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10 Asian NBA Players to Watch in the 2023-2024 Season

The NBA is becoming more and more global, and in the 2023–2024 season, a diverse group of Asian players will be highlighted in the league. This season offers an exciting array of Asian players the chance to make a significant impact, from rising prospects like Deni Avdija and Yuta Watanabe to established stars like Rui Hachimura and Zhou Qi. The players’ unwavering dedication and the diversity of their athletic and cultural backgrounds highlight a new chapter in the NBA’s global story. These ten Asian NBA players are primed to enthrall spectators everywhere and transform the way people from different countries are represented in the sport as they carve out careers in the most prestigious basketball league in the world.

The NBA has seen a rise in Asian talent over the past decade, with players from countries like China, Japan, and the Philippines making their mark in the league. The 2023-2024 season looks to feature several exciting Asian prospects and veterans who could have a major impact on their respective teams. Here are 10 Asian NBA players to keep an eye on this upcoming season:

1. Rui Hachimura, Washington Wizards

Rui Hachimura. , , via Wikimedia Commons

After being selected in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards forward has rapidly emerged as one of the league’s best young Asian players. The 6’8″ Japanese-born player established himself as a versatile scoring threat with the size and quickness to make an impact on both ends of the court in his first three seasons, averaging over 13 points per game. As the center of the Wizards offense in 2023–2024, a healthy Hachimura might be prepared to elevate his game even further after missing a large portion of the previous campaign due to personal issues.

2. Yuta Watanabe, Brooklyn Nets

Yuta Watanabe., , via Wikimedia Commons

Watanabe joined the Brooklyn Nets last season after spells with the Memphis Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors, where he quickly established himself as an important role player for one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The 6’9″ Japanese forward shot over 37% from three-point range, rebounded strongly, and played spirited defense. Watanabe is expected to flourish in 2023–2024 as a floor spacer and glue guy around Brooklyn’s top players, led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

3. Kai Sotto, Utah Jazz

Kai Sotto. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The 7’2″ center from the Philippines followed a unique route to the NBA after showing promise in the G League and abroad. In the 2022 summer, Sotto inked a multi-year contract with the Utah Jazz, and he may be prepared to make his NBA debut in 2023–2024. With his unique combination of size and coordination, 20-year-old Sotto has interesting potential if he can use his abilities against NBA players. The Jazz, who are rebuilding, might be prepared to give him a closer look.

4. Zhang Zhelin, South Bay Lakers

Zhang, a 7’0″ center from China who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League team South Bay Lakers, has drawn attention even though he hasn’t yet made his NBA debut. He was not selected in the 2016 NBA Draft, but in 2021 he signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies and then joined South Bay. Zhang has demonstrated the quickness and shooting ability of a contemporary big man with elite level Chinese Basketball Association expertise. Zhang might be promoted to the Lakers or another NBA team if he does well in the G League.

5. Wang Zhelin, Fujian Sturgeons

Wang, another 7-foot Chinese player, averages over 20 points each game for the Fujian Sturgeons and has dominated the CBA for years. Before going abroad, the former NBA draft pick spent his final season playing in the United States with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2016. Wang, who is 28 years old and in the prime of his career, may be prepared to make another run at the NBA thanks to his unique blend of large stature and scoring prowess. Wang is a projected fascinating offensive weapon in the right frontcourt rotation if he returns.

6. Gui Santos, Detroit Pistons

Gui Santos, Detroit Pistons. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The 6’8″ Santos, a native of Brazil, plays with a fierce passion that matches the basketball style of his country. After spending the previous season abroad and being selected by the Pistons in the 2022 draught, he joined Detroit for Summer League, where his athleticism and motor impressed. Santos will have the chance to earn rotation minutes at forward as the Pistons continue their rebuild thanks to his hustle and defensive versatility. Though offensively raw, the 20-year-old has the potential to develop into a high-energy disruptor very soon.

7. Yudai Baba, Texas Legends

Yudai Baba. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Baba, a versatile Japanese wing, made waves at the 2019 FIBA World Cup and played in the G League with the Texas Legends the previous season. The 24-year-old averaged double-digit points to show that he could compete with players in North America. NBA teams looking for plug-and-play role players are interested in him because of his size (6’5″), outside shooting ability, and defensive prowess. It would take another year for Baba to get a chance to play at the highest level of the game.

8. Jalen Green, Houston Rockets

Jalen Green. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The guard, in his second year, has all the makings to become one of the best young scorers in the NBA. Green, a Filipino-American born in the United States, developed his game abroad before being selected with the second overall pick in the 2021 draught. Together with Kevin Porter Jr., he forms an explosive and promising backcourt. He averaged over 17 points per game as a rookie for Houston. After a year of experience, the incredibly athletic Green has the potential to become the cornerstone of the Rockets franchise in 2023–2024.

9. Dwight Ramos, Indiana Pacers

Ramos, a young basketball player from the Philippines, plays college ball for the Ateneo de Manila University and the Toyama Grouses in Japan for four years before joining the Indiana Pacers this season in the NBA. The 6’5″ guard with a sharp shooting style was not selected in the 2022 draught, but he made an impression in summer league play to secure a two-way contract with Indiana. The Pacers are trying to surround star point guard Tyrese Haliburton with complementary talent, and Ramos’ shooting ability offers an intriguing skill set.

10. Chimezie Metu, Sacramento Kings

Chimezie , , via Wikimedia Commons.

Metu, an athletic and dynamic big man, was once a fringe role player for the San Antonio Spurs. However, he earned a spot in the Kings’ full-time rotation last season and made significant contributions. The 6’9″ center, whose parents are from Nigeria, was born in the US and averaged over 8 points, 3 rebounds, and a 33% three-point shooting percentage. Following his guaranteed contract signing to return to Sacramento, Metu will have the chance to improve upon his 2022–2023 breakout season and add significant depth to the Kings frontcourt rotation.

There has never been more Asian representation in the NBA, and these ten up-and-coming players and seasoned players hope to leave their mark in the 2023–2024 campaign. They have the ability to excite fans and motivate the upcoming wave of Asian basketball stars with their skill and enthusiasm on the court. Watch these talented athletes closely as they aim to elevate their performances in the coming year.