Ranking the 10 Best Asian NBA Players of All Time: Yao Ming, Jeremy Lin and more

Asian players have made a strong impact on the NBA over the years, playing an important role in shaping the league’s history. It began with trendsetters like Wataru Misaka, the first non-white and Asian-American to play in the NBA, and continued with stars like Yao Ming, who became a global basketball icon. These players have shown great skill, determination, and strength, inspiring millions of fans not just in Asia but all over the world.

The legacy of Asian NBA players is full of memorable moments. Yao Ming’s success in the 2000s helped make basketball hugely popular in China. Later, Jeremy Lin’s famous “Linsanity” run brought excitement and hope to fans around the globe. Today, players like Jordan Clarkson and Rui Hachimura continue to represent Asian talent on the court. Let's get ready to know the top 10 asian basketball players in NBA.

Ranking Factors

The ranking of the best Asian NBA players is based on several important factors.

• Career Points: One of the main things considered is how many points each player scored in their NBA career. Players with higher total points and strong performance stats are ranked higher.
• Career Length: The number of years a player spent in the league is also important, as it shows experience and consistency.
• Achievements: Awards, honors, and championships won during their time in the NBA add more value to their ranking.
• Influence: Another key factor is the player’s overall impact on the game. Some players helped make basketball more popular in their home countries. Their cultural and global impacts are taken into account when ranking the players.

Their roles in their teams, the number of teams played for, and any big career moments, like setting records or being part of a championship team, are also included. Even if some players had short careers, their influence on and off the court still matters. All of these things help decide which players had the most success and made a lasting mark in NBA history.

Ranking the 10 Best Asian NBA Players of all time

Asian players have continued to shape the NBA with their growing presence, talent, and influence. This list highlights the top 10 Asian NBA players who made a lasting impact on the league. Some of them became stars through their scoring and skills, while others inspired fans by breaking barriers and representing their countries with pride.

The ranking includes players from different countries across Asia, showing the diversity and growth of talent in the league. Each name on this list has helped basketball reach new audiences and encouraged more young athletes from Asia to dream big.

#10: Zhizhi Wang

Wang Zhizhi was a trendsetter among Asian basketball players in the NBA, being the first Chinese player to play in the league. Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 1999, he debuted in 2001 and also played for the Clippers and Heat. Standing at 7-foot, Wang could shoot from the outside and stretch the floor, offering a different kind of big man compared to the NBA norm at the time. Though he didn’t play big minutes, his arrival was a monumental moment in NBA history. He showed that Asian NBA players could compete with the best, even if they faced cultural and playing-style adjustments. His influence went beyond stats, Wang inspired a generation of Chinese athletes and helped pave the way for future stars like Yao Ming. His legacy still echoes in the world of NBA Asian players, as one of the original ambassadors of Asian talent in the league. Wang’s NBA story laid the foundation for the global expansion of the sport and brought hope to countless fans who finally saw themselves represented among the stars of the game.

#9: Sim Bhullar

Sim Bhullar made history by becoming the first Indian descent player to appear in an NBA game, a groundbreaking moment for Asian NBA players. Standing 7 feet 5 inches tall, Bhullar had an unmatched presence on the court. He played briefly for the Sacramento Kings in 2015 and brought attention to basketball in India and among South Asians worldwide. Though his NBA career was short, it marked a major step for the representation of Asian basketball players in the NBA, especially from underrepresented regions.

Bhullar also played in the NBA G League and international leagues, maintaining a solid professional career. His story encouraged young athletes from non-traditional basketball countries to pursue their dreams. Sim Bhullar remains a symbol of possibility and progress among NBA Asian players, showing that size, determination, and heritage can all make a place for you in the league. His journey is a vital part of the growing presence of Asian players in the NBA, and he continues to inspire the next generation of South Asian athletes.

#8: Rui Hachimura

Rui Hachimura is a breakout star among modern Asian NBA players, bringing new energy and talent from Japan. Drafted 9th overall by the Washington Wizards in 2019, he became the first Japanese-born player to be taken in the first round. Hachimura currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, where his athleticism, strength, and mid-range shooting have made him a key part of the team’s success. As one of the most visible Asian basketball players in the NBA, Hachimura plays both power forward and small forward, showcasing the physical versatility needed to succeed at the highest level. His popularity in Japan is massive, and he has become a symbol of hope for young players across Asia.

Rui's success proves that NBA Asian players can thrive not just as niche contributors but as front-line players on elite teams. Off the court, he embraces his Japanese and African heritage, making him a role model for multicultural identity in sports. Rui Hachimura’s rise is helping to reshape the global narrative, proving that Asian players in the NBA belong among the league’s brightest stars.

#7: Kyle Anderson

Kyle Anderson is a unique figure among Asian basketball players in the NBA. With Chinese heritage through his maternal grandmother, Anderson became the first naturalized player to represent China in international competition while still actively playing in the NBA. He is known as “Slow Mo” for his calm and calculated playstyle. Anderson has played for teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Minnesota Timberwolves. His versatility as a small forward and power forward, along with his high basketball IQ, makes him a valuable asset. Though not a flashy scorer, his all-around skills make him stand out among NBA Asian players. His decision to play for China in the FIBA World Cup brought more attention to his mixed background and strengthened ties between the NBA and Asian fans.

Kyle Anderson shows that the identity of Asian NBA players is diverse and evolving. He represents a new form of connection between East and West, showing that players of Asian descent can perform well and lead both in the league and on the global stage. His presence helps redefine what it means to be an Asian player in the NBA.

#6: Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson stands out as one of the most successful Asian NBA players today. Born to a Filipino mother, he proudly represents the Philippines both in the NBA and in international tournaments. Clarkson plays as a shooting guard and is known for his scoring, flashy style, and fearless play. He first made his mark with the Los Angeles Lakers, and later became a key contributor for the Utah Jazz, where he won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021. As one of the few Asian basketball players in the NBA to earn individual accolades, Clarkson has helped elevate the visibility of Filipino talent in the sport. His popularity in Southeast Asia is massive, and he has become a role model for aspiring NBA Asian players in the region. Beyond his athleticism, Clarkson uses his platform to highlight his cultural roots and bring pride to Filipino fans worldwide. He proves that Asian players in the NBA are not limited by role or expectation; they can lead teams, entertain fans, and earn respect league-wide. Jordan Clarkson’s journey is a modern example of how Asian NBA players are breaking new ground in the league.

#5: Mangke Bateer

Mengke Bateer was one of the early Asian basketball players in the NBA and among the few Chinese players to win an NBA Championship. Standing tall as a powerful center, Bateer played for the Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, and Toronto Raptors. He made history in 2003 when he became the first Chinese player to win an NBA title with the Spurs. Though his minutes were limited, Bateer’s physical presence and toughness on the court made him stand out among NBA Asian players of his era. His style was more traditional, relying on strength and post moves rather than finesse. Bateer represented a different type of Asian athlete in the league, one not built on speed or agility but on strength and courage. While his NBA career was relatively short, he had a successful international career and helped China in multiple FIBA tournaments. His contributions paved the way for other Asian NBA players and showed that China could produce more than just skill-based big men. Bateer remains a respected name in Asian basketball history and stands as proof that Asian players in the NBA come in all styles and skill sets.

#4: Yuki Kawamura

Yuki Kawamura is a rising star among Asian NBA players, known for his speed, court vision, and leadership as a point guard. In 2024, he made history by joining the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming one of the few Japanese Asian basketball players in the NBA. At under six feet tall, Kawamura plays with heart and quick decision-making, often surprising opponents with his skill. Before entering the NBA, he was a standout in Japan's B.League and gained popularity for his playing ability. Kawamura represents a new generation of NBA Asian players who are proving that size doesn’t limit skill or impact. His journey is important not only for Japan but for all of Asia, as he brings more attention to the growing talent pool there. He joins fellow Japanese players like Rui Hachimura in raising the profile of Asian players in the NBA. Kawamura’s hard work and talent show that the NBA is truly a global league, open to talent from all corners of the world. His role with the Grizzlies is inspiring young fans, proving that Asian basketball players in the NBA can compete, lead, and shine.

#3: Jaylin Williams

Jaylin Williams is one of the newest and most promising Asian basketball players in the NBA, making history as the first NBA player of Vietnamese descent. With Filipino heritage as well, he holds a unique place among NBA Asian players. Drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2022, he quickly became known for his defense, hustle, and team-first mentality. Williams plays as a power forward and center, often taking charges and making smart plays that reflect his high basketball IQ. His presence is significant for fans in both Vietnam and the Philippines, who are proud to see more representation among Asian NBA players. Though still early in his career, Jaylin has already become a symbol of possibility for young Asian athletes. He proves that players from diverse backgrounds can make an impact in the league. His journey is helping to change outdated views about Asian players in the NBA, and he’s carving out a name for himself through effort and grit. Jaylin Williams represents the new wave of Asian NBA talent, and his success is likely to open more doors for others from similar backgrounds.

#2: Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin made history as one of the most well-known Asian NBA players, launching the global sensation "Linsanity" during his time with the New York Knicks in 2012. As a Taiwanese-American, he broke many stereotypes about Asian basketball players in the NBA with his explosive performance and underdog story. Lin went undrafted but earned a spot with the Knicks, where he surprised the world with clutch scoring and leadership. He also played for several other teams, including the Rockets, Nets, and Raptors, where he became the first Asian NBA player to win an NBA Championship in 2019. Lin became a cultural icon, particularly among Asian-American fans, and used his platform to speak out against racism and push for better representation. His success proved that Asian NBA players could compete at the highest levels and even become global superstars. Jeremy Lin remains an inspirational figure, especially for younger athletes of Asian descent dreaming of an NBA career. His journey from Harvard to the world stage helped reshape how Asian players in the NBA are seen, proving they belong and can thrive in the spotlight.

#1: Yao Ming

Yao Ming is one of the most iconic Asian NBA players of all time. As a Chinese center for the Houston Rockets, he became a global star and changed how the world viewed Asian basketball players in the NBA. Drafted first overall in 2002, Yao was an eight-time All-Star and averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. His presence in the NBA helped the league grow rapidly in China and other parts of Asia. Off the court, Yao acted as a cultural bridge, showing that NBA Asian players could be just as dominant and marketable as others. His influence brought millions of new fans to the league and inspired future generations of Asian basketball talent. Injuries ended his career early, but he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing his legacy. Yao also served as a leader in Chinese sports after retirement and has remained active in promoting basketball worldwide. He not only broke barriers but also helped redefine the image of Asian players in the NBA, making him a true legend in both American and Asian sports history.