How Canadian Basketball may Take over the League

The National Basketball Association has talent all over the world. From European legends like Manu Ginobli and Tony Kukoc, to South African stars like Hakeem Olajuwon. The NBA managed to not only showcase the superstars of the United States, but to showcase all talent worldwide. But in 2017, Canadian basketball is gradually taking over. From “Two Time Most Valuable Players” such as Steve Nash, to NBA Champions Cory Joseph, and Tristian Thompson, to Rookie of the year Andrew Wiggins, lastly to the number one pick of the 2014 NBA draft Anthony Bennett. There is no question that the growth of Canadian Basketball has ascended to levels unexpected.

So what sparked this vision? The man that goes by “Half Man, Half Amazing’. ‘Vinsanity’ himself Vince Carter was drafted to the Toronto Raptors in 1998. He would later take the league by storm with his popularized dunks. It became a must see event Carter was dunking. This was proven during the 2000 Allstar Dunk contest. Despite his talent in Toronto, Vince Carter would eventually be traded to the New Jersey Nets. This lead Toronto fans with a bitter taste. So what if? Would the Toronto Raptors have a championship under their name if Carter stayed with the Raptors? To this day, he still plays in the NBA. 41 years old playing for the Memphis Grizzles.

The youth growing up during the early 2000s regard Vince Carter the face of Canadian basketball. Despite Steve Nash being Canadian, Carter played on the only Canadian team in the NBA. “Vince Carter was the Michael Jordan of Canadian Basketball” – Andrew Wiggins. With Carter’s legacy, there is room for more talent. With numerous basketball programs provided in Toronto, the basketball communities hold the future at the palm of their hands. Be a part of the community, join your local basketball camps because you never know. You may carry the country on your back.