Steve Nash headlines a record of eight Canadians that will be hitting the hardwood for the 2012/13 season, which tips-off Tuesday, October 30, 2012. Canada’s other NBA players are Joel Anthony (Miami Heat), Samuel Dalembert (Milwaukee Bucks), Cory Joseph (San Antonio Spurs), Kris Joseph (Boston Celtics), Andrew Nicholson (Orlando Magic), Rob Sacré, (LA Lakers) and Tristan Thompson (Cleveland Cavaliers).

“We are thrilled to see more and more Canadians reaching the premier level of basketball,” said Canada Basketball President and CEO, Wayne Parrish. “To have eight players at the NBA level is a testament to the tremendous talent emerging from all corners of the country.”

“The game continues to grow rapidly and we’re excited about the future of the sport moving forward,” added Parrish.

Two-time MVP, Steve Nash will make his debut with the LA Lakers on opening night of the NBA season against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks. Nash will be looking to have another successful season. Last year Nash led the league in assists (664), shot a career high 52.3% from the field, and was invited to his 8thall-star game of his career. Nash is only 86 assists away from reaching 10,000 career regular season assists.

Joel Anthony will be looking to help the Miami Heat repeat as NBA champions this season. The 6-9 center from Montreal, QC will take on the Boston Celtics on opening night and will receive his NBA championship ring prior to the game. Joel Anthony will be a game-time decision due to a lingering hamstring injury.

Samuel Dalembert will be entering his first season as a Milwaukee Buck after being traded in the offseason from Houston. Last year, Dalembert was among the leaders in blocks per game (1.71) and averaged 7.5 points and 7.0 rebounds. Dalembert is only 43 rebounds shy of reaching 6,000 career regular season rebounds.

Cory Joseph will be entering his sophomore season in the NBA. He will be looking to make an impact in the San Antonio Spurs backcourt this season and will hope to carry over a great NBA summer league campaign, where he was named an all-star. In his first season he split time with Spurs (29 games) and their NBA D-League affiliate Austin Toros (21 games).

Drafted 51st overall by the historic Boston Celtics, Kris Joseph, the cousin of Cory Joseph was able to make an immediate impression on head coach, Doc Rivers during the preseason. In 8 preseason games, Joseph averaged 10.8 minutes per game, while averaging 4.6 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Kris Joseph and Celtics will try to spoil the Miami Heat championship banner and ring ceremony on opening night.

Andrew Nicholson was the lone Canadian drafted in the first round (19th overall) in the 2012 NBA Draft. Nicholson will be looking to carry over his success from St. Bonaventure to the Orlando Magic. During the preseason, Nicholson averaged 10.6 points and 5.1 rebounds. Nicholson will make his NBA debut when the Orlando Magic opens their season in New Orleans on November 2nd.

The 60th pick overall in the 2012 NBA Draft, Rob Sacré made an immediate impact with the LA Lakers during the preseason, where he started 6 of 8 games and averaged 6.4 points and 4.8 rebounds. Sacré will be teammates with fellow Canadian, Steve Nash. The LA Lakers open their season against the Dallas Mavericks tonight.

The highest drafted Canadian; Tristan Thompson will be entering his sophomore season with the young Cleveland Cavaliers squad. Thompson will be looking to improve on his rookie stats he compiled last season, where he averaged 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.0 block per game. Thompson will get the start at forward when the Cleveland Cavaliers begin their season against the Washington Wizards tonight.

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