that with the right development, India could produce future NBA talent.
12. Kai Sotto (Philippines) – The Future of Filipino Basketball
- Position: Center
- NBA Career: Undrafted (2022) but pushing for a roster spot
- Teams: Adelaide 36ers (Australia), G-League Ignite
- Career Highlights: Considered the best young Filipino prospect
The Philippines is crazy about basketball, but no homegrown player has ever made it to the NBA yet. Kai Sotto is looking to change that. Standing 7’3” with elite shot-blocking and inside scoring, he has all the tools to become the first full-blooded Filipino in the NBA.
Though he has not secured an NBA contract yet, he continues to train with top teams, and his story is not over. If he makes it, it will be historic for Filipino basketball.
13. Hamed Haddadi (Iran) – Iran’s NBA Pioneer
- Position: Center
- NBA Career: 2008–2013
- Teams: Memphis Grizzlies, Phoenix Suns
- Career Highlights: First Iranian player in NBA history
Hamed Haddadi made history by becoming the first Iranian player to play in the NBA. Standing at 7’2″, he was known for his defensive presence, rebounding, and shot-blocking ability.
Haddadi joined the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008, where he played as a backup center behind Marc Gasol. While he did not get much playing time, he contributed as a solid rim protector. In 2013, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns, but his NBA career ended shortly after.
14. Mengke Bateer (China) – The First Asian NBA Champion
- Position: Center
- NBA Career: 2001–2003
- Teams: Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors
- Career Highlights: First Asian-born NBA Champion (2003)
Mengke Bateer, a 7-foot center from China, was a physical player with a strong presence in the paint. Although he did not have a long NBA career, he made history by becoming the first Asian-born player to win an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003.
After leaving the NBA, Bateer returned to China, where he continued playing at a high level in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
15. Tanoka Beard (Kazakhstan) – The Central Asian Standout
- Position: Forward/Center
- NBA Career: Brief stint in the 1990s
- Teams: Toronto Raptors
- Career Highlights: EuroLeague standout and multiple-time MVP in European leagues
Tanoka Beard had a short NBA career, but he made history as one of the few players from Central Asia to reach the league. He played briefly for the Toronto Raptors before heading overseas, where he found great success in European leagues.
In EuroLeague and international basketball, Beard became a dominant scorer and rebounder, which made him earn multiple MVP awards. Though he did not make a huge impact in the NBA, his career was highly successful in Europe and Asia.
Final Thoughts – The Growing Influence of Asian Players in the NBA
So, what is next for Asian players in the NBA? The answer is simple, more representation, more stars, and more history being made.
With players like Hachimura and Clarkson leading the way, and rising prospects coming from countries like the Philippines, China, and Japan, the future is bright.
Now, let’s turn it over to you, which Asian player do you think will be the next big NBA star? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
