For several decades now, football has remained untouchable at the peak of the most-watched sports in Africa. However, gradually gaining traction is basketball. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has enjoyed the talents of basketballers of African descent. Notable names include the legendary Nigerian-American, Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo of DR Congo and Steve Nash of South Africa. These three have long retired from basketball. However, does that mean there are no longer basketball professionals with African background currently active in the NBA? This article will answer your itching questions such as “What NBA Players are from Africa?” and “How many NBA players are from Africa?”
NBA Players with African Origin
Presently, there are 13 African-born NBA players with another 37 having either or both parents emanating from Africa. In all, that’s a commendable 50 out of the total 108 international players in NBA.
Briefly, let’s check the profiles of five active NBA Players of African descent. Note that this list is not ranked in any particular order. It’s just a random pick.
Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers (Nigeria)
Born on May 4, 1992, to a Nigerian parent, the 27-year old basketballer had his debut with Orlando Magic having been drafted as the 2nd pick. Prior to his professional career, the 6ft 4in. NBA star was groomed by his college basketball team, Indiana Hoosiers. Soon after his professional debut, he would go ahead to emerge as part of NBA All-Rookie first team. His stay with Orlando Magic lasted three years before he moved to Orlando City Thunder in 2016. His spell there was brief with 2017 seeing him traded to Indiana. He won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in his very first season with Indiana while named to the All-Defensive. However, Victor soon suffered an injury that would keep him out of action for 11 games before returning into action on December 12, 2018. In 2019, Oladipo was named in Eastern Conference All-Star reserve for the second consecutive year.
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers (Cameroon)
Born in Cameroon on March 16, 1994. The 7ft tall, 25-year old Joel had his NBA debut in 2016. For almost four years, he has been representing 76er. He was drafted in as the third overall pick in 2014 but suffered series of multiple feet and knee injuries that prevented him from featuring in any competitive games until two years later. In 2016, Joel emerged as part of the NBA All-Rookie First Team although he only featured in 31 games. He currently has three All-Star selections for his excellent contributions to his team success.
Serge Ibaka, Toronto Raptors (D.R Congo)
Hailing from the Republic of Congo, the Power Forward, Serge Ibaka is one of the most successful African-born NBA players. He discovered his talent and started a career in basketball at the tender age of 17. The Congolese-Spanish plied his trade in Spain while playing for Baxi Manresa. However, Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Serge as the 24th pick in 2008. Serge has been selected three times as NBA All-Defensive Team, leading the league twice in blocks. In 2016, Ibaka was traded to Orlando Magic where he had a brief spell. Ibaka left the team in that same year when the Toronto Raptors came calling. Despite being of Congo descent, Ibaka represents Spain at the National level, with whom he won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics.
Ian Mahinmi, Washington Wizards (Benin Republic)
Ian Mahinmi originated from the Benin Republic but moved to France along with his family members. He has featured as a role player for all the teams he had played for, starting from Dan Antonio Spurs in 2005. He emerged as the 28th overall draft during that time. Later, Ian was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, and he secured an NBA Championship with his team. He was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2012. It was with this team that he recorded his best achievement as an NBA Player, including career-highs 9.3 points, 1.1 blocks, and 7.1 rebounds per game in his final season. Mahinmi left for Washington Wizards in 2016 initially suffering a knee injury that kept him out for 14 games.
Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic (Algeria)
Evan Fournier currently plays for the Orlando Magic as an NBA star. He has his roots in Africa to Algerian parents although he was born in France. Evan had his professional debut in 2012 when he was named in Denver Nugget NBA team. In 2014, he was traded to the Orlando Magic, and he has spent the last 6 years of his career with this team. The high performing French basketball national has set and broken personal records during his illustrious career as an NBA player. December 1st 2019 saw Fournier tie his career-high top 32 points in a single game when the Orlando Magic tromped the Golden States to 100-96 win.