Cory Joseph
Cory Ephram Joseph (born August 20, 1991) is a Canadian professional basketball player who primarily plays as a point guard.[1][2] Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall and weighing 200 pounds (91 kg), he shoots right-handed and was born in Toronto, Ontario.[2][3] Joseph honed his skills at Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, during high school before committing to the University of Texas, where he played one season for the Longhorns in 2010–11, earning Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors after averaging 10.4 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game.[4] Selected 29th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft, he made his NBA debut in the 2011–12 season and contributed to the Spurs' NBA championship win in 2014 as a key reserve guard.[1][2] Over his 14-season NBA career spanning 896 regular-season games, Joseph has averaged 7.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game while playing for seven teams: the Spurs (2011–2015), Raptors (2015–2017), Pacers (2017–2019), Kings (2019–2021), Pistons (2021–2023), Warriors (2023–2024), and Magic (2024–2025).[2] His career earnings exceed $79 million, reflecting his role as a reliable veteran backup known for his defensive prowess and leadership.[2] In June 2025, the Magic declined his $3.47 million team option for the 2025–26 season, making him an unrestricted free agent as of November 2025.[5] The youngest of four children born to former professional basketball player Ernie Joseph, Cory grew up immersed in the sport in Toronto's basketball community, which influenced his development from an early age.[6] Internationally, he has represented Canada extensively, serving as a captain for the senior national team and competing in major events including the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and the 2008 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship (bronze medal).[3][7]Early life
Family background
Cory Joseph was born on August 20, 1991, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to parents David Joseph and Connie Joseph.[8] Both parents were accomplished college basketball players who met as student-athletes at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, where they competed for the school's teams.[9] David Joseph, originally from Trinidad, brought a Caribbean heritage to the family, and the Josephs maintained traditions such as participating in Toronto's Caribana festival and playing steelpan drums.[6] David and Connie not only excelled as players but also contributed to basketball as coaches and referees at various levels, creating an environment steeped in the sport from an early age.[6] This familial immersion profoundly influenced Joseph's development, as his parents emphasized fundamentals, discipline, and a love for the game.[10] Joseph is the youngest of four siblings, including two older sisters, Chantal and Danielle, and an older brother, Devoe Joseph.[11] Devoe, like his brother, pursued basketball seriously, playing collegiately at the University of Oregon and professionally in leagues across North America and Europe.[12] The siblings grew up in the Greater Toronto Area, particularly in Pickering, Ontario, where basketball became a central family bond.[13]Childhood and youth development
Cory Joseph was born into a family deeply immersed in basketball culture.[6] His parents, David and Connie Joseph, met as student-athletes at Mount Royal College in Calgary, Alberta, where they played on the men's and women's basketball teams, respectively; David had immigrated to Canada from Trinidad at age 12 in the 1970s.[9] [14] As the youngest of four children—sharing the home with sisters Chantal and Danielle, and brother Devoe—Joseph grew up in nearby Pickering, Ontario, where basketball was a constant presence, fostering his early passion for the sport.[9] From a young age, Joseph was raised on the court, influenced by his family's athletic background and competitive household dynamic, which included sibling rivalries that honed his skills through constant play.[15] His father, who later coached at various levels and won a national championship in college, emphasized fundamentals and perseverance, shaping Joseph's work ethic.[14] By his early teens, Joseph was actively involved in youth basketball programs in the Greater Toronto Area, competing in local leagues and tournaments that exposed him to higher levels of competition.[11] A pivotal moment in Joseph's youth development came during a trip with his youth team to a tournament in Kentucky, where his standout performance sparked widespread interest from American high school programs.[11] This exposure marked a turning point, highlighting his potential as a point guard with strong leadership and scoring abilities, and set the stage for his transition to more competitive environments. His mother's reflections on the event underscore the rapid shift, as recruitment calls flooded in before he even returned home.[11]High school career
Pickering High School
Cory Joseph began his high school basketball career at Pickering High School in Ajax, Ontario, for his first two years, where he emerged as a standout point guard. Alongside his brother Devoe, he led the Panthers to back-to-back Ontario AAAA provincial championships in 2007 and 2008. His leadership and scoring ability during this period drew attention from U.S. prep schools and college scouts, establishing him as one of Canada's top high school prospects.[6][3]Findlay Prep
After transferring from Pickering High School, Cory Joseph enrolled at Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nevada, for his final two years of high school (2008–2010), joining a powerhouse program known for attracting top national talent.[16] As the starting point guard, he played alongside future NBA players like Tristan Thompson and helped elevate the team to national prominence, including back-to-back wins at the National High School Invitational in 2009 and 2010.[17] Joseph averaged 18.8 points, 4.9 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game during the 2009–10 season, showcasing his skills as a quick, playmaking guard with strong defensive instincts.[18] In a standout performance at the 2010 ESPN RISE National High School Invitational, he scored 32 points to lead Findlay Prep past Mountain State Academy in the semifinals, securing their spot in the championship game.[19] The Pilots, ranked No. 2 nationally, then defeated Montverde Academy 59–46 in the final to claim their second consecutive tournament title, with Joseph earning MVP honors as the nation's No. 21 recruit in the ESPNU 100 and a McDonald's All-American selection.[20][21] His leadership contributed to Findlay Prep's undefeated run through the invitational, compiling three wins in three days and solidifying the program's reputation under coach Mike Peck.[22] Joseph's performances earned him a spot on the MaxPreps Boys Basketball All-American Team, where he was recognized for guiding the squad to the national championship.[23] Nationally, he was rated as the No. 4 point guard and No. 16 overall prospect in the class of 2010 by ESPN, boosting his recruitment profile ahead of his commitment to the University of Texas.[24]College career
Recruitment and commitment
As a highly touted prospect in the class of 2010, Cory Joseph was ranked among the top point guards nationally, earning No. 7 overall by Rivals.com and No. 11 in the ESPNU 100 following his senior season at Findlay Prep.[25] He also placed No. 16 overall in ESPN's rankings for that class.[24] Early in his recruitment, Joseph drew interest from a wide array of programs, initially cutting his list to 16 schools in July 2009, including Villanova, UConn, Kansas, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, Mississippi State, Memphis, Syracuse, and others.[26] By late in the process, Joseph's finalists narrowed to Connecticut, Minnesota, UNLV, Texas, and Villanova, with Texas and Villanova considered frontrunners and UConn remaining a strong contender.[27] He took an official visit to Texas in early April 2010 alongside his Findlay Prep teammate and fellow Canadian Tristan Thompson, who had committed to the Longhorns earlier that month.[28] Joseph, a Toronto native playing in the U.S. prep circuit, was particularly drawn to Texas due to the opportunity to join Thompson and other Findlay teammates like Jordan Hamilton, forming a core of battle-tested guards for coach Rick Barnes.[29] On April 23, 2010, Joseph verbally committed to the University of Texas, turning down offers including one from Minnesota.[30][31] He formalized his decision by signing a national letter of intent on April 26, 2010, joining the Longhorns for the 2010-11 season as a key addition to their backcourt.[22] Barnes praised Joseph as "simply a winner who will definitely have an impact," highlighting his experience from Findlay Prep's 65-2 record over two seasons.[22][30]Freshman season at Texas
Joseph joined the Texas Longhorns as a highly touted freshman point guard for the 2010–11 season, starting all 36 games and serving as the team's primary ball-handler. He averaged 10.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while leading the Longhorns in assists and minutes played (29.1 per game).[32][33] His steady presence helped stabilize the backcourt alongside fellow freshman Tristan Thompson, contributing to Texas' efficient offense that ranked among the Big 12's best.[34] Notable performances included 19 points in a 101–65 rout of Texas State on December 11, 2010, where he shot efficiently and sparked the team's non-conference dominance.[35] Later, Joseph scored a season-high 21 points and hit a game-winning turnaround jumper with 1.4 seconds left to secure a 78–76 victory over No. 9 North Carolina on December 18, 2010, showcasing his clutch ability as a true freshman.[36] He led the team in scoring four times and rebounding twice during the season, demonstrating versatility beyond typical point guard duties.[25] Under coach Rick Barnes, Joseph's contributions were instrumental in Texas finishing 28–8 overall and 13–3 in Big 12 play, securing second place in the conference and a No. 7 seed in the NCAA Tournament.[37] The Longhorns advanced to the third round, falling to Arizona 65–63, with Joseph providing steady play throughout the postseason. For his efforts, he earned spots on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team and the USBWA Freshman All-America second team, recognizing his immediate impact on a contending program.[38][34]Professional career
San Antonio Spurs (2011–2015)
Joseph was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA draft out of the University of Texas.[2] He signed a multi-year contract with the team on December 16, 2011, after spending time in the NBA Development League with the Austin Toros during training camp.[39] In his rookie 2011–12 season, Joseph appeared in 29 regular-season games off the bench, averaging 2.1 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 9.2 minutes per game while shooting 31.4% from the field.[40] He made his NBA playoff debut that year, playing limited minutes as the Spurs reached the Western Conference Finals.[2] During the lockout-shortened 2012–13 season, Joseph's role remained limited with the Spurs, where he played in 28 games (9 starts), averaging 1.5 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 13.9 minutes per game with a 40.6% field goal percentage.[40] Assigned to the Austin Toros for extended development, he excelled in the NBA Development League, averaging 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 26 games, earning selection to the D-League All-Star Game as a second-team member.[41] Joseph saw increased opportunities in the playoffs, appearing in 17 games during the Spurs' run to the NBA Finals, where he averaged 3.4 points and 1.6 assists per game off the bench behind Tony Parker.[2] Joseph's playing time expanded significantly in the 2013–14 season amid injuries to key guards, allowing him to appear in 80 games with 19 starts and average 6.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 17.7 minutes per game, improving his shooting efficiency to 44.6% from the field and 40.6% from three-point range.[40] In one notable stretch with five consecutive starts in December 2013, he averaged 8.8 points and 2.6 assists while shooting 58.6% from the field.[42] The Spurs finished with a league-best 62–20 record and won the NBA championship, defeating the Miami Heat in five games; Joseph contributed in 23 playoff appearances, averaging 3.8 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 11.4 minutes per game.[2] In his final season with San Antonio during 2014–15, Joseph solidified his role as a reliable backup point guard, playing in 79 games (18 starts) and posting career highs of 5.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 18.3 minutes per game with a 43.3% field goal percentage.[40] He provided steady ball-handling and defense in the Spurs' league-leading 55-win campaign, though the team fell in the first round of the playoffs to the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games, where Joseph averaged 7.5 points and 2.0 assists across the series.[2] Over his four seasons with the Spurs, Joseph appeared in 243 regular-season games, helping establish a reputation for efficient play and team-first contributions within Gregg Popovich's system.[43]| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | SAS | 29 | 1 | 9.2 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 1.2 | .314 | .200 | .647 |
| 2012–13 | SAS | 28 | 9 | 13.9 | 1.5 | 0.9 | 1.5 | .406 | .333 | .667 |
| 2013–14 | SAS | 80 | 19 | 17.7 | 6.8 | 2.0 | 2.0 | .446 | .406 | .750 |
| 2014–15 | SAS | 79 | 18 | 18.3 | 5.5 | 1.9 | 2.4 | .433 | .308 | .750 |
Toronto Raptors (2015–2017)
On July 9, 2015, Joseph signed a four-year, $30 million contract with the Toronto Raptors, his hometown team, marking a return to Canada after four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs.[44][45] He made his Raptors debut on October 28, 2015, in a 95-106 season-opening win over the Indiana Pacers, contributing three points and two rebounds in 12 minutes off the bench. During the 2015–16 regular season, Joseph established himself as a reliable backup point guard behind Kyle Lowry, appearing in all 80 games without a start and averaging 17.1 minutes per game.[46] He posted averages of 8.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, shooting 41.5% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range.[4] One early highlight came on November 28, 2015, when Joseph hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to secure an 84–82 road victory over the Washington Wizards, finishing with 10 points in a defensively intense game.[47] The Raptors finished the 2015–16 season with a 56–26 record, earning the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Joseph played a key reserve role across 20 postseason games, averaging 22.6 minutes, 8.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 43.9% from the field.[48] Toronto defeated the Indiana Pacers in seven games in the first round before falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games in the conference semifinals; Joseph's steady defense and timely scoring helped stabilize the second unit during the grueling series against Indiana.[49] In the 2016–17 season, Joseph's role expanded significantly amid injuries and lineup adjustments, leading him to start 22 of his 80 games and average 25.0 minutes per game.[50] He improved to 9.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game, with better efficiency at 41.7% field goal shooting and a career-best 35.4% from beyond the arc.[4] A standout performance occurred on January 17, 2017, when Joseph scored a then-career-high 33 points on 13-of-19 shooting in a 109–119 win over the Brooklyn Nets.[49] The Raptors again secured the second seed with a 51–31 record but were swept 4–0 by the Cavaliers in the first round of the 2017 playoffs. Joseph appeared in all 10 games, averaging 21.2 minutes, 7.9 points, 1.7 assists, 0.4 rebounds, 0.3 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game while shooting 43.7% from the field.[51] His defensive contributions were notable in containing Cleveland's backcourt, though the series exposed broader team matchup issues against LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.[52] Over his two seasons in Toronto, Joseph provided consistent bench production and defensive versatility, appearing in 160 regular-season games and helping the Raptors reach the playoffs both years.[53]Indiana Pacers (2017–2019)
On July 14, 2017, the Indiana Pacers acquired point guard Cory Joseph from the Toronto Raptors in a sign-and-trade deal, sending forward C.J. Miles to Toronto in exchange.[54] The move bolstered Indiana's backcourt depth behind starter Darren Collison, with Joseph signing a two-year contract worth approximately $12 million.[55] Joseph made his Pacers debut in the season opener on October 18, 2017, against the Brooklyn Nets, contributing 11 points off the bench in a 140–131 win.[56] Throughout the 2017–18 regular season, he established himself as the primary backup point guard, appearing in all 82 games for the first time in his career while providing defensive tenacity and efficient scoring.[57] His averages included 7.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steal per game in 27.0 minutes of play, shooting 42.4% from the field.[2] The Pacers, under coach Nate McMillan, finished the season with a 48–34 record, securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.[58] In the first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Joseph played all seven games, averaging 4.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steal in 20.4 minutes, helping Indiana push the series to six games before elimination.[59]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | IND | 82 | 27.0 | 7.9 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 1.0 | .424 | .346 |
| 2018–19 | IND | 82 | 25.2 | 6.5 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 1.1 | .412 | .307 |
Sacramento Kings (2019–2021)
On July 6, 2019, the Sacramento Kings signed free agent point guard Cory Joseph to a three-year, $37 million contract, reuniting him with former San Antonio Spurs teammate De'Aaron Fox as a backup option in the backcourt.[62][63] During the 2019–20 season, Joseph appeared in all 72 games for the Kings, starting 24 of them while averaging 24.4 minutes per game. He posted averages of 6.4 points, 3.5 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.3 blocks, shooting 41.5% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range.[2] Notable performances included a season-high 16 points with seven assists on January 30, 2020, against the Orlando Magic, and a career-high 13 assists on November 20, 2019, in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. His steady play provided reliable ball-handling and perimeter defense, contributing to the Kings' 31–41 record amid a rebuilding phase.[64] In the 2020–21 season, Joseph continued as a key reserve, playing in 44 games with two starts and averaging 21.5 minutes per contest. His scoring rose slightly to 6.7 points per game, alongside 3.0 assists, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.8 steals, while maintaining efficiency at 44.4% field goal shooting and 36.2% from beyond the arc.[2] On March 25, 2021, the Kings traded Joseph, along with a 2021 second-round pick (later Luka Garza) and a 2024 second-round pick, to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for guard Delon Wright, as part of efforts to reshape the roster for added shooting and versatility.[65] Over his two seasons in Sacramento, Joseph totaled 116 regular-season games, offering consistent veteran presence without leading the team to postseason play.[2]Detroit Pistons (2021–2023)
Joseph joined the Detroit Pistons via trade from the Sacramento Kings on March 25, 2021, in exchange for guard Delon Wright and two second-round draft picks.[65] Following the 2020–21 season, the Pistons waived Joseph to manage his partially guaranteed contract and re-signed him on August 2, 2021, to a two-year, $10 million deal.[66] He exercised his $5 million player option for the 2022–23 season on June 21, 2022.[67] In the 2021–22 season, Joseph appeared in 65 games for Detroit, starting 39, and averaged 8.0 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game.[68] He shot 44.5% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range, and 88.5% from the free-throw line, providing steady backcourt production and veteran leadership during a rebuilding phase for the team.[69] Over the final 19 games, Joseph elevated his performance, averaging 12.0 points and 5.5 assists, marking his most efficient stretch in the NBA.[70] His role extended beyond statistics, as he mentored younger players and filled versatile minutes as a point guard and shooting guard.[70] During the 2022–23 season, Joseph played in 62 games, starting two, and posted averages of 6.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game.[68] He maintained efficiency with a 43.3% field goal percentage and contributed to team depth amid injuries, often serving as a reliable reserve facilitator.[71] The Pistons did not qualify for the playoffs in either season, finishing with records of 23–59 in 2021–22 and 17–65 in 2022–23.[72][73] As a free agent in the 2023 offseason, Joseph departed Detroit after two full seasons and 146 total games with the franchise, signing a one-year contract with the Golden State Warriors on July 3, 2023.[74]Golden State Warriors (2023–2024)
On July 6, 2023, the Golden State Warriors signed veteran point guard Cory Joseph to a one-year contract, adding depth to their backcourt behind Stephen Curry and Chris Paul.[75] The 31-year-old Joseph, a 12-year NBA veteran seeking a championship-contending team, expressed enthusiasm for joining the organization, emphasizing his focus on winning during media day in October 2023.[76] He wore jersey number 1 and primarily served as a third-string option, providing emergency ball-handling and perimeter defense in a rotation led by the team's star guards. During the 2023–24 regular season, Joseph appeared in 26 games for the Warriors, averaging 11.4 minutes per game off the bench.[2] He contributed modest scoring with 2.4 points per game on 31.4% field goal shooting, alongside 1.6 assists and 1.2 rebounds, while committing just 0.5 turnovers per game in limited action. His role was situational, often in blowouts or injury scenarios, highlighting his value as a reliable, low-usage veteran who maintained team flow without forcing plays. On February 8, 2024, ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Warriors traded Joseph and cash considerations to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a protected 2024 second-round draft pick.[77] Joseph was waived by the Pacers shortly after the trade without appearing in any games for them, becoming a free agent.[78] The move allowed Golden State to acquire future assets while shedding salary, ending Joseph's brief tenure with the team after he had played in 26 games up to that point.Orlando Magic (2024–2025)
On July 19, 2024, the Orlando Magic signed veteran point guard Cory Joseph to a two-year contract worth approximately $4.3 million at the veteran's minimum salary scale.[79][80] This move added experienced backcourt depth to a young roster led by players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, with Joseph serving as a reliable backup behind starters Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs. His signing completed the Magic's 15-man roster for the 2024–25 season, emphasizing defensive versatility and leadership from a 13-year NBA veteran.[81] During the regular season, Joseph appeared in 50 games, starting 16, and averaged 12.2 minutes per game. He contributed 3.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.1 blocks per contest, shooting 40.3% from the field, 36.4% from three-point range, and 77.8% from the free-throw line.[2] His role expanded amid injuries to key guards, including Anthony's toe issue, where Joseph provided steady ball-handling and perimeter defense in coach Jamahl Mosley's rotation-heavy system. Notable performances included a 12-point outing against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 14, 2024, where he shot 4-of-6 from the field in 22 minutes.[82] The Magic finished the regular season with a 41-41 record, securing the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference and advancing to the playoffs via the play-in tournament.[83] In the first round against the No. 2 Boston Celtics, Orlando lost the series 1-4. Joseph played in all five games, logging 24.8 minutes per game off the bench and in starting lineups, offering veteran poise during the team's competitive but ultimately unsuccessful effort.[84] His playoff contributions included 7 points and 3 assists in Game 3's 95-93 win, helping extend the series.[85]Free agency (2025–present)
Following the 2024–25 NBA season, Cory Joseph became an unrestricted free agent after the Orlando Magic declined to extend his contract option, which had paid him $3,386,366 for that year as part of a two-year, $6,772,731 deal signed in 2024.[80] During his single season with Orlando, Joseph served primarily as a reserve point guard, appearing in 50 regular-season games and averaging 3.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 12.2 minutes per game while shooting 40.3% from the field.[2] He also contributed in the playoffs, starting all five of the Magic's postseason games after an injury to Jalen Suggs, though the team was eliminated in the first round.[86] Entering free agency at age 34 with 14 years of NBA experience, including a 2014 championship with the San Antonio Spurs, Joseph attracted interest from contending teams seeking veteran depth at point guard.[87] Analysts highlighted his defensive reliability, low-turnover play, and leadership as assets for rotation roles, particularly for squads needing backcourt stability without high salary commitments.[88] Potential fits included a reunion with the Spurs, where he began his career, to mentor younger players amid their rebuilding efforts.[89] As of November 16, 2025—after the 2025–26 season tip-off—Joseph remains unsigned, ranking among the top remaining free agents alongside players like Malik Beasley and Ben Simmons.[90] His market value is estimated in the veteran minimum range, reflecting his role-player status and age, though his international experience with Canada and consistent career availability continue to appeal to teams.[91]International career
Debut with Canadian national team
Joseph made his debut with the Senior Men's National Team of Canada in August 2011 during the Jack Donohue International Classic, a preparatory two-game exhibition series against Belgium.[92][93] The event, named in honor of legendary Canadian basketball coach Jack Donohue, took place on August 13 at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario, and August 14 at a venue in Hamilton, Ontario.[93] Canada swept the series, securing victories in both contests to build momentum ahead of the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship in Argentina.[94] At the time, the 20-year-old Joseph had recently been selected 29th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs after one season at the University of Texas.[92] He joined a roster featuring established Canadian talents such as Carl English, Andy Rautins, and Joel Anthony, under head coach Jay Triano.[94] Notably, Joseph's father, David Joseph, served as an assistant coach for the team, adding a family dimension to his international entry.[9] This appearance marked Joseph's transition from junior national teams to the senior level, where he contributed as a point guard in the victories over Belgium.[9]Major FIBA tournaments
Joseph's international career with the Canadian senior national team began prominently at the 2008 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, where he helped Canada win a bronze medal.[6] At the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship, Joseph led Canada in scoring with an average of 16.1 points per game across eight contests, while also contributing 4.4 assists per game.[7] In the tournament held in Caracas, Venezuela, Joseph showcased his playmaking abilities, recording a double-double of 17 points and 10 assists in the opening win against Jamaica and a game-high 28 points in a 91-62 victory over Brazil during the preliminary round.[95][96] Canada advanced to the quarterfinals but ultimately finished fifth after losses to Mexico in the semifinals and the Dominican Republic in the fifth-place game.[6] Named captain for the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship in Mexico City, Joseph averaged 9.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists over 10 games, guiding Canada to a bronze medal finish—their first podium placement in the tournament since 1989.[97][98] In the bronze medal game against Mexico, Joseph delivered a clutch performance with 11 points, six rebounds, and eight assists, culminating in a game-winning jumper at the buzzer to secure an 87-86 victory.[99] The tournament qualified Canada for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, highlighting Joseph's leadership in elevating the team's continental standing.[100] Joseph represented Canada at the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Victoria, British Columbia, where he averaged 3.0 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over three games as Canada won the tournament to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics.[7] At the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China, Joseph joined the team late due to NBA commitments but played all five games, averaging 15.0 points and 4.8 assists.[101] He earned TCL Player of the Game honors in Canada's 82-60 group-stage win over Senegal, where he scored 24 points.[102] Canada finished with a 2-3 record after a 1-2 group stage and 1-1 in classification games, placing 21st overall.[103] Joseph was selected for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup but withdrew prior to the tournament due to a lingering back injury, missing Canada's historic bronze medal achievement.[104] His contributions in prior qualifiers, including a 12-point, six-assist outing in a March 2023 win over the Dominican Republic, underscored his ongoing role in Canada's rising international program.[105]Career statistics
NBA regular season
Joseph has appeared in 846 regular-season games over 14 NBA seasons (2011–2025), starting 171 of them, while averaging 20.5 minutes, 6.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game. His shooting percentages stand at 43.9% from the field, 34.9% from three-point range, and 77.9% from the free-throw line.[2] The following table summarizes his per-game averages by season:| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–12 | SAS | 29 | 1 | 9.2 | .314 | .200 | .647 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 2.0 |
| 2012–13 | SAS | 28 | 9 | 13.9 | .464 | .286 | .857 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 4.5 |
| 2013–14 | SAS | 68 | 19 | 13.8 | .475 | .316 | .823 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 5.0 |
| 2014–15 | SAS | 79 | 14 | 18.3 | .504 | .364 | .734 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 6.8 |
| 2015–16 | TOR | 80 | 4 | 25.6 | .439 | .273 | .764 | 2.6 | 3.1 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 8.5 |
| 2016–17 | TOR | 80 | 22 | 25.0 | .452 | .356 | .770 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 9.3 |
| 2017–18 | IND | 82 | 17 | 27.0 | .424 | .353 | .745 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 7.9 |
| 2018–19 | IND | 82 | 9 | 25.2 | .412 | .322 | .698 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 6.5 |
| 2019–20 | SAC | 72 | 26 | 24.4 | .415 | .352 | .857 | 2.6 | 3.5 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 6.4 |
| 2020–21 | SAC | 37 | 13 | 23.0 | .469 | .341 | .818 | 2.5 | 3.4 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 8.2 |
| 2021–22 | DET | 65 | 39 | 24.6 | .445 | .414 | .885 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 8.0 |
| 2022–23 | DET | 62 | 2 | 19.8 | .427 | .389 | .792 | 1.7 | 3.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 6.9 |
| 2023–24 | GSW | 26 | 0 | 11.4 | .359 | .310 | .571 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 2.4 |
| 2024–25 | ORL | 50 | 16 | 12.2 | .403 | .364 | .778 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 3.5 |
| Career | 846 | 171 | 20.5 | .439 | .349 | .779 | 2.3 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 6.5 |