The 2024 NBA Draft added another exciting chapter to Canada’s expanding basketball legacy as Kyshawn George, a Swiss-born Canadian, was selected 24th overall by the Washington Wizards.
The draft-night trade with the New York Knicks marked the beginning of George’s NBA journey, a path shaped by his unique transatlantic upbringing and deep-rooted family connection to the game.
Born in Monthey, Switzerland, George’s basketball career was influenced by his father, Deon George, who played for the Canadian national team and made his mark in both Canadian and European basketball circles.
Deon, originally from Montréal, spent four years at Saint Francis University (PA), where he scored 1,288 points over 111 games before embarking on a professional career in Switzerland and France.
Much of the George family still resides in Montréal, where Kyshawn spent his summers, forging a strong connection with Canada and honing his skills on the court with his cousins.
Kyshawn fondly recalled those summers, where he bonded with his extended family and developed his game. “When I go back to Montréal, I have younger cousins, older cousins… everybody does everything together,” he said, reflecting on the formative impact those experiences had on his basketball journey.
Though raised in Switzerland, Kyshawn has always felt a strong connection to his Canadian roots. His father’s basketball legacy and his own experiences growing up in Montréal have fueled his aspirations to one day represent Canada on the international stage. “I’ve always wanted to play for Canada. It’s been a goal of mine for years,” George shared. But for now, his focus is on carving out a role in the NBA as his career begins.
Kyshawn’s rise to NBA prospect wasn’t typical. Before making the leap to North American basketball, he spent four years playing for Élan Chalon in France, where he excelled at the U21 level.
In the 2022-23 season, he posted impressive averages of 17.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, shooting 44.7% from the floor and 73.2% from the line. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the First Team All-U21 Espoir Pro B selection.
Even as a teenager, George showed his promise on the European stage, helping his team win the Swiss U16 title at just 13 years old. His well-rounded game and ability to perform under pressure made him one of the top young talents in Europe.
After his success in Europe, George made the jump to the NCAA, joining the University of Miami for the 2023-24 season. In his lone season with the Hurricanes, George quickly made an impact, starting 16 of 31 games and averaging 7.6 points per game.
He led the team in three-point shooting, hitting 40.8% from beyond the arc, and became the first Miami freshman to score 20-plus points in a game since 2020, showcasing his ability to deliver in clutch moments.
His strong academic performance was equally impressive, as he maintained a 3.68 GPA while pursuing a degree in sport administration, proving that his work ethic extended beyond the court.
Draft night was the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. Known for his size, shooting ability, and defensive potential, the 6’7″ guard was projected as a late first-round pick.
His invitation to the NBA Draft green room solidified his status as a top prospect. Selected by the Knicks and subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards, George now finds himself on a young, rebuilding team that sees him as a key part of their future.
George’s blend of European and North American basketball experiences makes him one of the most intriguing prospects of the 2024 draft class. His size and versatility allow him to play and defend multiple positions, while his shooting touch and basketball IQ make him a valuable asset for the Wizards.
Joining the Wizards, Kyshawn becomes part of a wave of Canadian talent that has made its mark on the NBA in recent years. Like RJ Barrett, Jamal Murray, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, George is the latest Canadian to transition to the NBA after just one season of college basketball.
For the Wizards, George brings athleticism, shooting, and defensive flexibility to a young roster in need of long-term solutions.
While it may take time for him to develop into a key player, the Wizards see George as a long-term solution at shooting guard—an athletic, versatile player who can stretch the floor and bring energy on both ends.
For Canada, the selections of both Zach Edey and George on draft night represent the 21st and 22nd first-round picks since 2010, potentially adding two significant talents to the already strong senior men’s national team, which is hungry for international success.
