2023 Power Ranking: The Top 50 Canadians

[Hair Canada]

The new season is right around the corner, with NBA pre-season games already in motion and Canadians already playing basketball in Europe and around the world.

So I’m putting up my 7th edition of the pre-season top 50 Canadians power ranking.

This year, constructing this list was really fun because for once it wasn’t just an academic exercise. Finally, after years of disappointments, Canada was able to put up a strong team for a big competition this summer. And the reward was a Bronze medal after beating the US, while also securing an Olympic Berth as a bonus!

And Canada is not done. Once again, we’re starting the season with a record number of Canadians on NBA team rosters. By my count, we’re up to 28 this year (27 this time last year) and a few others will play in the G-league ready for a call.

Overseas, there will be three Canadians in the Euroleague and multiple guys in other strong domestic leagues, including Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Turkey, Germany, Israel, Australia, and China.


Four ground rules before starting:

1. This ranking is a mix of last year’s performance and how I think players will look like by the end of this year. So some guys who I believe are on the rise are going to be ranked a bit higher than I would put them if I was only considering past/current level of play.

2. I do my ranking with an eye to the Canadian National Team. That is, this ranking is a mix of how good a I think players are or will be relative to one another and my thinking about who I would most like to see on Team Canada if I had my pick and they were all willing to suit up. This means that I'm also considering positions to an extent, as well as team chemistry and fit with others on the team, although these are not the only criteria for ranking.

2. Given the second rule above, I’m excluding players who clearly are never going to play for Team Canada (anymore) and are out of even theoretical consideration because they are already tied with other national teams. So gone are guys like Chris Duarte, Iggy Brazdeikis, Maryal Shayok, Caleb Agada, and Naz Mitrou-Long.

4. There are no high school players in my top 50. As a rule, 17- and 18-year-olds not named Luca Doncic are just not that good at playing grown-up pro basketball. This includes high school graduates, who at most can get an honorable mention here. There are also only a handful of college guys on the list and only one teenager (and even he will turn 20 in a month). This is not a list of future potential.


Like last year, I’ll do this in stages, as I’ll be adding a brief write-up for each player and this can get quite lengthy. I’m starting today with some honorable mentions – guys who finished right out of my top 50.

As always, feel free to disagree!



HONORABLE MENTIONS

Before getting to my top 50, I’ll mention 15 guys who didn’t make it, including SMT veterans, college standouts, and CEBL standouts (5 per category).

1. SMT Veterans:

Olivier Hanlan | Pallacanestro Varese, Italy | 30.6yo SG | 6'4, 190lbs, 6'7 wingspan | Boston College | Aylmer, QC
Last year's stats: 7.9ppg, 2.8rpg, 2.2apg, 26.2% from 3

Hanlan played his best professional basketball in 2021-22, playing in Greece and being picked up by Valencia. But last season he had a big drop in playing and production making him the biggest drop this year’s list (all the way from #33 last year). Not sure if age is getting to him or if it just an off year. He'll now try to recover in Italy.



Aaron Doornekamp | Tenerife, Champions League / Spain | 37.8yo PF | 6'7, 215lbs | Carleton | Nappanee, ON
Last year's stats: 7.5ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.2apg, 41.4% from 3%

At almost 38yo, Doornekamp continues to play in the second best domestic league in the world, shoot the ball well, and do all the little things that convince teams he is still valuable. The long-time CNT stalwart just refuses to go away. Respect!



Mychael Mulder | Memphis Grizzlies, NBA | 29.3yo SG | 6'4, 195lbs, 6'8 wingspan | Kentucky | Windsor, ON
Last year's stats: 12ppg, 3rpg, 3.3apg, 54.4% TS (33.3% from 3)

Mulder was 18 on this list only 2 years ago, but his production and shooting accuracy have dropped significantly, with yet another mediocre year in the G League. Would love to see him play some European basketball, but I don’t think it's in the cards anymore.



Conor Morgan | London Lions, EuroCup / UK | 29.2yo PF | 6'9, 220lbs, 7'2 wingspan | UBC | Victoria, BC
Last year's stats: 10.2ppg, 6.5rpg, 0.7apg, 34.9% from 3%

Morgan remains a solid player who could still see minutes with the SMT winter core, though he hasn't looked great in his last few performances with the team. In addition, after playing in Spain for several years, he's now moved to playing in much less competitive leagues and doesn't seem to be dominating in them.



Owen Klassen | Wurzburg Baskets, Germany | 31.9yo C | 6'10, 255lbs | Acadia | Kingston, ON
Last year's stats: 9.5ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.7apg, 56% from the field

Klassen has been solid but unspectacular playing in the Germany. He can still have value in the paint for Team Canada during the winter, but I’m hoping some of the younger bigs can take over next time around.



Aaron Best | Trefi Sport, Poland | 31.1yo SG | 6'4, 195lbs | Ryerson | Scarborough, ON
Last year's stats: 12.1ppg, 2.9rpg, 2.3apg, 42.7% from 3

I continue to love Best and value what he's done for the Canadian team in recent years. He can still bring instant offense and shooting from the bench and be a valuable player for Canada. But it's time for some new blood in the top 50.






2. College standouts

Fardaws Aimaq | 24.8yo C | 6'11, 245lbs, 7'3 wingspan | California | Vancouver, BC
Last year's stats: 11.1ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.5apg, 50.5% TS

Last year was a wasted season for Aimaq, who got injured early on and wasn't able to come back well, as he was out of shape and the overall situation at Texas Tech was quite dysfunctional. He'll now have a chance to finish his college career on a strong note at Cal, with former leaguer Mark Madsen, who coached Aimaq at Utah Valley and knows him well. I expect a big season from him, going back to dominating the glass. There have been some NBA rumblings around Fardaws. I remain a skeptic but will be happy to be pleasantly surprised. Regardless, he could be a nice addition to the Canadian winter core with the phasing out of guys like Klassen and Tarsolini.



Ben Krikke | 22.5yo C | 6'9, 230lbs | Iowa | Edmonton, AB
Last year's stats: 19.4ppg, 5.9rpg, 2.1apg, 60.1% TS

A breakout year for Krikke, who was one of the best Canadians in college last year. He scored in bunches and did it efficiently. Will finish up his college career at Iowa and I look forward to seeing him embarking on an international professional career and providing some depth to the front court of the CNT winter core in years to come.



Tyrese Samuel | 23.6yo PF | 6'10, 235lbs, 7'1 wingspan | Florida | Montreal, QC
Last year's stats: 11ppg, 5.9rpg, 0.7apg, 56.8% from the field

Samuel also had his best college season last year, as he was finally able to tap some more into his potential. Much like Aimaq and Krikke, he’ll finish up his college career with a post-grad season in Florida before embarking on a professional career, hopefully overseas.



Aiden Warnholz | Fraport Skyliners, Germany | 23.7yo PG | 6'3, 180lbs | Carleton | Ottawa, ON
Last year's stats: 17ppg, 5.5rpg, 6.6apg, 41.4% from 3%

One of the best players to come out of Canadian college in the last decade, Warnholz led Carleton to several championships and showed a degree of dominance that we last saw from the likes of the Scrubb brothers (who also played for Carleton). He’ll embark on a professional career next year and hopefully he's able to follow in the footsteps of Phil and Tommy.



Ryan Nembhard | 20.6yo PG | 6'0, 170lbs, 6'1 wingspan | Gonzaga | Aurora, ON
Last year's stats: 12.1ppg, 4rpg, 4.8apg, 54.3% TS

After two successful years at Creighton, the younger Nembhard decided to follow in his brother's footsteps and will be playing at Gonzaga next year. Not sure it's a great move, as he had a very good situation going in Creighton, which I think is also the stronger team. But I guess the family tradition and playing for Mark Few won out. His limited physicals remain a barrier for the NBA unless he can really improve his shooting, but he’s probably one of the top 3 Canadians college players.






3. CEBL Standouts

Thomas Kennedy | Baskets Bonn, Champions League/Germany | 23.1yo C | 6'9, 220lbs | Windsor | Windsor, ON
Summer stats: 9.9ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.6apg, 58.9% from the field

Already part of Team Canada during the AmeriCup, Kennedy will start his pro career in Germany next year and hope to keep improving, becoming a CNT winter core mainstay.



Stef Smith | Calgary Surge, CEBL | 24.3yo SG | 6'2, 185lbs | St. John's | Ajax, ON
Summer stats: 15.4ppg, 4.7rpg, 5.5apg, 31.2% from 3

One of the better guards in the CEBL last year with Calgary, Smith did not shoot the ball very well but showed some passing chops and could find his way to a pro career overseas.



Jhavon Henri Blair | Niagara River Lions, CEBL | 25.5yo SG | 6'4, 190lbs | Georgetown | Brampton, ON
Last year's stats: 15.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.4apg, 44.4% from 3

Juggy has always been an instant offence guy, able to explode and put up a barrage of points in short time spurts. He did just that last year with the Niagara River Lions, shooting really well from behind the arc. He was also able to show some of this scoring prowess with the CNT last summer in the AmeriCup, though consistency remains an issue throughout his career.



Nathan Cayo | Montreal Alliance, CEBL | 25.9yo PF | 6'7, 225lbs | Richmond | Montreal, QC
Last year's stats: 14.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 2.6apg, 39.1% from 3

After a nice (and long) college career at Richmond, Cayo is playing well for his hometown's team and has been shooting the ball well while also providing a defensive presence. Time to try his luck overseas?



Koby McEwen | Brampton Honey Badgers, CEBL | 26.2yo SG | 6'4, 205lbs, 6'4 wingspan | Weber State | Toronto, ON | Last year's stats: 13.7ppg, 4.8rpg, 5.4apg, 31.3% from 3

A big promise at a young age, McEwen went through many ups and downs during his college career. He didn't shoot very well last season, but showed his ability to share the ball and can be a useful piece for teams, especially if the shooting stabilizes.



Sean Miller Moore | Calgary Surge, CEBL | 25yo SG | 6'4, 210lbs | Grand Canyon | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats: 16.2ppg, 4.9rpg, 3.2apg, 45.4% from the field

Never quite a household name as a teenager, Miller-Moore is a big time athlete, who had an unremarkable college career. But he came through nicely for Calgary last year and may have found his groove. Still needs to improve his shooting efficiency but I like his pro potential.






(DIS)HONORABLE MENTIONS

Josh Primo | Los Angeles Clippers, NBA | 20.8yo SG | 6'5, 190lbs, 6'9 wingspan | Alabama | Mississauga, ON

Primo is getting a chance to salvage his NBA career with the Clippers. But it's going to be an uphill battle with fans booing him and a team that is no longer committed to develop him like San Antonio was. He's still very young and has a lot of talent, but he’ll have to work very hard to break back into an NBA rotation. If he can do it and stay out of trouble, he’ll be back on the top 50 list next year.



Nik Stauskas | 30yo SG | 6'6, 210lbs, 6'8 wingspan | Michigan | Mississauga, ON

Did Stauskas retire from basketball and forgot to tell us about it? 2021-22 looked like a comeback year for Nik, highlighted by combining 100 points in two consecutive games in the G league and a two-way contract with the Celtics that had him see some minutes and even score a few points in the NBA finals. But then, as far as I can tell, Stauskas just vanished and didn't play any competitive basketball last year. He's still here in case he's still in the business of professional basketball (the guy is only 30), but not for long.

[mojo13]

Exciting! Some of my favourite content of the year!


It is always really tough to find much to argue about, but I'm going to work hard at it.
Here is my first meaningless volley: Naz mitrou-Long is not capped tied to Greece yet and can still play for Canada. Will it happen? Probably not. Be he still can, and that is just enough to throw in your face. Take that!

Josh Primo really took a heafty Deviant Discount here. Probably Top 30-35 if all that was ignored.

[Hair Canada]

Exciting! Some of my favourite content of the year!


It is always really tough to find much to argue about, but I'm going to work hard at it.
Here is my first meaningless volley: Naz mitrou-Long is not capped tied to Greece yet and can still play for Canada. Will it happen? Probably not. Be he still can, and that is just enough to throw in your face. Take that!

Josh Primo really took a heafty Deviant Discount here. Probably Top 30-35 if all that was ignored.

Always fun to debate.

For Naz, he's for me in the same category as Duarte now -- still technically available but has made his intentions to play for another team and not Canada (which is totally legit by the way) well known. For illustration, if I was doing this for France (could be an interesting exercise), Embiid would still be technically available (he could theoretically change his mind) but I wouldn't include him on my list.

For Primo, maybe a bit of deviance tax (though more in terms of the uncertainty that this creates for the future). But I only had him at 37 last year because I saw some clear limitations in his game. So after a year and a half basicallly without playing professional basketball, it seems reasonable to assume he'll take some time to come back even to his former game form. Add in a much less advantageous situation with a team that didn't pick him in the draft and is not invested in growing his game like San Antonio was, added pressure to show that the Clippers were not wrong to take a fly on him despite his misbehavior, and the likely hostility of crowds around the league, and I think he's going to be fighting an uphill battle.

I do believe in second chances (and also that it's important to distinguish between sexual assault and sexually-related misbehavior) so I'll be happy for Josh if he's able to turn things around. But for now, I prefer to wait and see how he's able to come back and handle the added pressure.

[Hair Canada]

31-50[b]

[b]50 (Last year: Not ranked (NR)). Simi Shittu | Limoges, Champions League / France | 23.9yo C | 6'10, 240lbs, 7'1 wingspan | Vanderbilt | Burlington, ON
Last year's stats (CEBL): 15.5ppg, 10.6rpg, 1.5apg, 46.1% from the field

Coming off pretty strong showings in the G and the CEBL, Simi will once again try his luck in Europe this year (it didn't go that well first time around). It’s already clear that he’s not going to live up to that high school hype, but at 24 he could still become a decent European center and maybe join the CNT winter core at some point.



49 (NR). Charles Bediako | San Antonio Spurs, NBA | 21.6yo C | 6'11, 225lbs, 7'3 wingspan | Alabama | Brampton, ON
Last year's stats (Alabama): 6.4ppg, 6rpg, 0.6apg, 61.5% TS

Bediako remains interesting prospect with strong defensive capabilities, who still needs to make substantial leaps offensively. He reminds me of a young Kyle Alexander in that regard. Still has a hard time staying out of foul trouble and has to continue working on providing more than just rim-running offensively. The G League may be a better venue than college to work on his limitations next year. I've seen some people out there suggesting that he could help Team Canada next year at the Olympics That's quite delusional. He's still a few years away from getting to that level, if at all.



48 (NR). Kadre Gray | Tauron GTK, Poland | 25.9yo PG | 6'1, 190lbs | Laurentian | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats (CEBL): 16.3ppg, 4.1rpg, 6.2apg (first in the league), 42.0% from 3

Set to start his European career in Poland, Gray has been one of the best players in the CEBL over the last two years, following a great U Sport career. Has also played fairly well for Team Canada, including in the last AmeriCup. I like his passing, fearless attack mentality, athleticism, and defensive energy.



47 (47). Marcus Carr | Aris Thessaloniki, Greece | 24.3yo PG | 6'2, 195lbs, 6'7 wingspan | Texas | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats (Texas): 15.9ppg, 3rpg, 4.1apg, 36.8% from 3%

A strong final college year for Carr at Texas, which brought flashbacks from his Minnesota days. He'll be embarking on a pro career in Greece this year and has the potential to become a mainstay for the Canadian winter core in the future as a PG who combines shooting, scoring prowess, and passing.



46 (NR). Caleb Houstan | Orlando Magic, NBA | 20.7yo SF | 6'8, 205lbs | Michigan | Mississauga, ON
Last year's stats: 3.8ppg, 1.9rpg, 0.6apg, 50.8% TS

Despite a disappointing year at Michigan, Houstan still decided to make the jump to the NBA. Not surprisingly, he didn't look ready and was not able to shoot efficiently or influence the game in other ways last year at Orlando. Hopefully, the Magic will give him another chance this year, but they did select another Michigan SF with similar traits using their 11th draft pick, who's more likely to get the minutes off the bench. Given his average (at best) athleticism and physical profile, Houstan will have a hard time surviving in the league without elite shooting. Hopefully, he can make a jump this year but it's going to be an uphill battle.



45 (NR). Emanuel Miller | 23.3yo PF | 6'6, 210lbs, 6'9 wingspan | TCU | Scarborough, ON
Last year's stats: 12.3ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.7apg, 54.9% TS

I went on record half way through last year's college season saying that I think the older Miller will join his younger brother in the NBA at some point (though probably not through the draft). He had an excellent season with TCU last year, finally showing some shooting potential. A tremendous wing defender, who can really bolster the CNT's winter core forward quality and depth. I expect him to keep climbing this list in years to come.



44 (48). Nate Darling | Ontario Clippers, G-League | 25.1yo SG | 6'5, 200lbs, 6'5 wingspan | Delaware | Halifax, NS
Last year's stats (G League): 21.3ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.9apg, 60.2% TS and 39.0% from 3 on 8.4 shots per game

After becoming the first Nova Scotia NBA player, Darling was not able to keep his spot in the league. But he did have an excellent season at the G last year, at times looking like the best pure shooter in the league. I think there’s a world where he has a role in the NBA as a specialized shooter, but he’ll have to have a team believing in him and hiding his defensive limitations, which at 25yo might not be very likely anymore. So he might be better off going overseas to make some money and play in a more competitive environment than the G league. Which, coincidently, will make him available for Team Canada when needed.



43 (42). Kaza Kajami-Keane | Niners Chemnitz, Europe Cup / Germany | 29.7yo PG | 6'2, 185lbs | Carleton | Ajax, ON
Last year's stats: 9.7ppg, 2rpg, 5.2apg, 34.5% from 3

It wasn’t the best season for KKK last year, as his shooting and playmaking trailed off a bit. But he remains a solid PG and an important part of Canada's winter core.



42 (44). Isiaha Mike | JL Bourg, EuroCup / France | 26.2yo PF | 6'8, 215lbs | SMU | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats: 10.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.4apg, 33.3% from 3

The MVP of the CEBL playoffs and clearly one of the best players in the league, Mike continues to improve and move up the European league rankings. He combines impressive physical tools with good skill level and I'd really like to see him join the winter core and start getting some playing time with the national team, as the wing position is not deep, and his shooting, defense, and length can be quite enticing.



41 (43). AJ Lawson | Dallas Mavericks, NBA | 23.2yo SG | 6'6, 180lbs, 6'7 wingspan | South Carolina | Brampton, ON
Last year's stats: 3.9ppg, 1.4rpg, 0.1apg, 58% TS

Lawson remains on the margins of the NBA, as the Mavericks resigned him to another two-way. I think he'd be hard pressed to crack the rotation. Maybe another year or two in this limbo would convince him to try the European route, where I think he can develop a decent career. He brings good defensive energies, shooting, and a level of athleticism that should pop up more overseas. That would also allow him to play for Team Canada in the winters.



40 (36). Tyler Ennis | Napoli Basket, Italy | 29.1yo PG | 6'3, 185lbs, 6'7 wingspan | Syracuse | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats: 14.1ppg, 4.4rpg, 4.7apg, 33.0% from 3

Coming back from two bad injuries, the younger Ennis brother made a nice comeback over the last few years and remains a high-level European PG. Can't see him playing again for the CNT at this point, though if he's still interested, he'd be a welcome addition to the winter core.



39 (32). Andrew Nicholson | Free agent | 33.8yo PF | 6'10, 250lbs, 7'4 wingspan | St. Bonaventure | Mississauga, ON
Last year's stats (Korea): 33.8ppg, 14.3rpg, 1.6apg, 45.2% from 3

The oldest guy in my top 50 (and the only one born in the 80s) continues to put up big numbers in East Asia, while shooting the ball efficiently. But he's getting to his mid-30s and I'm not sure how much gas he has left in the tank.



38 (41). Lindell Wigginton | Milwaukee Bucks, NBA | 25.5yo SG | 6'2, 190lbs, 6'4 wingspan | Iowa State | Halifax, NS
Last year's stats (G League): 22.3ppg, 3.9rpg, 6apg, 38.3 % from 3; 64.7% TS

Wiggy continues to exceed my expectations, playing really well in the G-league and being able to maintain his borderline status in the league as a two-way player. He's finally improved his decision making and shot selection, which were always his Achilles' heel and though he remains undersized for the SG position, he compensates with impressive bounce, quickness, and improved shooting. It’s probably still not enough to crack the Bucks rotation, though it's a long season and with some injuries he might get his chances. If not, I'd like to see him try his luck again overseas next year.



37 (NR). Olivier Maxence-Prosper | Dallas Mavericks, NBA | 21.3yo SF | 6'8, 230lbs, 7'1 wingspan | Marquette | Montreal, QC
Last year's stats (Marquette): 12.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 0.7apg, 61.7% TS

Based on the pre-season and rumblings around the Dallas camp, O-Max might actually be a starter on a solid NBA team. That's a pretty unimaginable jump considered where he was last summer (a 6 points per game guy on a mediocre college team after hardly playing in his rookie season) and a testimony to the big jump he’s made. But I also think that if that's the case he's going to be one of the weakest starters in the league, as his offensive game is really not at this level for now. Regardless, a very welcome development for a guy I've liked and believed in since his early high school days.



36 (30). Kenny Chery | Free agent | 31.7yo PG | 5'11, 180lbs | Baylor | Montreal, QC
Last year's stats: 14ppg, 2.8rpg, 3.4apg, 37.6% from 3

Another solid year for Cherry in Europe and he almost made it to the Canadian roster for the WC this summer. One of the best Canadian PGs out of the NBA, with shooting, passing, and toughness that make up for his lacking size. As he's getting closer to his mid-30s, I’m not sure how long he can keep up at this level, but for now he's still pretty high on my list.



35 (39). Trae Bell-Haynes | Zaragoza, Europe Cup / Spain | 28.1yo PG | 6'2, 180lbs | Vermont | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats: 14.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.6apg, 35.5% from 3

TBH continues to play well in the strong Spanish league and made the roster for the Canadian national team this summer after Pangos and CoJo dropped out. That said, he hasn't been great with Team Canada (except for one strong shooting performance against Lebanon) in the last two summers (that includes the 2022 AmeriCup tournament), and he has a very clear ceiling against better competition. I much prefer to see him with the team in the winter than in the summer.



34 (34). Johnny Berhanemeskel | Gravelines, France | 30.9yo SG | 6'2, 175lbs, 6'2 wingspan | U of Ottawa | Ottawa, ON
Last year's stats: 17.8ppg, 3rpg, 2.5apg, 42.7% from 3

Johnny B continues to look great in Europe, shooting the ball exceptionally well from all ranges (always been a good shooter). Had his debut with the senior Canadian Team last year, though he only played one game. That might be it for him on the national stage, though it would be a bit of a shame if that’s the case.



33 (38). Eugene Omoruyi | Washington Wizards, NBA | 26.6yo PF | 6'6, 240lbs, 7'1 wingspan | Oregon | Rexdale, ON
Last year's stats (Detroit): 9.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 1apg, 53.3% TS

I remain a believer in Omoruyi as he bounces around the NBA from one two-way contract to another. He actually showed what he can do for an NBA team when given a chance during the last month of the season with Detroit last year, though the Pistons eventually decided not to keep him. I’m glad the Wizards picked him up and hope he gets some opportunities there. I love his energy and defensive potential as an undersized PF or even a small-ball center. If he can just be a bit more consistent from 3, he'll stick league. If not, the CNT winter core could really use a guy like him in the paint.



32 (35). Phil Scrubb | Bahcesehir, Europe Cup / Turkey | 30.9yo SG | 6'5, 185lbs | Carleton | Richmond, BC
Last year's stats (Spain): 9.5ppg, 1.8rpg, 4apg, 34.5% from 3

Scrubb has continued his very solid professional career last year in Spain. There's nothing spectacular about his game, but he can shoot the ball, make good decisions, and play decent defense. Didn't really get much of a chance with Team Canada in the WC this summer, though probably rightfully so, as the drop from the NBA guys to the bench was just too big. Curious to see if he can make the Olympics next year. There are clearly better guard options (Nembhard, CoJo, and Pangos), but as the 11th or 12th guy on a more balanced roster, I think I wouldn’t mind it.



31 (31). Thomas Scrubb | Obradorio, Spain | 32yo SF | 6'6, 200lbs | Carleton | Richmond, BC
Last year's stats: 11.6ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.7apg, 38.0% from 3

Much like his younger brother, Tommy continues to be as solid as a rock, even if he doesn't bring anything spectacular. He continues to play with a high level of efficiency in the Spanish league, shooting the ball well, providing good defense, and playing team basketball. He’s also been quite good playing for Team Canada during wintertime and I think he was the final cut from the national team roster this summer.

[Jef]

Thank you, sir. You are the only one in Canada that does this content.

[TravisScott55]

pretty cool. would love to see your high school rankings

[Hit Em Up]

Still crazy to me that Shai (who I expect to be #1 in Canada) was first-team all-NBA and is from Hamilton.

[aminiaturebuddha]

Great stuff as always, Hair! Thanks for all the work you put into these.

No big comments on any of these so far. I don't think I'd have much of an argument with any of your rankings.

The one pleasant surprise for me was Tyler Ennis, as I have to admit that I'd totally lost track of where he'd be playing this year. It's kind of hard to believe that he's still only 29. I can remember having a conversation with Rowan Barrett at the 2013 FIBA Americas tournament in Venezuela where Barrett was excited about what Ennis could bring to the program because at that time we didn't really have anyone like him at the guard position. Oh how times have changed.

[Duffman100]

Andrew Nicholson. Now that's a name I haven't heard in a bit.

[Duffman100]

Thank you, sir. You are the only one in Canada that does this content.

^ this. Great value for the board. appreciate it.

[mojo13]

This is a really tough range of players to argue too much about. There is allot going on with these guys and it is really tough to compare their levels as they are all playing in very different environments (NCAA, G-League, bad Euro pro leagues, good Euro proleagues, Asian leagues)


I do think a number of players you left on the Honorable Mention list are better players here than many in the Top 30-50 range. Best, Klassen, Morgan and Hanlan are pretty established vets in Europe. Klassen and Morgan are not Top 50, I do agree with that.

But Best and Hanlan are players who have played at the EuroCup, BCL and even EuroLeague (Hanlan) level recently. Whereas a number of the guys in the 30-50 range never have.

There are a few from 43 to 50 that I'm not sure should be above Best or Hanlan (at this point) (I know you are ranking some of the NCAA players and pro-Rookies on potential). Other players are really subjective so I'll just point out one I think is obvious.

This will be Kadre Gray's 3rd pro season in Europe. After two mediocre seasons in Spain and Germany's 2nd division, both pretty weak leagues, he made it to one of the worst teams in the Polish league. I'm not sure that is in upgrade. Point is, his resume can't hold a candle to Best or Hanlan, let alone Klassen or Morgan (or Young or Rowe for that matter). Where is Rowe by the way? Should prehaps be an HM with Young?

Kaza Keane as well has never played on a BCL/Eurocup level club as well and seems ranked a little too high here. I know that is not the end-all-be-all but it is a pretty good indication of the reletive value of the European pros as the domestic leages and clubs within them vary so much. You also have the added issue of many of these guys playing on Euro (or certain African/Carribean) passports which allows to to get on better clubs much easier than those playing on non-qualifying passports (Conor Morgan for example).

I know you have your own ranking metrics and as I said this a hard range of players to worry about too much, but this is more of a shout out to Aaron Best and even more so Olivier Hanlan who have both had long and successful careers in Europe (perhaps a little up and down at times) and are worthy of Top 50 status here.

In the end, great list....and my world salad is nothing more to say Kadre Gray shouldn't be Top 50 (IMO), Best and Hanlan probably should, and KKK is a little high.






Note: Chris Duarte did suit up for the DR in a couple FIBA Qualfier games. So he is locked with DR.

[Hair Canada]

pretty cool. would love to see your high school rankings

See here:

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=2290400&p=106319705#p106319705

[Hair Canada]

This is a really tough range of players to argue too much about. There is allot going on with these guys and it is really tough to compare their levels as they are all playing in very different environments (NCAA, G-League, bad Euro pro leagues, good Euro proleagues, Asian leagues)


I do think a number of players you left on the Honorable Mention list are better players here than many in the Top 30-50 range. Best, Klassen, Morgan and Hanlan are pretty established vets in Europe. Klassen and Morgan are not Top 50, I do agree with that.

But Best and Hanlan are players who have played at the EuroCup, BCL and even EuroLeague (Hanlan) level recently. Whereas a number of the guys in the 30-50 range never have.

There are a few from 43 to 50 that I'm not sure should be above Best or Hanlan (at this point) (I know you are ranking some of the NCAA players and pro-Rookies on potential). Other players are really subjective so I'll just point out one I think is obvious.

This will be Kadre Gray's 3rd pro season in Europe. After two mediocre seasons in Spain and Germany's 2nd division, both pretty weak leagues, he made it to one of the worst teams in the Polish league. I'm not sure that is in upgrade. Point is, his resume can't hold a candle to Best or Hanlan, let alone Klassen or Morgan (or Young or Rowe for that matter). Where is Rowe by the way? Should prehaps be an HM with Young?

Kaza Keane as well has never played on a BCL/Eurocup level club as well and seems ranked a little too high here. I know that is not the end-all-be-all but it is a pretty good indication of the reletive value of the European pros as the domestic leages and clubs within them vary so much. You also have the added issue of many of these guys playing on Euro (or certain African/Carribean) passports which allows to to get on better clubs much easier than those playing on non-qualifying passports (Conor Morgan for example).

I know you have your own ranking metrics and as I said this a hard range of players to worry about too much, but this is more of a shout out to Aaron Best and even more so Olivier Hanlan who have both had long and successful careers in Europe (perhaps a little up and down at times) and are worthy of Top 50 status here.

In the end, great list....and my world salad is nothing more to say Kadre Gray shouldn't be Top 50 (IMO), Best and Hanlan probably should, and KKK is a little high.

Note: Chris Duarte did suit up for the DR in a couple FIBA Qualfier games. So he is locked with DR.

Thanks for the feedback, Scott, very helpful. And you're making good points. Willing to accept Hanlan or Best (or both) over Gray. Hanlan had a pretty bad season last year, but it's fair to say I've overreacted to it. Best has been steady in recent years though maybe slightly declining. I've saved a spot for him in my ranking the last few years but feel like he might be slipping a bit. May still be better next year than Gray.

My argument for Gray is partly based on age and upside (still) but maybe even more on how he looked like in the CEBL, where he was arguably the best Canadian and looked better (to me) than quite a few veterans. As you say, it's hard to compare accross leagues. So I'm willing to accept an argument for paying more attention to how they do in Europe than how they do in the CEBL, which would indeed put Best and probably also Hanlan (maybe also Doornekamp) ahead of him.

Rowe would certainly be on my honorable mentions list, but he'd be in the CEBL standouts category and I thought there were at least 5 others more deserving than him there (Lloyd Pandi is in the same boat). Young? Not a very big fan of his game. There are several others ahead of him for me.

KKK a little too high is also fair. These things are obviously quite tricky and subjective.

[SHFT]

Fantastic insight as per usual. Canada basketball continues to be on the rise!

Sent from my SM-G991W using RealGM mobile app

[Hair Canada]

21-30[b]

[b]30 (Last year’s rank: 27). Melvin Ejim | Unicaja Malaga, Champions League / Spain | 32.5yo PF | 6'7, 220lbs, 6'10 wingspan | Iowa State | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats: 5.5ppg, 2.9rpg, 0.8apg, 39.5% from 3

Ejim remains a solid glue guy for Team Canada and a great presence in the lockers, even as his professional career continues to slowly decline as he's getting deeper into his 30s. Was one of the few non-NBA guys to get some minutes this summer in the World Cup and didn’t look out of place, though there are other Canadians I would rather see ahead of him in the rotation in a perfect world.



29 (NR). Leonard Miller | Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA | 19.9yo SF | 6'10, 215lbs, 7'2 wingspan | NA | Thornhill, ON
Last year's stats (G League): 18ppg, 11rpg, 1.6apg, 64.5% TS

Miller had a tremendous season in the G and I'm a believer in what he can do at the next level (more so that O-Max, who was selected ahead of him in the draft). His situation in Minnesota is not great, as he's stuck behind Gobert, Towns, McDaniels, Reid, and Anderson and will likely start the season out of the team's regular rotation. But I think he's a hell of a talent and will eventually find his way in, perhaps even this season. I also really like him for Team Canada in a couple of years, as his body and game continue to mature. Might be our most promising front court guy long term.



28 (29). Dylan Ennis | Murcia, BCL / Spain | 31.8yo PG | 6'2, 225lbs, 6'8 wingspan | Oregon | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats: 16.5ppg, 4.7rpg, 3.9apg, 33.1% from 3

The older Ennis brother never played for Team Canada and at nearly 32yo that train has probably left the building. But theoretically it remains possible and he remains one of the better Canadians players in Europe, this year moving back to Spain, a country which he clearly loves (and loves him back), after a year in Turkey.



27 (18). Dalano Banton | Boston Celtics, NBA | 23.9yo PG | 6'9, 205lbs, 6'10 wingspan | Nebraska | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats (Toronto): 4.6ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.2apg, 50.5% TS

After a surprising rookie year that flashed considerable potential, even if not much in terms of actual production, Banton regressed last year and looked like he might be on his way out of the league. The Celtics decided to give him another chance but he'll have to play much better to stick. More than anything, the shooting has to improve quite drastically. He's just not enough of a playmaker and not a strong enough defender to be on the court without being able to shoot much better from all ranges. He did show he has game with Team Canada in the 2022 AmeriCup last summer (I probably over-reacted a bit to that showing in last year’s ranking, as I really thought he might be heading for a breakout year). And I still think there's a world where he finds his game and becomes a useful NBA rotation player. But the clock is ticking and this season might be his last real chance. Boston, while very good, is not very deep, so he might actually get some chances to show what he can do.



26 (25). Mifiondu Kabengele | AEK Athens, Champions League / Greece | 26.1yo C | 6'9, 250lbs, 7'3 wingspan | Florida State | Burlington, ON
Last year's stats (G League): 20ppg, 10.8rpg, 1.8apg, 74.4% TS

Finally, Fi has made the move to playing in Europe, after another very good year at the G League but without getting any real opportunities at the NBA. At 26, his whole career is still in front of him and I think after a bit of an adjustment he could be one of our top European guys and a high-level European center. Which would also make him available for starting to play on the national team, first during the winter and perhaps in four years, if he shows he’s worthy and gets some FIBA experience, also in bigger events. Canada can sure use a big body like this in the paint.



25 (19). Kyle Wiltjer | Reyer Venezia, EuroCup / Italy | 31yo PF | 6'10, 240lbs, 7'0 wingspan | Gonzaga | Portland, OR
Last year's stats (China): 16.4ppg, 6.3rpg, 3.2apg, 41.6% from 3

Moving from Spain to China seemed like a downgrade for Wiltjer last year, though probably not financially. He's still arguably the best Canadian offensive player outside of the NBA but also a poor defender. Back in Europe, he remains pretty high on my list, as he's shown in the past that he can be a very useful weapon for Team Canada in a limited role. I hope he's at least back on the winter core now that he doesn’t have to fly across half a world to get there.



24 (24). Kassius Robertson | Valencia, Euroleague / Spain | 29.5yo SG | 6'3, 180lbs | Missouri | Toronto, ON
Last year's stats (Italy): 17.4ppg, 2.2rpg, 2.3apg, 40.6% from 3 point

Robertson remains one of the purest Canadian shooters out there. He had another strong season in Europe and was awarded with a spot on a Euroleague team next year. He also had some great games with Team Canada in the qualifiers and many believed he merited a spot on the team in the summer. He eventually decided to withdraw, though personally I didn't see it as a very big loss. Partly, because he looked quite out of shape playing in the CEBL. But also because, a bit like Kyle Wiltjer, he doesn't bring too much beyond shooting at the highest levels and his defense is also a bit of a liability.



23 (11). Khem Birch | San Antonio Spurs, NBA | 31yo C | 6'9, 235lbs, 7'1 wingspan | UNLV | Montreal, QC
Last year's stats (Toronto Raptors): 2.2ppg, 1.3rpg, 0.4apg, 62.9% TS

Birch is taking one of the biggest drops on my list this year (down from 11), as injuries, and maybe also age, have really slowed him down and hurt his athleticism and mobility. He was finally able to get his NBA payday from the Raptors two years ago, but was hardly able to justify this contract. A bit hard to see a bounce-back season for him with the future-looking Spurs and I wouldn't be surprised to see him cut from the team. But ideally, they trade him to a team looking for defensively-minded back-up center. At his best, he does fill out a position of need for Team Canada. I’m just not sure he's there anymore physically.



22 (23). Tristan Thompson | Cleveland, NBA | 32.6yo C | 6'9, 255lbs, 7'2 wingspan | Texas | Brampton, ON
Last year's stats (LA Lakers): 1.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 0.3apg, 41.7% TS

Becoming part of the Kardashians' soap opera clearly didn't help TT's career, as he seemed more focused on parties and scoring with the ladies than on keeping his basketball career afloat and scoring some points on the court. His best days are clearly behind him. But he did still show flashes of defensive energy and offensive rebounding in the few minutes he got with the Lakers in last year's playoffs. These were enough to convince the Cavs to give him another chance, perhaps a bit for old time sake. I still think he could have been useful for Team Canada in a limited role, given that his defensive swichability, rebounding, and ability to put a body on bigs were perhaps the things the team was missing the most. But I doubt we'll see him again wearing the red and white again.



21 (17). Kyle Alexander | Hapoel Tel Aviv, EuroCup / Israel | 27yo C | 6'11, 220lbs, 7'5 wingspan | Tennessee | Milton, ON
Last year's stats (Valencia, Euroleague): 5.4ppg, 2.8rpg, 0.3apg, 60.2% from the field

Alexander had a challenging year playing in the Euroleague for the first time. Not sure he's quite at that level, especially offensively. Taking a step back might actually be a good thing, as I think he'll play a more central role with more minutes in Israel next year. I still like him for Team Canada as an athletic lengthy big who provides essential rim protection with good mobility. He can put a body on big FIBA opponents while also decently defending the P&R, which is something sorely lacking on this team. That said, Jordi didn't seem to trust him much so hopefully we have better options next year.

[mojo13]

Again hard to argue with much here. Well done.

I'm also feeling Khem Birch might be straight up cut from the Spurs. He was the only Spur not to play last night (DNP-CD). Perhaps he is still not fully healthy, but either way that doesnt look great. He has really shown us nothing in the last 18 months and I'd likely have him lower here. Until we see him play again with some compentency it is tough to have him above any of the guys here 24 to 30.

Can almost say the same about TT, but at least he played a bit for the Lakers in the playoffs.

[mojo13]

Note: Khem Birch is supposedly going "full speed" at practice but is still "Day-to-Day". Perhaps he is just not quite ready yet.

https://x.com/mattgzman/status/1711386991953068037?s=20

[aminiaturebuddha]

Great stuff as always. Not much to quibble with on the actual rankings. Just a few random comments on some of these 21-30 players.

For a long time I was a big believer in Kabengele, especially as he seemed to address a weak point in the National Team program (big man depth). I liked his rebounding and passable rim protection, with just enough of an outside shot to keep defences honest. However, as his career kind of stalled, and he never suited up for Canada, I have to admit that I've lost a lot of faith. But as you point out, he's still only 26. Hopefully they can get him involved in some of these winter core games over the next few years and see if he's got anything to give.

On Robertson, like you I kind of always thought about him as a shorter Wiltjer type, basically someone who provides great shooting but not much else. However, in some of those qualifying games, he flashed some secondary playmaking skill that I didn't realize he had. I think he's really improved his handle over the past 3-4 years, which makes a big difference.

I'm not saying that he'd ever be a primary ball handler in lineups for the National Team, but in spurts he's now able to use his dribble to get to better spots on the floor when the defence over-commits for his shot, allowing him to create advantages for teammates when the defence reacts. He might have become one of my favourite non-NBA guards for Canada as his leading skill is an absolute weapon, and he's rounded out some of the other areas of his game to not become a total liability if teams overload to take away his outside shot (but yeah, still a sub-par defender).

[Hair Canada]

Again hard to argue with much here. Well done.

I'm also feeling Khem Birch might be straight up cut from the Spurs. He was the only Spur not to play last night (DNP-CD). Perhaps he is still not fully healthy, but either way that doesnt look great. He has really shown us nothing in the last 18 months and I'd likely have him lower here. Until we see him play again with some compentency it is tough to have him above any of the guys here 24 to 30.

Can almost say the same about TT, but at least he played a bit for the Lakers in the playoffs.

You're right, we'll need to see how Khem comes back. From a Team Canada perspective, he could be really important IF he can get back to his former shape or something close to it (he was probably Canada's best player in the 2019 WC, with 12ppg, 7rpg, and 3.5 STOCKS, plus good defensive presence). I get it's quite an if, but that alone puts him ahead of someone like Banton, Ennis, or Robertson for me until it's shown he's a different player. To an extent, I feel the same about TT. But there's certainly an argument that both do not deserve such high ranking given last year.

[Hair Canada]

Great stuff as always. Not much to quibble with on the actual rankings. Just a few random comments on some of these 21-30 players.

For a long time I was a big believer in Kabengele, especially as he seemed to address a weak point in the National Team program (big man depth). I liked his rebounding and passable rim protection, with just enough of an outside shot to keep defences honest. However, as his career kind of stalled, and he never suited up for Canada, I have to admit that I've lost a lot of faith. But as you point out, he's still only 26. Hopefully they can get him involved in some of these winter core games over the next few years and see if he's got anything to give.

On Robertson, like you I kind of always thought about him as a shorter Wiltjer type, basically someone who provides great shooting but not much else. However, in some of those qualifying games, he flashed some secondary playmaking skill that I didn't realize he had. I think he's really improved his handle over the past 3-4 years, which makes a big difference.

I'm not saying that he'd ever be a primary ball handler in lineups for the National Team, but in spurts he's now able to use his dribble to get to better spots on the floor when the defence over-commits for his shot, allowing him to create advantages for teammates when the defence reacts. He might have become one of my favourite non-NBA guards for Canada as his leading skill is an absolute weapon, and he's rounded out some of the other areas of his game to not become a total liability if teams overload to take away his outside shot (but yeah, still a sub-par defender).

Good points. I watched quite a bit of Kabengele in the G League last year and came away impressed. The G is not the best league so we'll need to see how he adjusts to playing in Europe but I still have some faith in him. If he can't show much in Europe and still doesn't show up for Team Canada in winters, he'll drop.

I too like Robertson playing with the SMT last summer and you might be right that he's our first non-NBA guard with the apparent decline of Pangos (it's alreayd quite close). Guess the coming season, with both playing in the Euroleauge (for now) will tell.