Yes, they exist: meet the new era of Asian talent in the NBA

Player: Zach Edey
Team: Memphis Grizzlies

The 7’4” centre’s mother, Julia Edey, was born to Chinese immigrants (and she stands at 6’3”, or 1.91m). In university, he played for the Purdue Boilermakers, where he was a two-time consensus National Player of the Year in US college basketball.

Fun Fact: Edey has been given the Chinese name Zhou Zhihao (周志豪) by fans, and his popularity in China has soared, leading to comparisons with Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming.

Player: Zeng Fanbo
Team: Brooklyn Nets

Zeng Fanbo is a 6‘10” forward known for his solid shooting splits and all-around game developed in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the NBA G League Ignite (the NBA’s professional development program for top young prospects). He is considered a stretch-four prospect, meaning that, despite his size, he has the shooting ability to “stretch” the floor and pull opposing defenders away from the basket, creating space for his teammates.

Fun fact: After initially committing to play college basketball for Gonzaga University in the US, Zeng decommitted to become one of the first Chinese players to sign with the NBA G League Ignite.

Player: Yang Hansen
Team: Portland Trail Blazers

Yang Hansen is a 7’1” (2.16m) centre often compared to the league’s current best player, Nikola Jokic, for his elite passing vision, high basketball IQ and unselfish playmaking from the post. Lovingly called “Chinese Jokić” by fans, he is also known for being a strong rebounder and shot-blocker (a former CBA Defensive Player of the Year).

Fun fact: Yang was the highest drafted Chinese player since Yi Jianlian in 2007, and his Summer League debut alone drew immense viewership in China, with some reports noting it exceeded that of the NBA Finals. 

Player: Rui Hachimura
Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Hachimura is a 6’8” (2.03 m) power forward known for his versatile scoring, particularly his reliable mid-range jump shot, and his high efficiency on corner three-pointers. He often plays the role of a forward who provides scoring punch and floor spacing. Born in Japan to a Japanese mother (Makiko Hachimura) and a Beninese father (Zakari Jabil), Rui embraces his biracial heritage. He is the first Japanese player to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft and was a flagbearer for Team Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

Fun fact: His given name, Rui (塁), means “base” or “fortress” in Japanese. His grandfather, a huge baseball fan, chose it using the character for “base” from the sport. 

Player: Yuki Kawamura
Team: Windy City Bulls (Chicago Bulls’ G League team)

Not only is Kawamura one of the rare players of Asian descent playing at the professional level in the US, but he has also gained significant attention because he stands at only  5’7” (1.73m). He is known for his flashy, streetball-like flair, quick handles, playmaking vision and competitive fire as a point guard.

Fun fact: Kawamura was born in Yanai, Japan, and was the B.League (Japan’s top professional basketball league) MVP in 2023 before entering the NBA system. Though he spends time with the Chicago Bulls’ G League affiliate, eyes remain on him as a historically undersized international star.

Player: Jordan Clarkson
Team: New York Knicks

Clarkson is an accomplished, score-first combo guard who often plays the role of a “heat-check” bucket-generator off the bench. He won the league’s 6th Man of the Year in 2021 while playing for the Utah Jazz, and now plays in the Big Apple. His Filipino heritage is a point of national pride for the country, as he holds dual citizenship and is one of the biggest stars representing the Philippines' national team in international play.

Fun fact: Clarkson’s NBA recognition has been celebrated in his home country, appearing on Philippine stamps.

Player: Dylan Harper
Team: San Antonio Spurs

Drafted no. 2 in the 2025 draft, Harper is an impressive young player who has quickly shown he is a strong playmaker and finisher in the paint. His mother, Maria Pizarro, who played college basketball at the University of New Orleans, is from Bataan, Philippines, and his father is Chicago Bulls legend Ron Harper.

Fun fact: Dylan’s maternal grandfather, Francisco Pizarro, represented the Philippines in the sport of jai alai at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

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Player: Jalen Green
Team: Phoenix Suns

Also drafted no. 2 in the 2021 NBA draft, Green is an explosive, aggressive shooting guard known for his scoring ability and athleticism. His Filipino heritage comes from his mother’s side: Bree Purganan’s family roots trace back to Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. 

Fun fact: Green’s selection at no. 2 overall in 2021 made him the highest-drafted Asian-American player in NBA history (now equalled by Dylan Harper).  He is very vocal about his Filipino roots, having visited the Philippines multiple times and actively working with Filipino community organisations.

Player: Jamal Murray
Team: Denver Nuggets

Murray is a dynamic, clutch point guard known for his explosive scoring bursts, deep three-point range, and aggressive play in the biggest playoff moments. He is a key offensive component for the Nuggets, who won the NBA championship in 2023. 

Fun fact: Murray’s mother, Sylvia, is of Syrian descent, making him one of the few players in the league with Arab/Middle Eastern heritage. His father, Roger, famously integrated martial arts (like kung fu and meditation) into Jamal’s unconventional training regimen.

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