An NBA tipoff with international flavour Record-tying number of international players in this year's NBA By QMI Agency

Chicago Bulls' Richard Hamilton (L) is guarded by Cleveland Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson during the second half of their NBA basketball game in Chicago, April 26, 2012. (REUTERS)

NBA teams are opening the season with a record-tying 84 international players -- a mark first set in 2010-11.

The San Antonio Spurs have eight international players -- the most in history for one team -- while the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves have five apiece.

France is the most represented country with 10 while Canada has eight.

The Canadians include: Joel Anthony, Miami Heat; Samuel Dalembert, Milwaukee Bucks; Cory Joseph, San Antonio Spurs; Kris Joseph, Boston Celtics; Steve Nash, Los Angeles Lakers; Andrew Nicholson, Orlando Magic; Robert Sacre, Los Angeles Lakers; and Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers.