Canada’s rise in the NBA in the 2023/2025 season is not just a coincidence; it represents a complete transformation in the world of basketball. Canada has a historic total of 21 players on opening-night rosters, matching a previous record and coming in second to the United States in player representation. This marks eleven consecutive years of this achievement. At the forefront of this initiative is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the dynamic guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, whose impressive statistics this season—30.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game—seem almost unrealistic, akin to a cheat code in a video game. His remarkable performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he averaged 24.5 points and guided Canada to secure its inaugural bronze medal, established him as an international sensation and earned him a place on the All-Tournament Team. However, this goes beyond being solely an individual effort; it represents a widespread movement across the country, driven by skill, heritage, and a confluence of cultural changes. Wagering on the Boys. The rise of sports betting in Canada has coincided with the growing popularity of basketball, particularly following the legalization of single-event wagering in 2021. Supporters are investing in their favorite players, as games featuring Gilgeous-Alexander or Murray are attracting significant betting interest. In Canada, where sports betting is managed by regulated provincial frameworks, the country’s NBA players provide an intriguing appeal—consider Shai’s impressive 202024-point performance against Memphis, which is a perfect scenario for bettors. This trend has led to increased involvement, with platforms indicating a 30% rise in basketball bets since 2021, according to industry estimates.
