The 12 Best Asian Basketball Players of All Time

#12: Takuya Kawamura (2005-Present)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 190 lbs

Takuya Kawamura is one of Japan’s most prolific scorers and a key figure in Japanese basketball. Known for his sharpshooting and scoring ability, Kawamura has had a long and successful career in the Japanese B.League, where he has consistently been among the league’s top scorers. 

His impressive range and ability to score in various ways have made him a standout player. Kawamura has also represented Japan in numerous international competitions, including the FIBA Asia Cup and the Asian Games, where he has been a key contributor to the national team’s success. 

His dedication to the sport and his consistent performance have made him an influential figure in Japanese basketball, inspiring many young players in the country.

#11: Yuta Tabuse (2002-2018)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 165 lbs

Yuta Tabuse is often referred to as the “Michael Jordan of Japan.” Although his NBA career with the Phoenix Suns was brief in 2004, Tabuse broke barriers as the first Japanese-born player to play in the league. His quickness, ball-handling skills, and court vision made him a standout player in Japan and an important figure in promoting basketball in his home country.

Tabuse’s impact extended beyond the NBA; he had a successful career in the Japanese BJ League, where he was a multiple-time All-Star and a fan favorite. His journey from Japan to the NBA and back inspired many young athletes in Japan to pursue basketball at a higher level.

#10: Sun Mingming (2006-2014)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’9″, 370 lbs

Sun Mingming, one of the tallest players to ever play professional basketball, had a career that spanned various international leagues. His towering presence brought significant attention to Asian basketball players. 

Sun played in the Mexican Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP), the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), and also had a stint with the Harlem Globetrotters. His unique stature and engaging personality made him a fan favorite wherever he played, and his journey has been a source of inspiration for many aspiring basketball players.

#9: Jeremy Lin (2010-Present)

• Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 lbs

Jeremy Lin, known for sparking the “Linsanity” phenomenon, is one of the most recognizable Asian players in basketball history. Lin burst onto the NBA scene with the New York Knicks in 2012, delivering a string of impressive performances that captivated fans worldwide. 

During the peak of “Linsanity,” he averaged 22.5 points, 8.7 assists, and 4 rebounds over a 12-game stretch, showcasing his ability to score, facilitate, and lead his team under pressure.

Throughout his career, Lin played for several NBA teams, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets. He won an NBA Championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019, becoming the first Asian-American player to do so. Lin’s journey from undrafted Harvard graduate to NBA champion serves as an inspiration, highlighting his resilience, skill, and determination.

#8: Ha Seung-Jin (2004-2008)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’3″, 305 lbs

Ha Seung-Jin, one of the few South Korean players to make it to the NBA, brought size and presence to the court. Standing at 7’3″, Ha played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks, and other teams during his NBA tenure. While his NBA career was brief, 

Ha’s impact was significant in promoting basketball in South Korea and inspiring future generations. After his NBA stint, he continued to have a successful career in various international leagues, showcasing his skills and resilience.

#7: Hyun Joo-yup (1998-2004)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 220 lbs

Hyun Joo-yup is a legendary figure in South Korean basketball, known for his scoring and rebounding abilities. Often referred to as the “Korean Charles Barkley,” Hyun was dominant in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), where he won two MVP awards and led his teams to multiple championships. 

His performance in international competitions, including the FIBA Asia Cup, also showcased his talent on a larger stage. Hyun’s influence on the game in South Korea continues to be felt, as he has transitioned into coaching and mentoring young players.

#6: Zhou Qi (2017-Present)

• Position: Center / Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 7’1″, 210 lbs

Zhou Qi, a talented Chinese player, has made his mark both in the NBA and internationally. Drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2016, Zhou is known for his shot-blocking and three-point shooting ability. 

His performances in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) have been outstanding, where he consistently ranks among the top players in points, rebounds, and blocks. Zhou continues to be a significant player for the Chinese national team, contributing to their success in international tournaments.

#5: Rui Hachimura (2019-Present)

• Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’8″, 230 lbs

Rui Hachimura, a standout player from Japan, has quickly made a name for himself in the NBA since being drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2019. Known for his versatility and scoring ability, 

Hachimura averaged 13.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in his rookie season, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. His athleticism and skill have made him a key player for the Wizards and a prominent figure in international basketball. 

Hachimura’s presence in the NBA has inspired many young athletes in Japan to pursue basketball at a higher level.

#4: Jordan Clarkson (2014-Present)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 194 lbs

Jordan Clarkson, of Filipino descent, has established himself as one of the premier scoring guards in the NBA. Known for his explosive scoring off the bench, 

Clarkson won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021 with the Utah Jazz. Averaging 18.4 points per game that season, his scoring prowess and energy have made him a valuable asset throughout his career, including stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Clarkson’s success has brought significant attention to basketball in the Philippines, where he is a national hero.

#3: Wang Zhizhi (1995-2014)

• Position: Center / Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 7’0″, 255 lbs

Wang Zhizhi was the first Chinese player to play in the NBA, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of Asian players. Joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2001, Wang showcased his versatility as a big man who could shoot from long range. He also played for the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat during his NBA career.

In the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Wang had a highly successful career, winning six championships and earning three MVP awards. He averaged 20.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the CBA, demonstrating his dominance. 

Wang also represented China in several international competitions, including the Olympics, further establishing his legacy as one of Asia’s basketball greats.

#2: Yi Jianlian (2002-Present)

• Position: Power Forward / Center
• Height/Weight: 7’0″, 240 lbs

Yi Jianlian is one of China’s most prominent basketball stars, known for his athleticism and scoring ability. Drafted sixth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007, Yi also played for the New Jersey Nets, Washington Wizards, and Dallas Mavericks. He averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game during his best NBA season, showcasing his potential.

In the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA), Yi has been a dominant force, winning multiple championships and MVP awards. He has won five CBA championships and earned the MVP title four times. His performances in international competitions, including the Olympics and FIBA World Cup, have been instrumental in elevating China’s presence in the global basketball community. Yi’s success has inspired many young Chinese players to aspire to reach the NBA.

#1: Yao Ming (1997-2011)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’6″, 310 lbs

Yao Ming is the most famous and influential Asian basketball player of all time. As the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, Yao had a remarkable career with the Houston Rockets, where he was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA Team member. Averaging 19 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game over his career, Yao’s presence helped globalize the NBA and inspired millions of fans worldwide.

Yao’s impact extends beyond his playing career. He has been a significant figure in basketball development in China, serving as the president of the Chinese Basketball Association and advocating for the growth of the sport in his home country. His contributions to basketball, both on and off the court, have solidified his legacy as a global ambassador for the game.